Practice Good Hygiene Habits

A topic related to how you look is how you maintain healthy interactions with others. You do this by being clean and not sharing germs. You and the people you work with have a right to a clean and safe working environment. Having come through a pandemic, people are more aware of the need to have strong personal hygiene habits. 

Keep these simple tips in mind.

• Make sure your hands are clean by washing them or using hand sanitizer before working with others.
• Know whether others want to shake hands or not.
• Avoid wearing too much cologne, perfume, or scented lotions. Some people have strong reactions or allergies to scents.
• The easiest way to have clean breath is to brush your teeth. Consider keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste handy in your locker, backpack, or elsewhere so you can touch up before working with someone.
• Try to avoid touching other people’s devices. If you truly have to, make sure some hand sanitizer or a wipe is available after you’re done, for both you and thoseyou’re working with.
• Follow healthy guidelines if you have to sneeze or cough. The CDC recommends using a tissue and throwing it away immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Clean your hands as soon as you can after coughing or sneezing.

If you know you have a cold or are just not feeling well, don’t work with others. Reschedule. The elderly can be especially vulnerable to the spread of germs. They’ll appreciate that you considered their health. 

Some people may still wear masks, especially those that are easily medically compromised. At this point in history, that shouldn’t be a problem. Know the mask policy for any facilities you visit. For most, now, it’s optional, but take a lead from what you see others doing.