In the battle against workplace illness, dealers have consistently provided customers with the necessary products to establish clean and hygienic work environments. However, with short-term absenteeism surpassing pre-pandemic levels, what additional products can dealers offer to enhance hygiene practices even further?
Short-term sickness poses a significant challenge for small businesses, with individual absenteeism reaching its highest point in a decade. Statistics show that, on average, UK employees were off work sick for 7.8 days in 2023, two days more than the pre-pandemic average of 5.8 days. With 94% of short-term absences due to minor illnesses, many workplaces will be looking to boost their hygiene programmes to try and combat the risk of spreading infection and improve worker wellbeing.
While the enduring value of traditional cleaning products, like those offered by market-leading names such as Tork Essity, should not be underestimated, further diversifying health and hygiene ranges to include new technologies presents an excellent opportunity for dealers to upsell while assisting customers to elevate hygiene practices.
UVC Lighting
Ultraviolet-C (UVC) lights, commonly known as germicidal lights, have long been utilised in hospitals and healthcare facilities to eradicate germs and bacteria from the air, water, and solid surfaces. This type of light is germicidal, meaning it disrupts the DNA of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, preventing them from reproducing and causing illness. Various UVC products are accessible on the market, offering multiple options suited to different budgets and requirements. Dealers may suggest UVC tabletop lamps, bulbs, and LED flexi-strips for environments where sanitation is paramount. It’s important to note that UVC lighting is safe for continuous use in occupied spaces, but it should not replace standard lighting.
Touchless Technology
Touchless technology plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of germs and preventing cross-contamination. Dealers should emphasise the benefits of such technology, which can effectively eliminate hand contact and prevent the formation of 98% of bacteria. Touchless tap faucets and soap dispensers are examples of products that can be seamlessly integrated into workplace bathrooms to enhance hygiene standards. Additionally, personal control devices offer convenient solutions for minimising contact by allowing users to control lighting and access doors without physical touch. Additionally, dealers can bolster these practices by providing hygiene monitoring products like luminometers and surface swabs, which can identify contaminants.
Equipment maintenance
Having the best cleaning products won’t suffice if your customer neglects to maintain their cleaning equipment hygienically. Vacuum filters, for instance, should be replaced at least every three months, depending on usage frequency. Proper upkeep of cleaning tools and well-maintained equipment helps cleaning programmes to function more effectively. Customers can ensure product longevity by adhering to correct storage practices. For instance, dealers may offer broom/mop racks to store cleaning equipment upright, away from floors and surfaces where germs thrive. In efforts to curb the spread of germs through maintenance, customers should prioritize the cleanliness of workplace appliances, especially in kitchen areas. Kettles, dishwashers, and other appliances require regular cleaning. Therefore, dealers should encourage customers to consider this when ordering their routine cleaning supplies.
Maintaining healthy and hygienic workplaces demands more than just a routine cleaning schedule and the right products—it requires a proactive mindset. With businesses facing heightened pressure to mitigate the financial effects of short-term sickness, mere cleanliness no longer suffices. Customers must elevate their hygiene standards to effectively combat germs, and dealers can play a pivotal role in supporting these efforts.
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