As the chill of fall and winter sets in, so does the annual battle against colds and the flu. In a workplace setting, where close quarters and shared spaces can foster the spread of germs, proactive measures are crucial. This article outlines practical strategies to help keep your workplace healthy and productive during the cold and flu season.
Prevent the Cold and Flu Virus From Entering the Building: One of the first steps in preventing cold and flu outbreaks begins before employees even come to work. Encourage employees to get their flu shots. Organize on-site vaccination clinics or provide information about nearby vaccination centers. A vaccinated workforce is a key line of defense against the flu.
Make Personal Hygiene a Top Priority : Remind employees of the basics: regular handwashing with soap and water, using hand sanitizers, and avoiding touching their face. PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer is available in a variety of bottled, portable, or dispensed formats. You can choose from gel, foam, and wipe formulations so you have an option that meets your needs. PURELL products can be found in a wide range of settings, from healthcare facilities to retail stores to foodservice locations. Their products are a great source of sanitization with the power to kill germs and improve hygiene in places where soap and water aren’t available.
The battle against colds and the flu continues with a clean environment. Implementing thorough cleaning procedures in the workplace is a proactive measure that significantly reduces the risk of illness transmission. Some of the most essential cleaning practices to help keep your workspace healthy and productive during the cold and flu season are:
Develop a Comprehensive Cleaning Schedule: Establish a routine cleaning schedule that covers all high-touch surfaces. Focus on areas like doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, phones, and communal spaces. Regularity is key to maintaining a germ-free environment.
Utilize the Right Cleaning Products: Choose disinfectants proven to be effective against viruses and bacteria such as those from trusted brands like Betco, Lysol and Clorox. Ensure that these products are readily available and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions for optimal results. Also pay attention to if the disinfectants are formulated to kill viruses or germs (bacteria). Colds and the flu are caused by viruses and disinfectants specifically formulated to target them are designed to break down the protective protein coat of viruses. Some disinfectants are designed to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including both viruses and bacteria. These are often referred to as “broad-spectrum” disinfectants.
Thoroughly Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces: Pay extra attention to surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people. This includes elevator buttons, handrails, shared kitchen appliances, and bathroom fixtures. Disinfect them multiple times a day. Some disinfectants leave a residual layer that continues to provide antimicrobial protection even after initial application. This can be particularly important in high-traffic or high-risk areas.
Focus on Restroom Hygiene: Restrooms are hotspots for germ transmission. Keep them well-stocked with soap, hand sanitizers, and paper towels. Regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces, including sinks, counters, and toilet handles. We offer many different bathroom disinfectants that are designed for specific applications in the restrooms such as surface cleaners or toiler bowl disinfectants.
Ventilation and Air Filtration: Ensure proper ventilation to circulate fresh air. Clean or replace air filters in HVAC systems to maintain optimal air quality. Consider the use of air purifiers such as the high quality Fellowes AeraMax Pro models to further enhance air cleanliness. Indoor air can be up to 5x dirtier than outdoor air. Fellowes AeraMax air purifiers in your workplace or school can remove 99.97% of airborne contaminants with a True HEPA filter.
Implement a “Clean-As-You-Go” Mindset: Encourage a culture of cleanliness by promoting a “clean-as-you-go” approach. Encourage employees to wipe down their workstations and shared spaces after use.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Encourage sick employees to stay home to prevent the spread of illness. Offer work-from home options or flexible schedules to accommodate recovery without a drop in productivity.
Creating a healthy workplace during cold and flu season requires a concerted effort from everyone. A clean and hygienic workplace is the cornerstone of a healthy, productive environment. By prioritizing prevention, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness spreading through your workforce. Together, let’s foster an environment that promotes well-being, productivity, and a thriving workplace community. By implementing these comprehensive cleaning hygiene procedures, you’re taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of colds and the flu.
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