Since Corona, hygiene in companies has become more than just a mandatory exercise. Find out which hygiene standards apply in companies since corona and how contemporary hygiene management is redefining infection protection, safety and trust in companies, in addition to how businesses can now be set up for the future. Digital solutions, clear standards and sustainable hygiene plans are now part of everyday working life in many places.
Contents
- Hygiene measures in companies: Exceptional situation becomes new routine
- Before the pandemic: Company hygiene was rarely visible
- Hygiene plans in companies since Corona: The pandemic as a benchmark for new standards
- Company hygiene after Corona: The “new normal” in everyday life
- Hygiene requirements in offices and workplaces: More than cleanliness
- Sustainable hygiene plans for companies: a systematic approach to the future
Hygiene measures in companies: Exceptional situation becomes new routine
The Corona pandemic turned the corporate understanding of hygiene upside down: where cleanliness used to run in the background, hygiene has today become a more visible part of everyday work and corporate culture. What was initially born of necessity has now become routine, ranging from equipping entrances with disinfectant dispensers to clear cleaning and ventilation plans. Which hygiene standards apply in companies since Corona? How do companies use contemporary standards not only to strengthen hygiene measures for employees and customers but also their image and compliance?
The Essity Global Hygiene and Health Survey (2022, UK), found that heightened awareness and concern about workplace hygiene remain widespread after the pandemic, with 45% of UK office workers describing their workplace as a "breeding ground for bacteria" and 57% expressing dissatisfaction with office cleanliness standards. Compared to pre-pandemic attitudes, the survey reveals that workplace hygiene is still considered crucial.
Before the pandemic: Company hygiene was rarely visible
Before Corona, hygiene measures played only a minor role in many companies: disinfectant dispensers in offices, schools or high standards of hygiene in retail were rarely found, and cleaning usually focused on visible dirt. Documentation and structured training on hygiene were the exception. Guidance from organisations such as the UK Health Security Agency and official government publications indicates that before Corona, infection control and hygiene measures were emphasized mainly in environments where infection risk was higher, such as medical facilities, food preparation areas, and schools.
Hygiene plans in companies since Corona: The pandemic as a benchmark for new standards
With the outbreak of COVID-19, the situation changed for all companies and the issue of hygiene plans against Corona became acute. Within a very short time, disinfectant dispensers were installed across the board, the cleaning of work areas and communal spaces intensified, and ventilation schedules became standard. Keeping distance and wearing masks became mandatory. Many companies developed comprehensive hygiene plans for the first time with clear protocols and training programs for employees. For many, these measures laid the foundation for a permanently higher standard of hygiene management in the company.
Many are now going a step further: with changed hygiene standards after the pandemic, numerous companies today rely on digital hygiene solutions for companies, industry and trade. With digital checklists, real-time monitoring and automated documentation, compliance with hygiene standards in everyday life is ensured more efficiently and transparently. This sustainably improves occupational health and safety measures and makes them more controllable.
The digital solution CWS smartMate addresses exactly this. The intelligent IoT system automatically records visitor flows as well as dispenser fill levels and provides this data in real time in a user-friendly app and web portal.
Company hygiene after Corona: The “new normal” in everyday life
Today, company hygiene is more firmly anchored in everyday business than ever, even after Corona. Disinfectant dispensers at entrances and in sanitary areas are now simply part of it. Hand hygiene through washing and disinfecting has become an uncomplicated ritual that provides more safety and well-being along the way. Cleaning intervals remain increased, and smart digital systems monitor consumption and maintenance to ensure nothing grinds to a halt. Regular employee awareness makes hygiene a collective success that clearly improves the working atmosphere.
With increased hygiene in offices and administrative areas, regular cleaning of work surfaces, door handles and communal zones has long since become standard. Clear signage and generously provided hygiene products signal that hygiene is taken seriously. More and more companies are even relying on sustainable hygiene plans with certified, environmentally friendly products. This earns them points not only in terms of compliance but also as attractive employers.
Hygiene requirements in offices and workplaces: More than cleanliness
Hygiene is now an integral part of occupational safety and health care in companies. However, it’s not just about workplaces being clean. Above all, it’s about protecting employees and customers from illness. The European Union sets standard minimum health and safety requirements via the EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC, which is implemented in member states’ national laws.
To ensure that infection protection in the workplace works well in practice, hygiene is often documented in writing and monitored with digital systems. Networked disinfectant dispensers or digital checklists help to keep an overview and ensure that all hygiene requirements in offices and administrations are met. This way, hygiene does not become a burdensome duty, but a practical tool to make everyday interaction safer.
The international standard ISO 45001 emphasizes that occupational safety and health are a management responsibility. Companies should identify risks early, introduce appropriate protective measures and continuously check compliance. This creates an environment where everyone can feel safe and well looked after.
Those who successfully combine hygiene and occupational safety not only ensure healthier workplaces, but also gain the trust of employees and customers. That pays off in the long run!
Hygiene management in companies: A systematic approach to the future
The future of hygiene clearly lies in digital and sustainable hygiene concepts for companies. Modern sensors and connected systems help to optimally manage consumption and maintenance. They automatically record when and where supplies are needed and make everyday work in companies significantly easier. In addition, reusable products are becoming increasingly important: they combine environmental protection with the highest hygiene standards and are well on their way to replacing disposable items. Thus, hygiene is no longer a one-off issue, but an integrated process in companies that is increasingly seen as a strategic success factor.
With the right mix of regular awareness, digital tools and sustainable plans, your company is well-positioned for today and tomorrow. Let our CWS Hygiene experts provide you with competent and tailored advice!