Influenza can strike at any time, but its peak months in the United States are from December to March, with activity starting as early as October. The flu doesn’t discriminate and can affect people of all ages, leading to millions of illnesses and hospitalizations annually. As the flu poses a significant risk to both employee health and workplace productivity, it’s crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to safeguard their employees and maintain a healthy work environment. Best Facility Services provides essential tips and strategies to prepare your office for the flu season and prevent outbreaks.

Prioritize Office Cleaning:

An effective office cleaning plan is the first line of defense against the flu virus. Ensure that your plan is tailored to meet the specific needs of your workplace and can be executed regularly for optimal results. Here are some critical steps to enhance flu prevention in your office:

• Choose the Right Cleaning Materials: While regular cleaning with soap and water removes visible contaminants, it does not eliminate viruses and bacteria. To effectively kill these pathogens, use disinfectants after general cleaning and follow the recommended application guidelines.
• Understand Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing: Knowing the distinction between these terms is crucial for developing an effective cleaning plan. Cleaning removes surface contaminants, sanitizing reduces germs to safe levels, and disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria, making it the most vital step in maintaining a healthy environment.
• Target High Touch Surfaces: Focus your cleaning and disinfection efforts on frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, faucets, light switches, elevator buttons, and communal appliances. These areas are more likely to harbor the flu virus.
• Regularly Clean High-Traffic Surfaces: Flu viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, so it’s essential to clean and disinfect high-traffic areas daily to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Maintain Adequate Cleaning Supplies: Ensure all necessary cleaning supplies are fully stocked and easily accessible. Keep track of the required daily cleaning materials and prepare monthly orders to maintain an ample supply.
• Consider Professional Cleaning Services: For larger or specialized workplaces, hiring a certified janitorial or sanitation service can ensure qualified professionals handle the cleaning, allowing employees to focus on their core responsibilities.

Encourage Healthy Habits Among Employees:

In addition to a comprehensive cleaning plan, promoting healthy habits among your team can further prevent the spread of the flu:

• Advocate for Flu Shots: Encourage employees to get flu shots to protect themselves and others in the workplace. Consider organizing on-site vaccination clinics to make it more convenient for employees to get vaccinated.

• Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Educate employees about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices that boost their immune systems. Offer incentives and resources for healthy eating, exercise, and wellness programs.

• Allow Sick Employees to Stay Home: Incorporate a culture that encourages sick employees to stay home and rest. If possible, offer remote work options to minimize the risk of flu transmission in the office.

Preparing your office for flu season is essential to safeguard the health and productivity of your employees. With an effective cleaning plan, targeting high-touch surfaces, encouraging healthy habits, and considering professional cleaning services, you can significantly reduce the risk of flu outbreaks in your workplace. Choose Best Facility Services for maximum protection against the flu virus. Create a safe and healthy work environment for your employees and stay prepared for flu season. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your office thrive during flu season.