by
Lawton Brothers
| Nov 11, 2023
The common cold and flu season can wreak havoc on employee productivity. For businesses, this translates into lost revenue because employees are out sick or don’t feel their best while at work, reducing their productivity. Even more so as the sickness spreads through the facility to other employees. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact of cold and flu season on your business.
Deep Clean
As flu season begins, it’s important to start with a clean slate. There’s no telling what germs someone has picked up from the outside and deposited in your facility, so be sure to increase the frequency or intensity of your routine cleanings. Focus your attention on high-traffic areas and touchpoints, like light switches, door handles, chair arms, keyboards, faucets, and entryways. Be sure to use a cleaner as well as a disinfectant. Clean the vents and ensure there are no lingering cobwebs or dust that could hold onto germs or hinder airflow.
Employee Health
Make it easy for employees to wash and sanitize their hands and workspace. Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of diseases, so ensure the soap is always fully stocked and offer paper towels rather than a hand dryer, as hand dryers can harbor and circulate bacteria and germs. Keep tissues and trash cans nearby and encourage employees to use the tissues for coughs and sneezes as well as wash their hands after.
Encourage sick employees to stay home. “Toughing it out” may seem like a good idea in the short term, but when the germs start spreading through the office and infecting more employees, it will impede your business function and bottom line.
Remind employees that common areas are also common areas for germs. Request that tables, phones, computers, and other items be wiped down after each use, and be specific about what needs to be cleaned and how. Consider posting signs in common areas like conference rooms and the kitchen and dining areas.
Follow Label Directions
The number one downfall for flu and cold prevention is the misuse of cleaners and disinfectants. Be sure to thoroughly clean a surface before sanitizing or disinfecting. (Disinfection will kill germs, while sanitization will lower the number of germs). Sanitizers and disinfectants do not remove dirt, debris, and grime and should only be used after a cleaner. Be sure to read all labels clearly and follow the wait times. Wiping up a solution before it has had time to kill the germs does nothing to keep employees healthy and is a waste of product. In many cases, disinfectants will require a few minutes to sit before they can be removed from the surface. Pay close attention to hazard warnings and only mix cleaners and disinfectants if the labels indicate it is safe to do so, as mixing some (such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners) can result in serious injury or death.
Update Your Cleaning Routine This Cold and Flu Season
Are you looking for a more in-depth routine for cleaning your facility this season? Lawton Brothers is just a call away. With 77 years of experience in the janitorial industry, we know a thing or two about cleaning. Contact us and one of our certified professionals can help with your questions or set you up with a free cleaning audit. Call today at: 800.432.0813.