Hand Hygiene in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Businesses

Is your workplace really as hygienic as you think?

Hand hygiene was a major focus during the COVID-19 pandemic – but have those standards slipped? Six years on, many employees are back in the office. We learnt a lot about hand hygiene during that time, with frequent handwashing strongly promoted. But are we still following these guidelines six years later? While COVID-19 no longer poses the same immediate threat, it remains present – alongside other illnesses such as colds and flu. That’s why good hand hygiene is remains important today.

In many workplaces, people often assume that hand hygiene needs no attention simply because soap dispensers are available in the toilets. But in reality, there is much more to good hand hygiene.

Take a look around your workplace. Are the soap dispensers always full and ready to use, or are they empty or leaking? Are there convenient hand sanitiser stations in areas without sinks, or do employees have to walk to a bathroom to wash their hands?

Hand hygiene is more than just a basic requirement – it directly impacts absenteeism, employee satisfaction, and your company’s reputation. Having the right handwashing facilities in place is a visible sign that you value your people.

Why is Workplace Hand Hygiene Important?

In shared environments like offices, warehouses, and retail spaces, germs can spready easily – especially through high-contact touchpoints such as door handles, handrails, and shared work equipment. This can lead to an increase in the spread of illnesses around the workplace, leading to:

• Reduced productivity due to illness
• Higher absenteeism
• Decreased morale and workplace satisfaction
• Disruption to workflows
• Additional pressure on managers and teams

One of the simplest ways to improve hygiene standards and reduce the spread of illness is effective hand hygiene. Proper handwashing can help to prevent around 30% of diarrhoea-related illnesses and roughly 20% of respiratory infections such as colds and flu. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that frequent handwashing is not only accessible through the appropriate facilities, but also heavily promoted within your workplace.

Where Hand Hygiene Breaks Down

If hand hygiene is so important in the workplace, why is it often inadequate?

It is a common misconception that proper hand hygiene is simply common sense. But in practice there are a number of barriers that prevent consistent and effective hand washing. Many businesses assume that providing basic facilities is enough, but it’s not just about having the right equipment – it’s about making hygiene easy, accessible, and consistent.

Common issues include:

• Limited availability: facilities aren’t always available where they’re needed most
• Poor placement: handwashing facilities are typically limited to washrooms rather than being available at key touchpoints
• Lack of maintenance: empty soap or sanitiser dispensers
• Faulty equipment: broken soap dispensers or hand dryers
• Accessibility issues: facilities may not be designed with all users in mind
• Time pressure: busy environments lead to rushed or skipped handwashing
• Limited training and awareness: employees may not fully understand when or how to wash their hands effectively
• Misconceptions: some believe that rinsing with water alone is sufficient
• Product quality: harsh soaps or sanitisers that cause dryness or irritation
• Glove misuse: gloves are sometimes used as a substitute for hand hygiene rather than being used alongside it

Not sure how your workplace measures up? Use this quick checklist to spot any gaps in your current setup.

An Effective Hand Hygiene Setup

So, what do you need to ensure your handwashing facilities are up to standard?

There are three essentials to ensure good hand hygiene: accessible soap dispensers, strategically placed hand sanitiser stations, and effective hand drying options.

Soap Dispensers

Every washroom should be equipped with reliable, easy-to-use soap dispensers. They need to be regularly refilled with a high-quality soap. If soap isn’t readily available, people are far less likely to wash their hands properly – so placement and maintenance are key.

Wall-mounted dispensers above sinks are typically the most effective option. Look for dispensers that are robust, easy to operate, and minimise mess – features such as push operation and non-drip mechanisms help maintain a clean and efficient washroom environment.

Hand Sanitiser Stations

Soap and water should always be the first choice for handwashing; however, when this is not immediately available, alcohol-based hand sanitiser offers a practical alternative. To be effective, hand sanitiser should contain at least 60% alcohol content.

Place hand sanitiser stations at key touchpoints and high-traffic areas such as entrances, exits, corridors, and shared spaces. Installing touch-free dispensers can further improve usability and help maintain higher standards of hygiene by reducing surface contact.

Hand Drying Options

Handwashing doesn’t end at the sink – wet hands can transfer germs more easily, so effective drying is just as important. Provide fast, hygienic options such as high-speed hand dryers to support thorough drying.

Poor drying facilities can discourage proper handwashing or even contribute to the spread of bacteria. Equipment should be kept in optimal working condition at all times. Working with a washroom hygiene provider, who provide full maintenance as part of your service contract, can help to ensure consistent maintenance and performance.

Servicing and Maintenance

Having the right products in place is only part of the solution – consistency is just as important. Regular servicing and scheduled refilling ensures dispensers remain fully stocked and in good working order, without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Managing washroom hygiene internally can be time-consuming and inconsistent. It’s easy for refills to be missed or maintenance to be delayed – especially in busy environments. Working alongside a washroom hygiene provider can help your facilities remain clean and consistent, without you having to worry.

A More Reliable Way to Manage Workplace Hygiene

Hand hygiene may seem like a small detail, but it can have a significant impact on your business. From fewer sick days and improved attendance, to helping employees feel valued and protected at work, providing effective handwashing facilities supports a healthier, more productive workplace.

If you’re looking to improve hygiene standards in your workplace, a consistent service approach can make all the difference. Get in touch today to find out how a tailored hygiene service can support your business.