logo image

TD Magazine Article

Hygiene Theater

Safety concerns are running rampant among employees as employers roll out their return-to-office plans. Cleaning processes, however, may be examples of hygiene theater.

By

Fri Jul 30 2021

Loading...

Safety concerns are running rampant among employees as employers roll out their return-to-office plans. The COVID-19 pandemic gave birth to a new generation of germaphobes who continue to practice aggressive cleaning rituals aimed at safeguarding themselves from illnesses.

Vincent Hill, chief of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's waterborne disease prevention branch, describes some of those practices—specifically the constant disinfection of surfaces—as examples of hygiene theater. They are practices that do little, if anything, to stave off sickness.

Advertisement

When it comes to combatting COVID-19, mitigating the risk of airborne transmission is most important, according to the CDC. But also, as Hill warns, displays of hygiene theater can sometimes provide a false sense of security.

In the Atlantic's article "Deep Cleaning Isn't a Victimless Crime," Derek Thompson highlights other costs associated with hygiene theater. "Too many institutions spend scarce funds or sacrifice scarce resources to do microbial battle against fomites that don't pose a real threat," he notes. Accordingly, a training consideration for organizations reorienting workers to office life may include education on what in-office hygiene practices are most effective, such as handwashing.

You've Reached ATD Member-only Content

Become an ATD member to continue

Already a member?Sign In

issue

ISSUE

August 2021 - TD Magazine

View Articles
Advertisement

Copyright © 2024 ATD

ASTD changed its name to ATD to meet the growing needs of a dynamic, global profession.

Terms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie Policy