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Research Unveils Current Trends in Employee Burnout

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Employee burnout in the U.S. workforce has remained high at 45%, though there is a downward trend, according to recent research from Eagle Hill Consulting. The burnout rate has decreased from 49% in August 2022 and significantly from 58% in August 2020 during the early months of the pandemic. Younger workers (52%) and women (48%) consistently report the highest levels of burnout. The primary sources of burnout, as reported by affected workers, include workload (51%), staff shortages (45%), and the challenge of balancing personal and professional life (42%). A significant majority of workers (67%) believe that a four-day work week would alleviate stress, followed closely by a reduced workload and increased flexibility (both at 65%), and the option to continue working from home (56%). Regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), 62% of workers express the belief that this emerging technology will not impact their job-related stress levels. Despite this perception, growing research ...
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OSHA consistently identifies fall protection as the primary safety violation

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It's an unsettling streak that should raise concerns. For the 13th consecutive year, fall protection (general requirements) maintains its dubious distinction as OSHA's primary safety violation. Additionally, ladders secured the third spot, and fall protection (training requirements) claimed the eighth position in the agency's annual compilation of the Top 10 violations. This list, unveiled last month at the National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans, spans fiscal year 2023. In terms of numbers, Fall Protection General Requirements (1926.501) notched 7,271 violations during that period, Ladders (1926.1053) recorded 2,978, and Fall Protection Training Requirements (1926.503) tallied 2,112. Notably, three of the Top 10 violations are linked to falls and ladders, underscoring the pressing need for improvement in ladder safety and proper usage. The American Ladder Institute (ALI) stands as the sole authorized developer of safety standards for the U.S. ladd...
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Survey reveals a decline in employee vacation usage in the last 12 months

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According to a recent nationwide survey conducted by Eagle Hill Consulting, 38% of U.S. workers have refrained from taking a vacation in the past 12 months. The study also highlights that a significant portion of American workers (46%) cites the cost of vacation as the primary obstacle to taking time off. These revelations coincide with persistently high levels of employee burnout across the U.S. workforce, with 45% of respondents expressing feelings of burnout at work. Notably, burnout rates are higher among younger workers aged 18 to 34 (52%) and women (48%). Melissa Jezior, the President and CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting, emphasizes the mutual benefits of employees taking breaks. She notes that when employees have time away from work, they often return more rejuvenated and focused, ultimately benefiting both their employer and customers. Jezior suggests that, especially during the potentially stressful holiday season, leaders can contribute to employee well-being by encouraging time ...
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Southeastern states see increased cases of flu

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As the holiday season approaches, bringing excitement and opportunities to connect with loved ones, it also signifies a surge in indoor gatherings and an increased risk of flu transmission. Facility cleaning managers can take proactive measures by monitoring flu case trends in specific states, allowing them to reinforce hand hygiene practices, evaluate indoor air quality (IAQ), and enhance touchpoint disinfection protocols. A valuable tool for gauging the potential outbreak in a community is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) weekly flu tracker. The "Weekly U.S. Influenza Report" rates jurisdictions on a 6-tier scale: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, Minimal, and Insufficient data, providing updated information on flu activity. In the recent findings from week 45 (ending on Nov. 11, 2023), Louisiana was the sole jurisdiction classified as "Very High," with an additional seven jurisdictions categorized as "High" (New Mexico, Puerto Ri...
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The dirty and down on cleaning during the virus season

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Fall marks the commencement of the annual outbreak season, commonly referred to as "Virus Season." Although outbreaks are most rampant between November and April, they extend beyond viruses alone. The question arises: how unclean is considered unclean? Anywhere people gather tends to transform into an optimal breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Unchecked, microbial environments flourish, particularly in places like schools, hospitals, daycares, nursing homes, and doctor's offices. Publicly accessible businesses and community spaces such as libraries, gyms, and places of worship are also susceptible. The American Society for Microbiology conducted experiments illustrating the swift spread of contamination from a single doorknob in a high-traffic area. Within two to four hours of exposure, tracer viruses were detectable on 40-60 percent of individuals interacting with the knob. This heightened contamination extended to various frequently touched surfaces like ...
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Facts about lab cleaning

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Regular laboratory maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal operation. However, relying solely on standard cleaning practices falls short of achieving the necessary level of cleanliness. Effective cleaning demands specialized expertise, skills, and tools, all of which play a pivotal role in upholding precision and safety within the laboratory. Unfortunately, access to information regarding laboratory cleaning requirements is not always readily available. In our commitment to keep both our current and prospective clients well-informed about the latest advancements in lab decontamination, cleaning, and sanitization, we aim to share some lesser-known insights about commercial lab cleaning. 1. Temporary Virus-Free Environment: Some lab cleaning services may claim to establish a temporary virus-free environment through nonhazardous gas-based sterilization processes. Nevertheless, it's important to note that recontamination can occur when an individual carrying a virus enters the premis...
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Why your commercial office never stays clean

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Are you constantly struggling to maintain a clean commercial office space, no matter how hard you work? If so, you're likely facing underlying challenges that hinder your cleaning efforts. By addressing these issues, you can work more efficiently and achieve the pristine office environment you desire. Persistent Clutter: One of the main culprits behind an untidy office is clutter. Papers, office supplies, and various items scattered across desks and surfaces can obstruct effective cleaning. Encourage your team to keep their workspaces organized by tidying up at the end of each workday. Consider providing additional storage solutions or file cabinets to manage clutter effectively. Incomplete Cleaning: Another common problem is neglecting certain areas during the cleaning process. It's easy to overlook surfaces or clean them less frequently than necessary. High-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and elevator buttons should undergo regular disinfection, while floors...
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