Ensuring Workplace Hygiene: A Strategic Blueprint for Business Continuity and Employee Safety

In today’s dynamic business landscape, the adage “Clean it and they will come” has never been more pertinent. The inverse, however, carries a far graver warning: Neglect workplace hygiene, and it could cost you your business. The health and safety of your environment are no longer just a courtesy; they are a fundamental pillar of operational success and a prerequisite for rebuilding trust.

Consider the ripple effect of an unsafe perception: a potential customer or client hesitates at your threshold, a guest decides against venturing inside. These lost opportunities translate directly into lost revenue. Moreover, for employees returning to work, an environment perceived as unsafe can severely undermine morale, comfort, and, inevitably, productivity. This profound impact underscores why developing a robust, well-articulated return-to-work plan is not merely advisable, but absolutely critical for every organization right now.

The challenges presented by the “new normal” demand an unprecedented level of preparedness from facilities, as highlighted by Jarrett Rose, VP Sales, Strategic Accounts, at Citron Hygiene. With over 45 years of experience providing essential workplace and washroom hygiene services from their base in Markham, Ontario, Citron Hygiene brings invaluable insight to this critical discussion.

Rose emphasizes, “Facilities are largely unprepared for the intricacies of physical distancing. It’s a monumental challenge, and the importance of hygiene has escalated beyond anything we’ve seen before.” This sentiment is strongly supported by public opinion. A Leger study conducted in late May revealed that a striking 86 percent of Canadians harbored concerns about a potential second wave of COVID-19 in the fall. Furthermore, over half of all Canadians expressed apprehension about leaving their homes and being in public spaces. This palpable angst is a top-of-mind issue for businesses, notes Rose, whose extensive 14 years in the facility hygiene industry, coupled with his role on the board of BOMA Toronto and as a contributor to BOMA Canada’s return-to-work taskforce, positions him as a leading authority.

Crafting a Comprehensive Return-to-Work Strategy: Addressing Fears and Building Confidence

Recognizing the urgent need for guidance, BOMA Canada convened a panel of experts to develop an exhaustive resource: Pathway Back to Work: Commercial Real Estate, Coronavirus and Re-entry. This comprehensive guide meticulously covers every aspect of safe reintegration, from intricate building operations and vendor management to supply chain logistics, tenant relations, community engagement, and critical human resources considerations. It serves as an indispensable roadmap for businesses navigating the complexities of reopening.

The fundamental questions for every business leader today are: How can we guarantee a seamless and secure transition back to regular operations? What measures are necessary to maintain the highest possible safety standards in our premises for the long term? How do we effectively identify and rectify existing safety gaps? Crucially, how do we proactively address and alleviate the legitimate fears and anxieties of our employees, clients, visitors, and guests?

The answer begins with a clear, actionable plan. Meticulous and thoughtful planning is the most effective tool to mitigate the pervasive anxieties associated with returning to work. A well-communicated strategy fosters trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to well-being.

Key Pillars for a Hygienic and Safe Workplace: Actionable Considerations

As businesses strategize for a sustainable return, several key considerations must be integrated into their operational blueprints:

1. Embrace Contactless Environments: The objective is to minimize physical touchpoints wherever possible. This includes implementing features such as automatic taps in washrooms, touchless door entry systems, and automatic flush toilets. Extending this principle to other areas, consider motion-sensor lighting, voice-activated controls, or app-based systems for various functions to further reduce the spread of germs. The fewer surfaces people need to touch, the safer the environment becomes, enhancing both actual hygiene and the perception of safety.
2. Strategic Hand Sanitizer Placement: Hand sanitizers are a frontline defense against pathogen transmission. They must be strategically positioned at all high-touch points and within high-traffic areas. Beyond the obvious locations like building entrances and reception desks, it’s imperative to remember often-overlooked spaces such as communal boardrooms, staff lunchrooms, elevator lobbies, and even individual workstations. Ensure dispensers are easily accessible, visible, and consistently refilled to encourage frequent use. The goal is to make hand hygiene effortless and routine.
3. Communicate Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols: Transparency is key to building confidence. Businesses must clearly communicate their enhanced cleaning protocols, distinguishing between cleaning (the physical removal of dirt and debris) and disinfection (the use of Health Canada-approved products to kill germs). Sharing these rigorous standards helps reassure occupants that their health is a top priority. Post visible signage outlining the frequency and methods of cleaning, the types of approved disinfectants used, and any new facility-specific hygiene guidelines.

To provide practical, step-by-step guidance, Citron Hygiene is actively sharing its comprehensive reopening checklist, a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes looking to optimize their hygiene strategies.

While many buildings previously had some form of hand sanitizer provision, the current crisis has exposed significant gaps in comprehensive hygiene coverage. Expert partners like Citron Hygiene specialize in identifying these critical gaps and implementing effective solutions to fill them, ensuring a truly robust defense against contaminants.

Navigating Unforeseen Challenges and Supply Chain Reliability

It’s crucial to acknowledge that implementing changes in one area can inadvertently create new challenges elsewhere, often in aspects one might not initially consider, as Rose points out. For instance, the widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face coverings and gloves necessitates dedicated and safe disposal solutions. The World Health Organization recommends sealed lid containers for PPE waste to prevent secondary contamination. Furthermore, with capacity limits on elevators encouraging more people to use stairwells, frequently touched surfaces like railings and doorknobs in stairwells now require intensified and more frequent disinfection protocols.

Once potential hygiene gaps have been accurately identified and effectively addressed, the subsequent challenge lies in securing a consistent and adequate supply of necessary products and services. Rose strongly advises businesses to forge partnerships with reputable and reliable business partners who possess robust supply chain access. This strategic choice is paramount, ensuring that your operations can not only commence safely but, crucially, remain open and fully functional without interruption.

Beyond mere availability, the quality and approval status of these supplies are non-negotiable. Always verify that all hygiene products, particularly hand sanitizers and disinfectants, are approved by Health Canada. For hand sanitizers, a minimum alcohol content of 60 percent is generally recommended for efficacy; however, Rose notes that Citron’s hand sanitizer boasts a 70 percent alcohol concentration, meeting the stringent minimum requirements even for hospital-grade use. Furthermore, look for products that clearly display a National Producer Number (NPN) and Health Canada registration, which serve as crucial indicators of regulatory compliance and product safety.

Selecting a Professional Disinfection Partner: What to Look For

In a landscape where demand for hygiene services has surged, a word of caution is warranted: beware of “pretenders.” Rose warns against companies that may have emerged recently, capitalizing on current anxieties, but lack genuine, proven disinfection experience. Engaging a partner without the necessary expertise can lead to ineffective sanitation, false senses of security, and ultimately, greater risks to your business and its occupants.

When evaluating potential hygiene and disinfection service providers, it’s imperative to ask targeted questions:

• Equipment and Application Methods: Inquire about the type of equipment they utilize for disinfectant dispersion. For instance, advanced electrostatic sprays are designed to wrap around surfaces, ensuring comprehensive coverage, unlike conventional spray bottles that might only hit the front of a surface, leaving the back unprotected. Understanding their technology indicates their commitment to thoroughness.
• Product Safety and Operational Downtime: Discuss the safety profile of the products they intend to use, particularly in relation to human contact and sensitive equipment. Crucially, ask about the downtime involved after application. Rose highlights that cutting-edge electrostatic systems often work instantly, allowing for immediate re-entry to the disinfected area. In contrast, some applications may require significant “kill time,” delaying return to work and impacting productivity. Additionally, be aware that certain “wet” applications might not be suitable for use on electronic equipment, necessitating careful planning to protect assets.

Many forward-thinking companies are now proactively scheduling a professional disinfecting service as a critical preparatory step before their grand reopening. The frequency of subsequent disinfection treatments is highly variable, depending on the specific nature of the business, its foot traffic, and industry-specific regulations. “Some businesses opt for daily disinfection, while others may choose a bi-weekly schedule,” Rose explains, underscoring the need for tailored solutions.

Citron Hygiene further supports its clients by providing a detailed guide outlining best practices for customers to follow both before and after professional disinfecting services. This holistic approach ensures maximum efficacy and sustained hygiene levels.

Citron’s process involves a comprehensive assessment to identify specific vulnerabilities and areas for improvement within a facility. Their efficient approach means that identified gaps can often be addressed and filled within a remarkably short timeframe, typically ranging from a couple of days to a week. This rapid turnaround is crucial for businesses eager to reopen safely and confidently.

Continuing Education and Resources for Long-Term Safety

The journey towards maintaining a safe and hygienic workplace is ongoing. For additional checklists, insightful resources, and expert guidance, including Citron Hygiene’s informative Back to Work brochure and an invaluable Back to Work webinar, visit www.citronhygiene.com. These resources are designed to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the new normal successfully.

In conclusion, prioritizing workplace hygiene is not merely a compliance task; it is a strategic imperative for business resilience, employee well-being, and sustained customer confidence. By investing in comprehensive planning, reliable products, and expert services, businesses can transform their environments into beacons of safety, ensuring continuity and fostering a thriving future.