Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin — People have shed their sweatpants and sweatshirts, and returned to the office life as the world begins to go back to “normal.” While in-person meetings may be returning, the fight against COVID-19 and the Delta variant remains a high priority.
As such, Bradley Corp conducted its Healthy Handwashing Survey with a bit of a twist and focused on concerns revolving around the workplace. The survey ran from Aug. 4 to 10 will just over 1,000 participants.
“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 for Bradley Corp.
The survey showed that 86 per cent of employees are bringing a mask with them to work and 73 per cent have been fully vaccinated. In addition to masks, office workers are packing a few other personal protection items, like hand sanitizer (66 per cent), cleaning wipes (39 per cent), and disinfectant spray (29 per cent).
The survey also revealed that office workers (73 per cent) are significantly more conscious about coming in contact with germs and more concerned about contracting the coronavirus when compared to the general population (67 per cent). Furthermore, due to the rise in new strains of the virus, 70 per cent of office workers have implemented a more rigorous handwashing regimen versus 59 per cent of the general population.
For 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.
“The coronavirus has notched up the need for cleaner workspaces, limited contact and increased handwashing,” said Dommisse.
As people return to work, the survey showcased that common office traditions are starting to be avoided, as 51 per cent avoid shaking hands, 42 per cent sit further away in meetings, and 36 per cent prefer to use a video call instead of in-person meetings.
The survey also showcased that employers have made significant changes to the office, with 62 per cent of participants reporting changes and improvements to workplace restrooms in response to the pandemic.
A further 53 per cent of office workers reported that their employer’s response to the pandemic and implementation of safety measures makes them feel more valued, and 35 per cent say it makes them feel more positive about the company they work for.