Dealing with illnesses in the workplace is a challenge that everyone has experienced. We all know how it works. When you go to work in the morning, you feel fine, but the symptoms become apparent a few hours later. As a team player, everyone is responsible for keeping the office running smoothly and making sure the work gets completed before deadlines. When a virus strikes, few people use valuable vacation days to fully recover. In fact, many people come to work while they’re sick at the risk of infecting co-workers. With so many people working in a close environment, the chance of catching a virus or coming in contact with bacteria is very high. Fortunately, there are several simple things that all employees can do to encourage workplace wellness, to increase efficiency and to reduce downtime.
Cleanliness is the best way to prevent viruses and bacteria from causing an outbreak. All employees should wash their hands regularly. Phone receivers, computer keyboards and desks should be wiped down periodically to remove bacteria. Sneezing into your arm or covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing significantly reduces the spread of germs.
Using liquid hand sanitizer is a quick and easy way to prevent germs from infecting the entire office. Workers can easily keep a container of hand sanitizer on their desk. If possible, ask managers if hand sanitizer dispensers can be installed in bathrooms, break rooms and communal spaces.
Workers must watch what they touch. It’s essential for employees to avoid rubbing their mouth, eyes or nose. After touching a germy doorknob or an infested phone, germs can enter the body directly and cause workers to come down with a cold, the flu or a gastrointestinal illness.
Staying current on vaccinations is an important part of staying healthy and avoiding common seasonal illnesses. If you miss a day of work to get these shots, it’s still far more effective than missing an entire week of work down the road.
The arrangement of desks and workstations is very important when curbing the spread of germs. Each employee should have at least three to six square feet of personal space. To stay healthy, workers should take a few breaks outside to get some fresh air during the day.
Cleanliness and prevention are the best strategies for reducing workplace illnesses. These simple tips are highly effective for promoting workplace wellness and keeping employees happy, healthy and safe.
Article Written By Jesse Dugan; being part of a professional team of writers, he is always looking for new Guest Blogging Opportunities. Follow @JesseDugan or on Google+