Do you have any gudiance on how to address a hygiene concern with an employee? Specifically an employee not washing their hands after using the washroom.
Addressing hygiene concerns with an employee can be a sensitive matter, but it is important for the health and safety of all staff members. Here are some steps you can take to address an employee who is not washing their hands:
Schedule a private meeting: Schedule a private meeting with the employee to discuss the hygiene concern. It’s important to speak to them privately and discreetly, as this can be a sensitive issue.
Explain the importance of hygiene: Explain to the employee the importance of proper hand washing. Even before the pandemic, hand washing is crucial to stopping the spread of germs and hazardous substances. Failure to wash your hands could lead to chemical exposure for anyone in contact with this person. Here’s a case where deliberate refusal to wash hands led to an employee’s suspension.
Listen to their perspective: Listen to the employee’s perspective and try to understand why they are not washing their hands. They may have a medical condition or another reason for not following proper hygiene protocols. Be open to their feedback and work with them to find a solution that works for everyone. Offer substitutes such as hand sanitizer or specialty soap that will still eradicate any germs or chemicals they may carry on their hands.
Provide resources: Provide the employee with resources to help them improve their hygiene habits, such as posters or training materials on proper hand washing techniques.
