During peak cold and flu season, one person in the office starts sniffling, and within days, half the team is calling in sick. This is the dreaded office domino effect, where one illness quickly spreads from one person to another, taking productivity and morale down with it. Maintaining workplace health and hygiene is especially vital during the fall and winter. A few proactive cleaning habits can dramatically reduce office outbreaks and ensure a productive end of the year.
1. Encourage Staff to Stay Home When Sick
Many employees push through colds and flu symptoms out of dedication or fear of falling behind at work. This discourages employee well-being and contributes to workplace outbreaks. As soon as symptoms appear (no matter how minimal), it is best to encourage staff to stay home and avoid coming into work. Instead, offer flexible sick leave policies, remote work options, and supportive management to reinforce the message that health is a top priority.
2. Prioritize Cleanliness & Hygiene
High-touch surfaces can harbour viruses for hours and even days. Schedule regular cleaning and disinfecting of these areas, and provide disinfectant wipes, sprays, and hand sanitizers for employees to use at their workstations. Encourage employees to maintain tidy personal workspaces and clean their keyboards, phones, and desks at the end of the day. These small habits add up to big results in preventing the spread of illness.
3. Enhance Office Air Quality
Airborne viruses can linger, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. Investing in good air filtration systems or air purifiers and commercial vacuums with HEPA filters significantly reduces the number of pathogens in the air. When possible, let in fresh air by opening windows or adjusting HVAC settings. Adding indoor plants and/or ensuring regular maintenance of air ducts enhances overall air quality and reduces illness transmission.
4. Promote Healthy Habits
A strong immune system is one of the best defences against seasonal bugs. A consistently clean and sanitized environment reduces the spread of germs before they can take hold. Routine office sanitization and disinfection not only create a visibly cleaner workspace but also provide employees with peace of mind. By investing in daily cleaning measures, organizations demonstrate a proactive commitment to employee health, productivity, and overall workplace morale. When employees feel their workplace supports their well-being, they’re more likely to adopt and maintain these habits.
5. Communicate & Educate Staff
Share regular reminders about hygiene practices, proper handwashing, and the importance of self-care during cold and flu season. Clear communication channels, such as email updates or posters in communal areas, can reinforce these messages without being intrusive. It is also beneficial to provide quick reference guides for what symptoms warrant staying home and when it’s safe to return to work.
Limit Downtime This Fall With Professional Office Cleaning Services
When employers lead by example, provide resources, and encourage healthy habits, everyone benefits. A healthier workplace means fewer sick days, greater productivity, and happier employees. Clean Green Solutions provides thorough, reliable, eco-friendly office cleaning services, so businesses can focus on running their business as efficiently as possible. Their seasonal office cleaning checklists prevent missed cleaning tasks and ensure a clean office no matter the season. Request a free quote for your business today!