Flu season is a trying time for everyone. Nobody wants the flu, or to take all the preventative measures to reduce its spread. It is worse for businesses, who lose productivity when staff are sick. A clean office can promote health but also maintain productivity and morale.
Businesses must take proactive steps to reduce the spread of influenza among employees.
Regular and Thorough Cleaning
The foundation of a hygienic office is regular, thorough cleaning. This means daily cleaning of common areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and lunch tables. We should also clean high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, keyboards, and printers. Telephones should be disinfected frequently. Disinfectant wipes are good for almost all of these applications.
Use of Disinfectants
Disinfectants will to kill flu viruses. Cleaning products should contain ingredients like bleach, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, which are effective against pathogens. Ensure that cleaning staff or services are using these disinfectants correctly, allowing sufficient contact time to eliminate germs. While there are other ways to kill viruses and bacteria, such as UV light and heat, the disinfectants work far more quickly.
Promote Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of flu. Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Place hand sanitiser stations throughout the office, especially near entrances, conference rooms, and high-traffic areas. Provide hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol for maximum effectiveness.
Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home
This is straightforward, but often overlooked. One effective way to reduce the spread of flu in the workplace is to encourage unwell employees to stay home. Of course, we may not see symptoms during the early stages of an illness, so this is not 100% effective. But it helps to stay at home at the first sign of an illness. Implement a clear sick leave policy that supports unwell employees. Consider telecommuting or other flexible arrangements, which can help keep the office environment healthy while maintaining productivity.
Improve Air Quality
Viruses spread in surfaces and through the air. So good ventilation and air quality help reduce the spread of flu viruses. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture airborne particles, including viruses.
Educate Employees
The preventative measures for avoiding the flu are not too difficult. But the trick is that everybody needs to know those measures and act on them. So, we need to educate the office staff. Provide employees with information on how flu spreads and the importance of personal hygiene. Conduct training sessions on proper handwashing techniques and respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow. Some posters and reminders on the office noticeboard can help spread the word and prevent the spread of the flu.
Stock Up on Supplies
Make sure the office is well-stocked with necessary cleaning supplies, including disinfectants wipes, paper towels, tissues, and hand sanitisers. This sends the message that the products are to be used. And people shouldn’t worry about running out of supplies.
Hire Professional Cleaning Services
We can maintain a high level of cleanliness by hiring professional office cleaning services in Brisbane. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to maintain clean, health office spaces.
Encourage a Clean Desk Policy
Germs can hide in nooks and crannies. This is avoidable if we have clean open spaces, tidy desks free of unnecessary items, and absolutely minimal clutter. It is easy to wipe down to disinfect a bare table. It is far more time consuming to try and clean multiple knick-knacks and intricate items.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas such as reception areas, break rooms, and conference tables should receive extra attention during flu season, as they are visited by multiple people and can be hotspots for germs. Ensure that these spaces are cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day. Also clean the desk and workspace of anybody who shows signs of illness.
Regular Monitoring and Feedback
Conduct morning and evening inspections to ensure that cleaning standards are maintained. Ask staff to report any concerns or suggestions regarding office hygiene.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy, hygienic office during flu season requires a both regular cleaning and employees following proactive measures. By implementing these strategies, businesses in Brisbane can reduce the spread of flu and ensure a healthier, more productive workplace. Investing in professional office cleaning services in Brisbane can provide peace of mind, knowing that the office is thoroughly sanitised and well-maintained. With a collective effort, the spread of flu can be minimised, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for everyone.
