The office environment has changed during the pandemic, and now some employers offer more flexibility in employee schedules. While this is great for employees, it could mean that facilities need to adjust their cleaning for hybrid workers to avoid extra germs and keep employees safe. We’ll cover some tips to help!
Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing
While the terms cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings. Here’s a quick summary:
- Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust and other debris from facility surfaces.
- Sanitizing removes surface bacteria.
- Disinfecting kills harmful surface bacteria and viruses.
- Sterilizing kills all surface microorganisms.
It’s important to understand the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing so your facility’s needs get met. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, so it’s best to clean and disinfect. Cleaning alone doesn’t necessarily disinfect or sanitize surfaces. In general, a combination of products and services can help you meet your facility’s needs.
You can also refer to our blog on this topic if you want more detail.
Cleaning to Avoid Cross-Contamination
With employees going back and forth between working at home and at the office, it’s essential to utilize professional cleaners, but there are also ways for your employees to help. Professional cleaners like Joncowest provide cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting because they have strict protocols and extensive task lists to ensure the facility is clean. Plus, professional cleaners have access to effective cleaning products and tools.
Education for Employees
In addition to using professional cleaners, you can educate your employees about cleaning and disinfecting individual areas and shared workspaces–especially if it’s more of an open workspace setup. Explaining how germs spread within the facility and providing products to mitigate germs is another layer to help reduce risk.
In addition to educating your employees, promoting good hygiene and providing supplies can also help between cleanings. For example, provide antibacterial wipes and set up hand sanitizing stations for employees and visitors. You can establish a set of “best practices” so employees are aware of what products are available for them to clean and disinfect their work area. You can also inform employees about what steps you’re taking to clean, sanitize and disinfect, such as hiring professional cleaners like Joncowest.
Facility’s Sick Policy
Review your facility’s sick policy and ensure employees are aware when they should stay home. Prior to the pandemic, many employees would continue to go into work even if they were sick. These days, more employees are encouraged to stay home if they’re experiencing symptoms to avoid spreading germs unnecessarily. With a hybrid office environment, employees who aren’t feeling well can take a sick day or work from home if they’re allowed per the facility’s sick policy.
Have Questions?
No matter what type of cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting needs are, Joncowest has you covered! Contact us today to discuss how we can help your facility!
