Flu Season Office Cleaning: Keeping Your Workplace Healthy When It Matters Most

Introduction: Flu season in Ontario can be rough – for individuals and businesses alike. When employees are sick, productivity suffers. In fact, research by ISSA (the cleaning industry association) shows that a well-cleaned workspace can reduce the spread of viruses by up to 80% and cut absenteeism almost in half. The takeaway? Proactive cleaning and sanitization during flu season isn’t just about looking good; it directly impacts your company’s bottom line. So, how can your office stay healthy when germs are flying around? Here are some timely tips to ramp up cleaning efforts and keep those colds and flu bugs at bay.

Target High-Touch Surfaces (and Clean Them Often)

During flu season, frequency of cleaning is key – especially for the areas everyone touches. Think door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, shared kitchen appliances, and keyboards or touchscreens. These high-touch surfaces can harbor viruses for days. To combat this, clean these spots multiple times each day. Use appropriate disinfectants (wipes or sprays that are effective against viruses) and make sure to follow the product’s dwell time instructions (letting the disinfectant sit wet on the surface for the recommended time). By regularly sanitizing these germ hot spots, you significantly reduce the chance of illness spreading around the office.

Step Up Your Routine Office Cleaning Schedule

In flu-heavy months, a cursory nightly office clean might not be enough. Step up the scope of regular cleaning. This might mean vacuuming and dusting more frequently to remove germ-carrying particles, taking out trash daily and using microfiber cloths that better trap contaminants. Pay special attention to communal areas like break rooms and conference rooms: clean tables, chairs, and phones in these spaces daily. If your office normally gets professional cleaning once a week, consider twice a week during peak illness season. Increasing the overall cleanliness of the environment creates less opportunity for viruses to survive and spread.

Promote Hand Hygiene and Stock Up on Supplies

Cleaning staff can’t do it alone – flu prevention is a team effort. Encourage your employees to practice good hand hygiene throughout the day. Make it easy by placing hand sanitizer dispensers in convenient spots (entryways, meeting rooms, near desks) and keeping them filled. Post friendly reminders in restrooms about proper handwashing. Ensure that sinks are stocked with plenty of soap and paper towels. Providing disinfectant wipes for employees to quickly sanitize their own workstations or shared equipment is also a smart move. When everyone is mindful of hygiene – and has the tools to maintain it – the office becomes more resilient against the flu.

Plan Periodic Deep Cleans or Fogging Services

Beyond the day-to-day upkeep, it’s wise to schedule periodic deep cleanings during flu season. A professional deep clean might involve disinfecting carpets and upholstery (where germs can linger in fibers), doing an electrostatic spray or fogging treatment to sanitize hard-to-reach areas, and thoroughly cleaning areas not addressed in routine cleans. Consider timing a couple of these intensive cleanings during the fall and winter – for example, one at the start of flu season and another mid-winter. These deep cleans, performed by a professional crew, act as a reset button for your office’s hygiene. This ensures any germ buildup is eliminated, giving your staff a healthier environment.

Conclusion & Call to Action: Flu season doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your workplace. By stepping up your cleaning regimen (and keeping your office well-ventilated) and enlisting professional help when needed, you can significantly reduce the spread of illness and keep your team healthier. Twin City Commercial Cleaners offers flexible cleaning and sanitization services tailored for flu season – from frequent high-touch surface disinfecting to one-time deep sanitizing treatments. Ready to safeguard your office against the flu? Contact us today to discuss a custom flu-season cleaning plan and keep your workforce healthy and productive.

About Us:Twin City Commercial Cleaners goes above and beyond industry standards to offer thorough and reliable commercial cleaning services. Whether you need basic cleaning maintenance or full janitorial services, we have you covered. With over 30 years of experience, we are bonded, insured, and dedicated to enhancing the safety of your workplace. We proudly serve Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding areas. Reach out to us at 519-504-0061 or info@tcitycleaners.com.