It’s important to be informed about and prepared for illness spreading throughout the workplace so that when cold and flu season rolls around, you have a plan in action.
With City Wide Facility Solutions, you never have to worry whether or not your facility is clean. We understand the critical importance of maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy workplace, especially during flu season. Our comprehensive facility management solutions are designed not only to keep your workplace operating smoothly, but also to keep its employees, customers, and visitors healthy and safe.
If you manage or own a facility, here are some tips for keeping your workplace safe and germ-free this season:
1. Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
One of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness is through frequent and thorough cleaning. It’s essential to establish or enhance cleaning protocols during peak cold and flu season. Key areas to focus on include:
- High-touch surfaces: Desks, doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards, and remote controls are breeding grounds for germs. Make sure these are wiped down regularly with disinfectants.
- Restrooms and kitchens: These areas are used by everyone and should be cleaned frequently. Ensure that soap dispensers, paper towel holders, faucets, and counters are sanitized multiple times throughout the day.
- Common areas: Lobbies, hallways, elevators, and waiting areas should also be cleaned and disinfected, as they see heavy foot traffic and are shared by employees and visitors.
2. Promote Hand Hygiene
Encouraging employees to wash their hands frequently (and using proper technique) can help reduce the spread of germs. Provide hand sanitizers in strategic locations throughout the building, such as at the entrance, in break rooms, and near elevators. Consider placing signs or posters that remind staff and visitors to wash their hands regularly, especially after using shared spaces like restrooms or kitchens.
3. Increase Airflow and Ventilation
Proper ventilation can play a significant role in reducing the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria. Ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently and that air filters are clean. Consider opening windows where possible, even for short periods of time, to allow fresh air to circulate through the space. Investing in air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help keep the air clean and reduce the spread of germs.
4. Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home
While it may seem counterintuitive, encouraging employees to stay home when they’re sick can help reduce the spread of illness throughout the workplace. Implement clear sick leave policies that support employees in staying home when needed. This not only protects the rest of the team but also prevents the sick employee from prolonging their illness or worsening their condition.
5. Regular Deep Cleanings and Disinfection
While daily cleaning helps maintain a basic level of cleanliness, a deep cleaning and disinfection service should be done regularly—especially after an outbreak of illness. A deep cleaning service can disinfect carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces that may not regularly get the attention they need. City Wide provides disinfection services that target areas most susceptible to germs and bacteria, ensuring your space is thoroughly sanitized.
6. Educate Your Employees
Providing employees with information on how to prevent illness is another key aspect of maintaining a healthy workplace. Encourage good hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows, disposing of used tissues, proper hand washing technique, and avoiding touching their faces. You can also consider sending out a company-wide reminder to discuss the importance of illness prevention.
7. Implement Social Distancing and Flexible Work Options
If your workplace has been particularly hard-hit by illness, consider implementing some temporary measures like social distancing or remote work options. If you are able to, you may want to allow employees to work from home if they’re feeling unwell or to stagger shifts to reduce the number of people in the office at any given time. These strategies can limit exposure to germs while maintaining productivity.
8. Professional Facility Management Services
When you choose to invest in facility management services, you never have to worry about whether or not your facility is clean. Comprehensive facility management is designed not only to keep your workplace running smoothly but also to protect the health and safety of everyone within your facility.
At City Wide, we specialize in providing comprehensive, customized facility management services to businesses of all sizes. From routine cleaning to deep disinfecting and everything in between, our professional team ensures that your workplace remains safe, clean, and operational. Contact us today to learn how we can help you!
