Hand Sanitiser in the Workplace: Promoting Hygiene and Reducing Absenteeism

With the increased focus on hygiene and health, many employers have recognised the significance of providing hand sanitisers in the workplace. Beyond being a simple preventative measure, these alcohol-based gels or foams play a crucial role in promoting employee health, reducing absenteeism, and creating a safer work environment. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of having hand sanitiser in the workplace and how they contribute to overall well-being and productivity.

1. Improved Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in any setting, including the workplace. With numerous employees sharing common areas, workstations, and office equipment, germs can quickly spread from one person to another. Hand sanitiser offers a convenient and efficient solution to maintain clean hands throughout the workday. By placing dispensers in strategic locations such as entrances, break rooms, and meeting rooms, employees can easily access them and disinfect their hands, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.

2. Reducing the Spread of Germs and Illnesses: During the flu season or when viral infections are prevalent, workplaces can easily become hotspots for the spread of germs. When employees use hand sanitiser regularly, the likelihood of transmitting germs, from hands to common surfaces, decreases significantly. As a result, the overall rate of absenteeism due to illness may also decrease, ensuring a more productive and efficient workforce.

3. Convenience Encourages Compliance: One of the advantages of hand sanitiser is ease of use. Unlike traditional handwashing, which may require access to soap and water, hand sanitiser can be used anywhere and anytime. This convenience encourages greater compliance among employees, as they are more likely to sanitise their hands frequently throughout the day. By integrating hand sanitisers into the daily routine, employees form healthier habits that contribute to a safer workplace environment.

4. Boosting Employee Morale: Employers who prioritise the health and well-being of their staff through initiatives like providing hand sanitiser, demonstrate a commitment to employee welfare. This act fosters a positive work culture and shows the company values its employees' health and safety. While this step alone is unlikely to directly impact morale at work, it contributes in a minor way to staff feeling supported and cared for by their employer. Indeed, by keeping a healthier workforce and reducing absenteeism, an indirect link to boosted morale may be evident, as team members share an even workload, leading to higher job satisfaction, and overall happiness in the workplace.

5. Cost-Effectiveness and Productivity: Investing in hand sanitisers is a cost-effective strategy for businesses. While initial expenses may be incurred in purchasing dispensers and sanitising products, the long-term benefits significantly outweigh the costs. Fewer sick days mean increased productivity, reduced disruptions in workflow, and ultimately, better financial outcomes for the company.

Conclusion: Hand sanitiser has transitioned from being a passing trend to an essential aspect of maintaining hygiene and health in public spaces and workplaces. By providing hand sanitiser in the workplace, employers can actively promote a healthier and safer environment for their employees. Improved hand hygiene leads to reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and higher employee morale. As businesses continue to prioritise the well-being of their staff, hand sanitiser will remain an integral component of a proactive approach toward workplace health and safety. So, let's raise a sanitised hand to a healthier and more productive work environment!