With the average flu season lasting from October through March, businesses must take proactive steps to reduce the risk of illness spreading among employees.
A clean office is more than just a tidy one. During flu season, it becomes a line of defense. By implementing essential cleaning precautions, employers can protect their workforce, minimize absenteeism, and maintain a healthier, more productive workplace.
Why Flu Spreads Quickly in Office Environments
Flu viruses spread primarily through airborne droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze. However, they can also survive on surfaces like desks, doorknobs, and office equipment for up to 48 hours. With employees working in close proximity, sharing communal areas, and often continuing to work while mildly ill, the workplace becomes a hotspot for transmission.
High-touch surfaces, poorly ventilated rooms, and lapses in hygiene routines create a perfect storm for flu to take hold.
Top Cleaning Precautions to Take During Flu Season
1. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces
Flu viruses linger on surfaces touched multiple times a day. These include:
– Door handles
– Elevator buttons
– Light switches
– Conference tables
– Phones and keyboards
– Microwave handles and refrigerator doors
These areas should be disinfected daily, if not multiple times a day. Use EPA-approved disinfectants proven to eliminate viruses, especially those labeled effective against influenza A and B.
Professional cleaning teams from AmeriStar Facility Solutions can create a customized sanitization routine tailored to your building’s high-risk areas.
2. Implement Desk Cleaning Policies
Encourage employees to keep their personal workspaces clean. Provide disinfectant wipes so they can clean their keyboards, mouse, and phone at the start and end of the day. Don’t assume they’ll bring their own supplies; make it easy for them.
Consider instituting a “clean desk moment” at the end of each shift or before lunch breaks as a reminder.
3. Disinfect Shared Office Equipment
Printers, copiers, vending machines, water coolers, and shared phones are often forgotten during routine cleaning. Wipe these down regularly throughout the day, especially in offices with high employee traffic or rotating shifts.
AmeriStar Facility Solutions offers daytime porter services that ensure these surfaces remain clean and safe throughout business hours.
Promote a Culture of Cleanliness and Hygiene
Cleaning is only part of the solution. Flu prevention requires cooperation from all staff. That starts with clear communication and access to essential hygiene supplies.
4. Provide Hygiene Stations
Set up hand sanitizer dispensers at key points in the office:
– Entryways
– Near elevators
– At desks
– In meeting rooms
– Outside restrooms and kitchens
Stock these stations regularly and make sure employees know they’re expected to use them.
5. Make Disinfectant Wipes Readily Available
Place antibacterial wipe canisters in communal areas such as the break room, copy center, and reception desk. Encourage their use before and after touching shared equipment.
6. Post Flu Season Reminders
Use posters and digital screens to remind staff of basic flu prevention practices:
– Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
– Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
– Avoid close contact with sick colleagues
– Stay home when sick
Reinforcing these habits makes hygiene second nature in your workplace culture.
Increase Cleaning Frequency and Deep Disinfections
7. Schedule More Frequent Cleanings
Regular janitorial services may not be enough during flu season. Increase the frequency of cleanings for high-traffic areas and restrooms. Ensure trash is emptied daily and that surfaces are thoroughly wiped down.
AmeriStar Facility Solutions can adjust your cleaning schedule seasonally to address the heightened risks flu season brings.
8. Plan for Deep Cleaning Days
Whether it’s over the weekend or during off-hours, periodic deep cleanings are vital during flu season. This includes:
– Carpet and floor sanitation
– Upholstery and curtain cleaning
– HVAC filter replacements and air duct cleaning
– Full disinfection of restrooms and kitchens
Our team uses electrostatic spraying and hospital-grade disinfectants to cover hard-to-reach areas, ensuring your office is as safe as possible.
Don’t Forget the Air
9. Maintain Proper Ventilation
Stale air allows viruses to linger. If your HVAC system isn’t circulating fresh air or if your filters are dirty, your team could be breathing in germs all day.
Replace filters regularly and consider using HEPA filters for maximum protection. Air purifiers in shared spaces, such as meeting rooms, can also reduce airborne contaminants.
Next Steps for a Flu-Resistant Workplace
The flu season doesn’t have to result in constant sick calls, lost productivity, or office-wide outbreaks. With the right precautions, you can turn your office into a clean, flu-resistant environment.
From wiping down high-touch surfaces to upgrading your ventilation system, every effort contributes to employee well-being. Most importantly, professional cleaning services like AmeriStar Facility Solutions bring expertise, consistency, and peace of mind that DIY efforts cannot match.
Let us help you stay ahead of the flu this year.
Contact us at (570) 675-5525 or visit www.ameristarfacilitysolutions.com
to schedule your seasonal cleaning assessment. A healthy workplace starts with a cleaner one.