Workplaces are hubs of activity, collaboration, and productivity, but they can also become breeding grounds for illness if proper precautions are not taken. With employees sharing desks, break rooms, restrooms, and common areas, it is no surprise that germs and viruses spread quickly in office and industrial environments. Understanding the types of illnesses that commonly affect workplaces and how to prevent or manage them is key to maintaining a healthy, productive workforce.
This blog explores the most common workplace illnesses, the factors that contribute to their spread, and how professional facility cleaning can help safeguard your business.
Common Illnesses Found in the Workplace
1. Common Cold and Influenza
The cold and flu are the most frequently occurring illnesses in any shared space. These viral infections spread easily through airborne droplets when someone sneezes or coughs. Touching contaminated surfaces like keyboards, doorknobs, and phones can also transmit these viruses.
Symptoms to watch for: Sneezing, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, fever, chills, and fatigue.
Impact on business: These illnesses can lead to significant absenteeism, reduced performance, and even presenteeism, where employees show up to work sick and unproductive, risking the health of others.
2. Stomach Bugs (Norovirus and Gastroenteritis)
Stomach viruses can wreak havoc in workplaces. Norovirus, in particular, is highly contagious and spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, food, or water.
Symptoms include: Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.
Impact on business: Stomach bugs can lead to sudden outbreaks, especially in environments with shared kitchens or cafeterias. In industries like food processing or hospitality, they can lead to serious safety and compliance issues.
3. COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Viruses
Though the height of the pandemic has passed, COVID-19 and related respiratory viruses still pose a threat, especially during seasonal surges. Workplaces must stay vigilant, as variants continue to evolve.
Symptoms include: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and body aches.
Impact on business: COVID-19 outbreaks can disrupt operations, lead to mass quarantines, and create uncertainty among staff.
4. Allergies and Asthma Triggers
While not contagious, allergies and asthma attacks can be exacerbated by poor indoor air quality, dust, mold, or strong chemical odors. Seasonal pollen, cleaning product residues, and neglected HVAC systems contribute to these issues.
Symptoms include: Sneezing, congestion, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and itchy eyes.
Impact on business: Employees may find it difficult to concentrate or perform physical tasks if allergens are present. In serious cases, asthma attacks can become medical emergencies.
5. Skin Infections and Dermatitis
MRSA and other skin infections can develop in workplaces with poor hygiene, especially in industrial, gym, or healthcare environments. Contact dermatitis can also result from exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals or allergens.
Symptoms include: Rashes, redness, itching, swelling, and skin lesions.
Impact on business: These conditions can lead to time off work and may require treatment or modified duties.
Why Illnesses Spread So Easily in Workplaces
Several factors contribute to the rapid spread of illness in offices and commercial facilities:
– Shared surfaces and equipment: Phones, printers, door handles, and elevator buttons are frequently touched but rarely cleaned thoroughly.
– High foot traffic: Especially in lobbies, restrooms, and break rooms.
– Poor ventilation: Inadequate airflow and HVAC maintenance can spread airborne pathogens.
– Lack of hand hygiene: Employees may not wash their hands frequently or properly.
– Presenteeism: Employees often feel pressured to work while sick, exposing others to viruses.
Steps to Prevent and Manage Workplace Illnesses
1. Promote a Stay-Home-When-Sick Policy
Encourage employees to take sick leave when unwell. Make it clear that staying home protects the entire workforce and does not reflect negatively on their work ethic.
2. Enhance Cleaning and Disinfection
Routine and deep cleaning services are essential. High-touch areas such as restrooms, kitchen counters, and conference rooms must be disinfected regularly with EPA-approved products.
Partnering with a professional facility cleaning provider like AmeriStar Facility Solutions ensures:
– Consistent sanitization of shared areas
– Use of hospital-grade disinfectants
– Customized cleaning plans for your industry and space
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Install air purifiers and maintain HVAC systems regularly to reduce airborne pathogens. Clean air ducts, replace filters often, and ensure proper humidity levels to prevent mold growth.
4. Make Hygiene Supplies Accessible
Provide hand sanitizer stations, antibacterial wipes, tissues, and disinfectant sprays throughout the workplace. This encourages personal responsibility and quick action against germs.
5. Educate Staff on Prevention
Regular reminders and training sessions on hygiene practices, such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting personal workspaces, can make a big difference.
Visual aids, such as posters in break rooms and restrooms, serve as gentle daily reminders.
The Role of Professional Facility Cleaning in Illness Prevention
Professional cleaning is not just about keeping things tidy. It is about creating a healthier, safer workplace for everyone. AmeriStar Facility Solutions offers specialized commercial cleaning services that go beyond surface-level appearances.
Our team is trained to:
– Identify and disinfect high-risk zones
– Follow proper guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting
– Use color-coded tools to prevent cross-contamination
– Customize schedules to minimize disruptions during work hours
From daily janitorial services to emergency deep cleans after outbreaks, AmeriStar helps businesses stay ahead of workplace illness and keep operations running smoothly.
Reduce Sick Days With Proactive Facility Cleaning
Workplace illnesses can be costly, disruptive, and demoralizing. However, with the right combination of employee education, smart policies, and professional cleaning support, businesses can reduce the spread of illness and create a safer environment for everyone.
AmeriStar Facility Solutions understands the unique needs of commercial and industrial spaces. Our comprehensive cleaning services are designed to help you protect your staff, impress your visitors, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Contact us at (570) 675-5525 or visit www.ameristarfacilitysolutions.com
to schedule a consultation or learn more about our cleaning and disinfection solutions.