Retail break rooms and staff areas are popular areas where employees can relax and recharge. At the same time, they also attract mould, germs, and bacteria. While you are probably devoting your time to your retail public spaces, you shouldn't ignore the importance of maintaining hygiene in your break rooms and staff areas.
A recent study found that a coffee pot handle in a break room can have thirty four times more bacteria than a toilet seat in a school. Every break room has hot spots where germs gather, so it's essential to ensure these areas are cleaned thoroughly and effectively:
Break room fridges are a breeding ground for germs, as employees forget about lunches, not disposing of them correctly. Over time these forgotten lunches can quickly get mouldy, causing unpleasant odours, along with illness. It should be company policy that personal food must be removed from the fridge by the end of the week, or it will be thrown away.
Fridges should be cleaned and sanitised once a week in busy workspaces, but once a month in smaller retail environments. The fridge door handle should be sanitised daily to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
Germs and bacteria thrive in damp and warm environments. The sink area of your communal break rooms should be cleaned daily, ensuring you pay attention to the sink tap. Encourage employees to clean up any food spills and drops immediately when using the space, ensuring it is clean and hygienic for the next staff member.
Bins that contain food are brimming with germs. Any rubbish should be removed daily while the bin should be washed and sanitised, removing any grime that may be stuck inside. Use an effective sanitiser to eliminate mould and mildew, along with unpleasant odours.
It's not uncommon for break room floors to be ignored, as you pay your attention to public spaces. It's essential break room floors are cleaned and sanitised regularly, eliminating any hazards, while reducing pests. Floors should be vacuumed and then mopped, if they are hardwood. If your staff areas involve carpeting, ensure these are deep cleaned regularly.
Microwaves, coffee pots, and kettles are all germ magnets, being touched by numerous people throughout the day. It's essential that all handles are cleaned and sanitised daily, more often if you have a larger staff complement. If you offer a vending machine in your break room, ensure the buttons are cleaned and sanitised throughout the day to avoid the spread of germs.
Your break room toilets need additional attention, preventing the risk of spreading germs. Toilets, along with floors should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Special focus should be paid to taps, toilet handles, and toilet door handles. Soap dispensers, towels, and sanitisers should be well-stocked at all times.
If you have in-house cleaners, ensure they include your break rooms and staff areas in their daily cleaning routine, preventing the spread of bacteria and germs. Break rooms need extra cleaning attention to ensure your staff remain healthy and happy. If you need help keeping your retail break room and staff areas clean and hygienic, get in touch with Sloane Cleaning Services now to find out more.