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Practising Good Personal Hygiene in the Workplace

Maintaining good workplace hygiene is essential for keeping working environments healthy, productive, and professional. With employees sharing desks, meeting rooms, and washrooms daily, practising good personal hygiene at work helps prevent the spread of germs, reduces sick days, and promotes a more pleasant workspace for everyone.

This article is for business managers and employees who want to adopt safe and hygienic working practices. From handwashing and personal care to maintaining clean shared areas, we’ll cover the hygiene essentials every modern workplace should prioritise.

Read on to discover practical steps for creating a cleaner, healthier, and more professional workspace where people feel comfortable and respected.

  • Why Workplace Hygiene Matters
  • Personal Hygiene Habits
  • Workplace Etiquette & Cleanliness
  • Hygiene Essentials List for Workspaces
  • Hygiene in Shared Areas
  • Health & Hygiene Policies
  • Key Takeaways for Personal Hygiene in the Workplace

Why Workplace Hygiene Matters

A clean and hygienic workspace is essential for the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone in the space. Good workplace personal hygiene helps to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, reducing absences and keeping teams productive throughout the year. 

When employees feel that their work environment is clean, it encourages them to be more motivated, focused and proud of where they work. On the other hand, poor hygiene can lead to discomfort, lowered morale and sometimes potential health risks. These can all lead to negative effects on overall business performance.

Practising safe and hygienic working practices also reflects professionalism and respect for all people that use your space. It shows clients, colleagues and visitors that your business takes cleanliness and employee welfare seriously.

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Personal Hygiene Habits

Good workplace personal hygiene starts with individual responsibility. Every employee plays a part in maintaining a clean, healthy, and professional work environment. Simple daily habits, from washing hands to keeping a tidy appearance, help prevent the spread of germs, improve wellbeing, and reflect positively on your professionalism.

Hand Hygiene

Keeping hands clean is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and illness in the workplace. Employees should wash their hands regularly, especially after using the washroom, eating, or touching shared equipment. 

Use warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, ensuring you clean between fingers and under nails. When soap and water aren’t available, a hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol is a reliable alternative. 

Body Care

For continued personal hygiene, employees should wash and use deodorant daily. A clean body helps you feel fresh throughout the day, and shows respect for your colleagues in a shared space. Wearing freshly washed clothes and maintaining a neat and professional appearance helps to create a positive impression for clients and coworkers.

Oral Hygiene

It’s important to have fresh breath and clean teeth for any professional interactions. Brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash and staying hydrated throughout the day helps to maintain oral hygiene and prevents odours. 

Employees can also avoid strong-smelling foods before meetings or close conversations to support a more comfortable and considerate working environment for participants.

Hair & Nails 

Neat, well-groomed hair and trimmed nails are small details that make a big difference in overall presentation. Keep hair clean and tidy, and ensure nails are short, clean, and free from dirt. For employees in customer-facing roles, these small touches help reinforce trust and professionalism while maintaining high hygiene standards in the workplace.

Workplace Etiquette & Cleanliness 

It is important for each individual employee and staff member to maintain a tidy, organised workspace. A clean workspace reduces the spread of germs, as well as promoting focus, respect and professionalism amongst staff. Each team member has a responsibility to keep their area clutter-free and ensure that shared spaces are left as they were found.

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Simple actions such as wiping down desks, putting rubbish in the bin after use and avoiding eating messy food at workstations can go a long way in maintaining high workplace hygiene standards. Ensuring respect for communal areas encourages a positive culture where everybody contributes to maintaining a hygienic space.

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Hygiene Essentials List for Workspaces

Below is a practical list of hygiene essentials for modern office spaces:

Personal Hygiene Essentials

  • Hand soap and hand sanitiser (minimum 60% alcohol content)
  • Antibacterial wipes or sprays for desks and devices
  • Tissues and paper towels
  • Deodorant and personal care items (for employee convenience areas)
  • Disposable gloves (where appropriate)

Washroom Essentials

Kitchen & Breakroom Essentials

  • Surface cleaner or disinfectant spray
  • Dish soap and sponges
  • Fridge cleaning supplies
  • Waste bins with lids and regular emptying schedules
  • Paper towels and hand sanitiser stations

Office Cleaning Supplies

  • Multipurpose cleaners for desks and floors
  • Vacuum or floor cleaning equipment
  • Microfibre cloths and cleaning wipes
  • Waste segregation bins (for recycling and general waste)
  • Gloves and PPE for cleaning staff

Hygiene Support & Awareness

  • Visible hygiene signage (e.g., “Please Wash Your Hands”)
  • Posters reminding staff of proper handwashing techniques
  • Access to hygiene training or awareness materials

Hygiene in Shared Areas 

Shared spaces in the workplace are high-traffic areas where hygiene lapses can quickly lead to illness or discomfort. Keeping these areas clean and well-maintained is essential for employee wellbeing and the company’s professional image.

Washrooms

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Washrooms are one of the most important areas to focus on for maintaining hygiene in the workplace. Employees should always wash their hands thoroughly, dispose of paper towels correctly, and leave the facilities clean for the next person. It’s good etiquette to report any maintenance issues, such as empty soap dispensers or broken fixtures, to ensure they’re promptly resolved.

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It’s also important for employees to keep washrooms well-stocked with essentials like soap, hand sanitiser, paper towels, and sanitary bins. Regular professional cleaning and clear hygiene signage is also important to implement and solidify safe and hygienic working practises.

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Kitchens & Breakrooms

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Workplace kitchens and breakrooms are shared spaces where cleanliness should be a shared priority. Staff should always clean up after themselves, wash used dishes, and avoid leaving food or spills unattended. Store food safely in clearly labelled containers, and regularly check communal fridges to prevent expired items from accumulating.

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Surfaces, microwaves, and coffee machines should be wiped down after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria. Providing cleaning supplies, such as antibacterial wipes and sprays, means everyone can take ownership of keeping the space hygienic.

Meeting Rooms

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Meeting rooms are a common space for collaboration and interactions between clients and colleagues. Keeping these spaces clean reflects positively on your business. Always remove rubbish, used cups and mugs, and papers after meetings. Wipe down tables and shared devices such as remote controls or screens with an antibacterial wipe.

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A tidy meeting space reflects professionalism, reduces distractions and supports respect and responsibility within the workspace.

Shared Equipment

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Items like keyboards, phones, printers, and touchscreens are used by multiple people throughout the day and can easily harbour germs. Regularly disinfecting these surfaces helps prevent cross-contamination. Encourage employees to sanitise equipment before and after use, particularly during cold and flu season.

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Employers can help by providing alcohol wipes and promoting awareness about cleaning shared tools and technology. This simple step contributes significantly to maintaining a healthy, hygienic work environment.

Health & Hygiene Policies

Clear and well-communicated health and hygiene policies form the foundation of a safe workplace. These policies outline expectations for personal cleanliness, shared area maintenance, and procedures for reporting hygiene issues. They also demonstrate that the company takes employee wellbeing seriously.

Employers should provide training or regular reminders on hygiene standards - for example, hand-washing best practices or cleaning desk areas at the end of the day. Having structured cleaning schedules and accessible hygiene supplies ensures compliance and consistency.

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Key Takeaways for Personal Hygiene in the Workplace

  • Maintaining good workplace hygiene helps reduce the spread of germs, limits staff absences, and creates a healthier, more productive office environment.
  • Practising safe and hygienic working practices shows respect for colleagues, visitors, and clients while reflecting a professional company image.
  • Every employee plays a role in workplace personal hygiene, from washing hands regularly to keeping desks and shared areas clean.
  • Clean, well-stocked washrooms, kitchens, and meeting rooms are essential for supporting hygiene standards and staff wellbeing.
  • Employers should provide accessible hygiene supplies, cleaning schedules, and training to ensure consistency across the workplace.
  • Following a clear hygiene essentials list ensures all areas of the office are equipped with the right products and tools to stay clean and safe.
  • A well-communicated health and hygiene policy promotes accountability and helps create a culture of cleanliness and respect throughout the organisation.
  • Small daily actions such as sanitising shared equipment and maintaining personal grooming make a big difference in sustaining a hygienic workplace environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is personal hygiene important in the workplace?

Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses in the office. It helps reduce absences, keeps employees healthy, and ensures shared spaces like desks, kitchens, and meeting rooms remain safe and comfortable. Good hygiene also reflects professionalism, promotes respect among colleagues, and contributes to a positive workplace culture.

How to address personal hygiene in the workplace?

Addressing personal hygiene starts with clear communication and policies. Employers can provide guidance through training sessions, posters, and regular reminders. Employees should be encouraged to follow routines such as handwashing, grooming, wearing clean clothes, and keeping their workstations tidy. A supportive and respectful culture ensures that hygiene expectations are followed without causing embarrassment or conflict.

How does personal hygiene affect food safety in the workplace?

Personal hygiene directly impacts food safety in kitchens, breakrooms, and offices where food is prepared or shared. Employees must wash hands before handling food, clean surfaces and utensils regularly, and store food safely. Poor hygiene can lead to contamination, spoilage, and the spread of foodborne illnesses, putting staff health and wellbeing at risk.

How can employers promote hygiene in the workplace?

Employers can support hygiene by providing hand sanitiser stations, well-stocked washrooms, cleaning supplies, and regular professional cleaning schedules. Clear policies, visual reminders, and staff training encourage employees to adopt safe and hygienic working practices consistently. Promoting hygiene also reinforces a professional environment and shows staff that their wellbeing is a priority.

How often should shared areas like washrooms and kitchens be cleaned?

High-traffic areas should be cleaned several times per day, depending on usage and office size. Washrooms, kitchens, and breakrooms should be disinfected, surfaces wiped down, and hygiene essentials restocked regularly. Frequent cleaning reduces the risk of cross-contamination, prevents unpleasant odours, and ensures a healthy, safe environment for everyone.

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Maintain a Healthier Workplace with Woosh Washrooms

Maintaining good personal hygiene in the workplace is essential for creating a safe, healthy, and professional office environment. From handwashing and personal grooming to keeping shared areas like washrooms, kitchens, and meeting rooms clean, every small action contributes to a more productive and comfortable workspace.

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At Woosh Washrooms, we help businesses implement practical hygiene solutions and provide the products and services needed to keep offices clean and well-stocked. Whether it’s washroom supplies, cleaning schedules, or hygiene training, our solutions make it easier to maintain high standards and protect the wellbeing of your team.

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Take the next step towards a cleaner, safer, and more professional work environment. Explore our hygiene services today or contact us to discuss how Woosh Washrooms can support your workplace hygiene needs.

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