Illness can be a major drain on your company’s productivity and profits. While you can’t control all of the germs coming in and out of your office space, there are a few things you can do to help promote a healthier workplace, like encouraging employees to work from home when feeling sick, providing sanitizing products throughout the office, and even choosing the right office furniture. For a healthier work environment, choose furniture that promotes a cleaner environment.
Choose Non-Porous Materials
One of the most important factors in selecting sanitary office furniture is the type of material used. Non-porous surfaces are ideal because they don’t absorb spills, bacteria, contaminants, or odors, and they’re easy to clean off. Materials like laminate, metal, glass, and some plastics are a good choice for desks, tables, shelving, and storage units, as they can be wiped down quickly with standard cleaners without damaging the surface.
Find Easy-to-Clean Upholstery
Of course, the notion of choosing only hard, non-porous materials can create some issues with seating options, as most people don’t want to sit on a hard surface for a long period of time. For seating that’s comfortable but easy to clean, opt for materials like vinyl and leather that can be wiped down daily. If you’re really committed to having fabric upholstery, look for options that are stain-resistant and treated with antimicrobial coatings to help kill germs.
Look for Smooth Surfaces
In addition to the material, look for designs with a smooth, seamless surface. Pieces with intricate designs or heavy textures are much more difficult to keep clean and sanitary. This includes decorative grooves or ornate carvings that can collect dust, crumbs, trash, and germs. Office furniture with simple designs and minimal seams allow your cleaning staff to wipe down surfaces quickly and thoroughly. Seamless edges and rounded corners also help prevent buildup in small crevices, where bacteria can breed.
Look for Removable, Washable Parts
Another great thing to look for when prioritizing a sanitary workplace is removable and washable parts. For example, if you’re getting fabric upholstery for your reception seating, look for chairs that have removable seat covers that can be taken off and washed if needed. Additionally, modular furniture systems often allow individual parts to be removed for deeper cleaning in between parts.
Sanitary office furniture can play a big role in maintaining a healthy workplace. If you’re looking for ideal wholesale interior products to support a healthier work environment, look for these features to cut down on germ spread and reduce the number of sick days your employees need to take.