Have you noticed that your office staff is missing more days than usual due to sickness? Tired of hearing a chorus of coughs and sniffles throughout every staff meeting? Are you concerned that the flu virus will impact your office’s overall productivity, or even potentially damage client relationships? If so, it’s time for you to consider ways to help prevent the spead of flu virus at your office.
From encouraging office staff to get a flu shot to hiring commercial cleaning services, read on to learn about the steps you can take to keep your employees healthy and happy.
Encourage Flu Shots
The best way to keep the flu virus out of your office?
Start by encouraging all of your employees to get a seasonal flu shot. They can get one at a doctor’s office, a local pharmacy, or possibly even at your workplace.
The flu shot, contrary to popular misconception, won’t likely make you sick. This is because the virus contained in the shot is inactive, meaning it can’t infect the person taking it. Some people may experience some side effects, but those are rare and generally won’t last long.
Remember that most flu shots fight several different strains of the flu so those who get it will be protected from multiple flu viruses.
If possible, get a flu shot at least two weeks before the start of flu season. Any time before the end of October is a good time frame.
Send Sick Employees Home
A recent study showed that about 26% of employees have gone to the office to work when they were knowingly sick.
Why?
They may feel like their boss or coworkers will resent them for taking a sick day. Or they may be concerned about a loss of productivity when they’re out of the office. They may even assume that they’re well enough to just “power through” the rest of the week.
It’s important to implement a sick leave policy that helps protect all employees against the spread of viruses. If you’re dedicated to stopping the spread of the flu in your office, request employees go home or avoid coming to work when they’re ill. It may help to set up a remote work plan so employees who are physically capable of working can do so from home without falling behind. Make sure your staff understands there will be no consequences for taking allotted sick days when they are ill. Remember, one employee who stays home from work results in less productivity loss than if the entire office is out due to a flu virus.
Stress Proper Hand Washing Techniques
We all know that limiting stress and drinking lots of fluids are two big steps to a stronger immune system. You also can encourage fellow workers to take preventative steps when it comes to their health. One of these is proper hand washing techniques, not only after restroom use, but throughout the day.
Place signs in restroom areas with instruction for proper hand washing techniques. This helps make sure staff is washing effectively and sends the message that you take the staff’s health seriously.
For best results, employees should wash their hands for the entire length of the alphabet song.
Remember that hand washing with soap and water is more effective than using hand sanitizer. Recent studies have shown hand sanitizers may not be all they are cracked up to be in the long run. So, the sink is really the best place to go to get clean.
Hire Commercial Cleaning Services
Another incredibly effective way to prevent the flu virus and other illnesses from spreading in your office? Hire a commercial cleaning service – especially if you’re concerned about a potential outbreak during your busy season.
It’s not enough to leave it up to your staff to wipe down their desks or to run the vacuum. Rely on professional cleaning services to sanitize and disinfect your restrooms and touch points, remove dust, and ensure other surfaces in your office are germ-free.
Look for cleaning agencies that use green cleaning solutions as opposed to more harsh environmentally unfriendly chemicals. Not only is green cleaning better for the environment, it will also ensure that your employees aren’t breathing in toxic residual fumes from hazardous chemicals. These agents can trigger allergies and contribute to “sick building syndrome”.
To help prevent the spread of the flu in your office, it’s crucial to schedule regular cleaning visits from a professional cleaning service throughout the year.
Let Us Help You to Stop the Flu Virus
We hope this post has helped bring a better understanding of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of flu in a busy office space.
Keep your staff happier and healthier by taking preventative action throughout the year.
If you are looking for a commercial cleaning service that strives to do the best we can to properly maintain the facilities we clean, we invite you to spend some time on our website and browse through our glowing client testimonials to see how we can help to keep your office germ-free.
Whether you need special services or a regular cleaning program for your facility, get in touch with us at your convenience to find out more about the cleaning services Square Feat can offer.
