Aside from running a happy workplace where your staff are enjoying the culture and their work, the best way to cut down on absenteeism is through reducing illness. In 2010, the Healthy Workplace Project was started by Kimberly-Clark Professional, a product and research arm of the global paper products company. The program was launched in more than 30 countries and found ways to break the chain of germ transmission, resulting in cleaner buildings which promoted a healthier work environment.
Viruses are Amazing
They found germs are transmitted quickly from common touch points around the office. In fact, the research team employed the University of Arizona to carry out a study to measure this transmission. It was discovered in a hundred-person office, where a person and a surface were contaminated with a surrogate virus at the beginning of the day, after 4 hours, numerous commonly touched surfaces contained the virus.
What about Other Pathogens – Bacteria?
Did you know studies show 1 bacterium can multiply into 5 MILLION bacteria in just five hours? Bacteria can be just as dangerous as viruses and they travel the same way and like to hang out together in the same spots.
Where are these Transmission Points We Need to Be Aware Of?
Here is the list from office surfaces tested showing contamination:
- 75% of break room sink faucet handles
- 48% of microwave door handles
- 27% of keyboards
- 26% of refrigerator door handles
Are your cleaners wiping these surfaces down with disinfectant regularly? This needs to be done religiously and it is a good idea to ask your cleaners if they are indeed doing it. Properly disinfecting high touch points in your office is a very simple way to cut transmission of disease and reduce absenteeism along with the high costs and lower productivity associated with this all too common problem.