The Value of a Clean Workplace [Infographic]

It’s been a long couple of years. The  COVID-19 pandemic has done a fantastic job of reminding us how difficult it can be to run a business if you’re worried about people getting sick or bringing that illness into the office. Everything from the common cold to influenza or conjunctivitis can send people home until they recover. Investing in a clean workplace won’t just keep your employees safe — it can help employers save money, too.

How can keeping a workplace clean save an employer money? Let’s explore the importance of a clean work environment.

Sick Employees Are Expensive

Over the course of a year, poor health collectively costs employers roughly $530 billion. Additionally, productivity losses can cost employers in the United States upwards of $1,685 per employee per year, or more than $225 billion annually.

The average employee in the United States takes 5.2 sick days per year — whether or not their employer offers paid sick days. Many people are hesitant to take sick days, even if they’re incredibly ill, because of attendance policies that harshly penalize taking unscheduled days off. This practice is called presenteeism, and it can be even more expensive for employers than taking too many sick days.

For an employer, sick days cost roughly $520 a year per person. Presenteeism, when employees will come to work but aren’t capable of working to their full potential, can cost more than $3,055 per person per year. The cost of unhealthy employees climbs exponentially when sick people come into the office and make those around them sick as well.

It seems like a lot of statistics, but it can be neatly summed up in two key points. The two things that employers can do to keep their employees healthy are:

• Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Maintain a culture where employees are encouraged to take a sick day when they are feeling under the weather.

Keeping Your Office Clean

Keeping your office clean might seem like a daunting task, but if you break it down into manageable chunks, it becomes a little easier.

Which Office Surfaces Have High Levels of Contamination?

Frequently touched surfaces should always be disinfected or sanitized, and it is essential to understand the difference. Sanitizing Wipes reduce the number of germs on a surface. Disinfection kills the majority of the germs on a surface. Start with the surfaces that show the highest level of contamination, such as:

• Doorknobs.
• Refrigerator handles.
• Microwaves.
• Coffee pots.
• Water coolers.
• Vending machine buttons.
• Keyboards and computer mice.
• Bathroom sink faucet handles.

How Can Employers Provide a Cleaner Workspace?

As an employer, providing a cleaner workspace can be straightforward, as long as you’re willing to make small changes such as:

• Invest in an air filtration system that can remove viruses and virus particles from the air.
• Provide hand sanitization stations and encourage their use.
• Keep appropriate cleaning supplies on hand at all times.
• Use a combination of disinfection and sanitizing wipes.

Why Provide a Cleaner Workspace?

Why is it so important to provide a cleaner workspace? Aside from saving your company money, providing a cleaner workspace is beneficial because it helps keep your customers and guests safe. It keeps your employees healthy. It also instills a sense of compassion and lets both employees and customers know that the business cares about them and their well-being.

Stay Safe and Healthy

Investing in a clean workplace will help keep employees healthier and, ultimately, save employers money. Get all your cleaning wipes and supplies in one place at a great price with Wipes.com.