A new Workplace Hygiene Survey has revealed a striking gap between how important employees believe hygiene is and how consistently it is practised in everyday working environments.
The survey, conducted by office supplies retailer Cartridge People, found that while 74% of workplaces are cleaned daily or multiple times per day and 83% of employees rate workplace hygiene as effective, personal hygiene habits tell a more complex story. Almost 30% of employees say they rarely clean their personal workspace or don’t clean it at all, highlighting a hidden hygiene gap.
Despite employee expectations, with 74% of respondents saying personal hygiene at work is very or extremely important, everyday behaviours don’t seem to align. While handwashing after toilet use is near-universal (92%), far fewer employees consistently sanitise their hands after using shared equipment (31%) or after contact with colleagues (26%).
The survey also points to inconsistencies in access to cleaning supplies. Although 58% of respondents say wipes and sanitiser are always available, one in ten report that cleaning products are rarely available or never provided. A lack of supplies not only makes the workplace less comfortable between scheduled cleaning cycles, but also risks creating a culture where maintaining cleanliness is seen as ‘someone else’s problem’.
“Businesses are clearly investing in professional cleaning, but hygiene doesn’t stop when the cleaners leave,” said Julie Gimblett, HR Manager at Cartridge People.“Access to the right supplies and clear expectations around shared responsibility are critical to maintaining standards throughout the working day.”
Encouragingly, when asked what would improve hygiene, employees prioritised practical changes, including more frequent cleaning (28%) and better cleaning supplies or equipment (22%), rather than large-scale operational overhauls.
The full Workplace Hygiene Survey Report explores these findings in depth and outlines practical steps businesses can take to strengthen hygiene culture.
Businesses can download the full report from the Cartridge People blog and support cleaner, safer workplaces with Cartridge People’s range of professional cleaning supplies, including disinfectant wipes, hand sanitiser, paper products, and janitorial essentials.
