Clean businesses reduce chances of employees catching a cold

Clean businesses reduce chances of employees catching a cold/flu by 80 percent

As cold snaps start to hit New Zealand and sickness rears its head, consider the financial and productivity savings businesses could make by modestly investing in cleaning.

A clean facility can reduce occupants’ chances of catching a cold or flu by up to 80 per cent, slashing absenteeism by almost half.

In a thought provoking video on “the value of clean” released by OCS partner Sealed Air: http://bit.ly/1S2Nbjl research shows the cost of employee absences. In New Zealand, there’s a total cost to the economy of around $1.26 billion annually and these unplanned absences are accountable for a reduction in productivity, sales and customer service.

OCS and Sealed Air suggest keeping an eye on common work surfaces such as key boards, computer mice, fridge and microwave door handles and vending machine buttons to name a few, as these are among the dirtiest surfaces in a typical work environment.

Often viewed as simply a cost centre, cleaning historically has been an afterthought to managers, however conscious businesses around the globe are starting to realise the value of clean and are seeing significant financial benefits.

OCS managing director Gareth Marriott believes the fundamental of outstanding customer service is good hygiene, in terms of both people and environment.
“Staff want to work in clean bright environment that’s conducive to feeling good about their job, while customers want to be in an environment which is well cared for. Otherwise they can vote with their feet and shop elsewhere.
“A clean environment therefore adds to the value your business is delivering.”
OCS partners with Sealed Air as its chemical cleaning partner in New Zealand and have had examples of clients who have changed to other products and returned again because of declining cleanliness and sales.
He says its important for people to realise the value of clean for business vibrancy, employees and improving the bottom line.
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