Are Office Workers Taking Coronavirus Precautions?

Bradley Corp's annual Healthy Handwashing Survey reveals workers are taking precautions as they return to the office: The majority are bringing a mask to work and have been fully vaccinated.

As office workers in the U.S. continue returning to their places of employment, Bradley Corp. conducted its Healthy Handwashing Survey™ and found that coronavirus concerns persist, especially as new variants emerge. In response, employees are taking preventive actions: 86% are bringing a mask with them to work and 73% have been fully vaccinated. In addition to masks, office workers are packing a few other personal protection items: 66% have their own hand sanitizer; 39% are taking cleaning wipes; and 29% are prepared with disinfectant spray.office workers COVID-19 coronavirus precautions

Compared to the general population, office workers are significantly more conscious about coming in contact with germs and more concerned about contracting the coronavirus. The survey revealed that 73% of office workers worry about getting the coronavirus versus 67% of the general population. And, due to the rise in new strains of the virus, 70% of office workers have implemented a more rigorous handwashing regimen versus 59% of the general population.

The ongoing pandemic has also led to changes in the work environment – namely how workers interact with their colleagues. At the office, 51% avoid shaking hands, 42% sit further away in meetings, and 36% use a video call instead of meeting in person. In terms of hand hygiene, approximately two-out-of-three office workers are washing their hands more frequently since returning to the office, with half washing six or more times a day.office workers COVID-19 coronavirus precautions

“Office workers are returning to the workplace cautiously—particularly now with the prevalence of the Delta variant—and are personally taking steps to avoid germs and the virus,” says Jon Dommisse, vice president of marketing and corporate communication, Bradley Corp. “The coronavirus has notched up the need for cleaner workspaces, limited contact and increased handwashing.”

Coronavirus Concerns Spur Hand Hygiene Practices

With office workers washing their hands more frequently, 62% report their employers have made changes or improvements to workplace restrooms in response to the pandemic, including more frequent cleanings. And, in a sign of today’s pandemic times, 79% of office workers believe touchless restroom fixtures are important. Case in point, when using their workplace restroom, two-thirds reach for a paper towel to avoid touching restroom door handles, the toilet flusher, and faucet handles. Another one-third use their foot to operate the toilet flusher.office workers COVID-19 coronavirus precautions

Within the workspace, employers have added hand sanitizing stations and encouraged employees to stay home when sick. Those actions haven’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated by employees: 53% of office workers say their employer’s response to the pandemic and implementation of safety measures makes them feel more valued and 35% say it makes them feel more positive about the company they work for.

If your facility is open, what safety precautions have you noticed employees taking as they return to the workplace? What changes has your facilities team implemented to help keep workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you think more needs to be done? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments section below.

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