In a climate of unprecedented challenges, businesses across Australia have been confronted with escalating staff shortages, inflationary pressures, and a spike in sickness-related absenteeism. In the spotlight is Reckitt Pro Solutions, the commercial wing of global hygiene and health frontrunners, which has emerged with timely insights for businesses as the winter season looms.
Staggering Absentee Figures Sound Alarm
January, traditionally one of Australia’s warmest months, paints a daunting picture. Typically, between 90,000 and 100,000 individuals take a week-long sick leave in this period, January 2022 witnessed an alarming surge to approximately 450,000 weekly absences1. Notably, these figures debuted on the heels of the international borders reopening in 2022, following a palpable surge in seasonal illness.
Jonathan Weiss, the Global Business Solutions EUANZ Commercial Director at Reckitt, observed, “Navigating today’s business landscape requires a comprehensive understanding of myriad dynamics. Adhering to stringent hygiene protocols not only promotes a healthier workspace but also positions businesses to better weather external challenges.”
Holistic Approaches to Bolster Hygiene
Understanding the nuances of ensuring a sanitary workspace, Reckitt Pro Solutions offers businesses a strategic blueprint:
- Intelligent Cleaning: Collaborate with cleaning professionals to pinpoint high-traffic zones within office premises. These areas must receive regular disinfection using potent and effective products.
- Promote Self-Awareness: Launch campaigns emphasizing the significance of self-monitoring among employees3. Those exhibiting symptoms should be encouraged to work from home.
- Hand Hygiene in the Limelight: The importance of thorough hand-washing—lasting at least 20 seconds—cannot be overstated4. Moments post-commute, after restroom visits, or before meals are particularly critical.
- Alternatives to Hand Washing: Employees should be urged to utilize hand sanitisers when traditional handwashing isn’t feasible. Studies have highlighted that frequently touched objects like door handles5 and hand dryers can harbour germs, emphasizing the importance of this directive.
- Feedback Loops for Continuous Improvement: Establish mechanisms to gather feedback on hygiene initiatives. Monitoring patterns in sick leaves can provide pivotal insights, facilitating timely interventions.
Economic Impact and the Path Forward
June 2022’s statistics from the Australian treasury are telling. An estimated 31,000 individuals were absent daily throughout the month due to health complications from COVID-19. Left unchecked, this trend portends serious repercussions, including potential productivity losses and the economic strain of replacement hires.
At the heart of Reckitt Pro Solutions’ mission is an unwavering commitment to fostering environments that prioritize health and wellbeing. As Australia gears for winter, businesses are urged to heed the warning signs and bolster their hygiene strategies.
Written by: Don Power
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