New research, released today, has revealed the significant role that workplace cleanliness and hygiene play in employee experience across the UK manufacturing sector.
The research, surveyed 250 manufacturing business leaders about the impact of workplace cleanliness and hygiene on employee engagement and morale.
Strikingly, 96% of those who took part said that cleanliness and hygiene both have an impact on the employee experience, morale and engagement, with almost half (46%) describing that impact as ‘significant’. 43% of manufacturing leaders described the impact as ‘moderate’ and 7% as ‘slight’.
The findings also suggest that the effects can extend into employee attendance. More than nine in ten (92%) manufacturing leaders believe that improved cleaning and hygiene standards can help reduce employee sickness and absence. Just 1% disagree that cleaning and hygiene would make a difference to staff numbers.
In manufacturing, there is understandably a huge focus on productivity, efficiency and operational performance, but the working environment also has such an important role to play – and this research shows just how much of a role that is.
Manufacturing leaders clearly recognise the connection between a clean, well-maintained environment and how employees feel at work, as well as the potential impact on sickness, absence and productivity. When you ’re managing large sites and workforces, we know that even relatively small improvements can make a meaningful difference.
Cleaning should be viewed as part of the wider employee experience and operational strategy, rather than simply a facilities cost.