Sure, having a consistent and efficient team of janitorial professionals taking care of your commercial cleaning in Silver Spring will go a long way in keeping your place of work neat and presentable year-round. But instead of making their job harder, it’s much smarter and cost-effective to do your bit and let them focus on the tough tasks at hand. Yes, we’re talking manners, personal hygiene, and proper conduct.

Poor hygiene habits can lead to the spread of illness, reduce productivity, create an unpleasant working environment, and affect company morale if left unaddressed. Whether you run an office, a shared working space, or a retail environment, knowing the ins and outs of workplace hygiene etiquette is essential for the reputation and smooth running of your business.

In today’s guide, we’ll cover everything from personal grooming to keeping common areas clean, ensuring you’re doing your part to maintain a healthy and welcoming workspace.

What is the workplace etiquette for hygiene?

Proper workplace hygiene etiquette is about more than just finding the best janitorial team and letting them do their magic. While the leading commercial cleaners will leave the place looking spick-and-span, it’s also about making sure that your employees and associates do their bit to foster a respectful, comfortable, and productive environment. Don’t worry, we’re talking small things, and your janitors will still be the ones providing the elbow grease.

1. Personal hygiene: The foundation of workplace etiquette

When it comes to workplace sanitation and hygiene etiquette, it all starts with personal grooming. Keep in mind that this isn’t just about smelling fresh but about maintaining a working space where your colleagues feel comfortable performing. Here are the 4 golden unwritten rules:

• Shower regularly: Personal odor can be a major distraction in working environments and a particularly nasty issue in cramped spaces. A quick daily shower is all that’s needed to avoid issues.
• Wear clean clothes: Always make sure that your clothes are washed and fresh. Don’t wear the same clothes two days in a row, even if they don’t look unkempt or smelly to you.
• Maintain oral hygiene: Fresh breath is an easy way to make a positive first impression, while bad breath can ruin your reputation in the workplace for good.
• Wash your hands regularly: Washing your hands when you arrive at the workplace, before and after meals/toilet breaks, is the cornerstone of workplace hygiene. Keep hand sanitizers nearby and wash your hands after touching often-used, shared surfaces during the flu season.

2. Workspace cleanliness: Maintaining your own area

While personal hygiene is crucial, the value of keeping things tidy should never be overlooked. After all, you spend 8 hours or more each day in that environment, and it should reflect your level of professionalism. Here are 3 workable tips to keep things neat:

• Organize regularly: A cluttered desk is not just visually unappealing, but it can also lead to lost documents and act as a distraction. Make it a habit to declutter occasionally and keep only essential items on your workdesk.
• Wipe down surfaces: Decks, chairs, and computer equipment will accumulate dust, germs, and bacteria even when idle. Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces like your keyboard, mouse, and phone once a day.
• Dispose of trash properly: Don’t let old coffee cups, food wrappers, and discarded paper pile up. Empty trash bins regularly, especially during the summer and in shared, communal spaces.

3. Common area hygiene: Shared spaces matter

In any shared workspace, cleanliness goes beyond personal hygiene. Common areas like kitchens, break rooms, and restrooms require a collective effort. It’s enough for one person to let their guard down, and it becomes a problem for all. Here’s how to be courteous toward your fellow colleagues:

• Clean up after yourself in the kitchen: If you’ve used the microwave or the coffee machine, make sure to tidy up afterward. Wipe down counters, clean any spills, and throw away leftovers and food packaging.
• Take care of shared toiletries: If you notice that your bathroom needs restocking or cleaning, report it to the facilities team or your office manager.
• Respect food storage: Label your food in the fridge and avoid keeping leftovers you don’t plan on eating soon. The last thing an office needs is a nasty surprise in the food storage area.

4. Air quality: Keeping the office fresh

Since most of us work indoors, the quality of indoor air plays a key role in our health, comfort, and workplace performance. Proper air circulation and surface cleanliness can prevent the buildup of allergens, germs, and unpleasant odors.

• Ventilate the space: Ensure that your windows and ventilation system function properly and are regularly used. Stale air can make the space feel stuffy, uncomfortable, and off-putting.
• Keep plants healthy: You should always have a few plants in the office. They add freshness to your workplace, improve air quality, and make the place instantly more inviting.

5. Avoiding the spread of illness: A collaborative effort

Avoiding workplace contagion and loss of workdays is crucial for the bottom line of almost any business. Whether it is cold, flu, or another contagious disease, workplace hygiene can make or break your productivity and business targets.

• Stay home when you’re sick: It goes without saying that you should stay at home if you’re feeling under the weather. While most people feel like they should come to work, spreading germs around the office can prove much more detrimental to your company than losing your shift.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes: Always use a tissue or your elbow to cover your coughs and sneezes. Even if this sounds like a minor point, you’d be surprised how rapidly germs spread when you’re not careful.
• Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces: Surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, rails and handles, and communal kitchen items need to be wiped down with a disinfectant regularly.

Which company specializes in methodical commercial cleaning in Silver Spring, MD?

If you’re looking for professional help to keep your workplace looking its best and running smoothly, Green Apple Cleaning is your go-to team for all types of janitorial services. We have the tools and the know-how to keep your workplace electronic clean, apply time-tried approaches that bring efficiency and consistency, and bring on-filed experience to keep your workspace neat throughout the year.

Whether your office is located near Sligo Creek or any other part of Silver Spring, we can help you make a big difference in how presentable, productive, and healthy your employees are. To feel comfortable and fresh at work, get in touch with us today!