Is Your Milwaukee Office Ready for Flu Season? How to Maintain a Clean and Safe Workspace

Flu season brings challenges for offices everywhere. Each year, millions of people get sick from the flu, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that flu seasons can lead to around 9 million to 45 million illnesses annually in the U.S. The proximity of coworkers increases the chance of germs spreading. To protect everyone's health, maintaining a clean workspace is crucial. This blog post will share practical strategies to help minimize illness during flu season.

Understanding the Risks

Flu viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours. A study from the American Journal of Infection Control shows that the virus remains infectious on hard surfaces like stainless steel for up to 48 hours. In an office, items such as desks, doorknobs, telephones, and shared equipment can become hotspots for germs. By knowing how these viruses spread, you can take effective steps to prevent outbreaks.

Milwaukee winters can be even more unforgiving, bringing people indoors earlier in the fall and forcing them indoors later in the spring than many other areas of the US.

Regular cleaning and sanitation of high-touch areas can significantly lower the number of germs in your workspace. Prioritizing the disinfection of these surfaces is essential.

Creating a Cleaning Schedule

A consistent office cleaning schedule is vital for maintaining health and safety.

• Daily Cleaning: High-traffic areas need attention every day. Focus on surfaces like desks, break rooms, and bathrooms. For example, using an EPA-approved disinfectant, which kills 99.9% of germs, can effectively reduce surface contamination.

  
  

• Deep Cleaning: Schedule a thorough deep cleaning once a week. This not only includes floors but also items like carpets and upholstery. According to The Cleaning Institute, deep cleaning can reduce bacteria levels by 90% or more.

  
  

Hiring a Milwaukee janitorial service can ensure regular cleanliness, allowing employees to concentrate on their work.

Stocking Essential Supplies

Having the right cleaning supplies is vital for maintaining a healthy office environment.

• Disinfectants: Ensure employees have access to effective disinfectants. Products labeled with at least 70% alcohol are necessary for effective germ elimination.

  
  

• Hand Sanitizers: Position hand sanitizer stations near entryways and breakrooms. According to the CDC, regular hand sanitization can reduce the risk of infection by 80%.

  
  

• Wipes: Provide sanitizing wipes at workstations. Research indicates that employees who clean their desks daily can decrease the spread of flu viruses by as much as 28%.

  
  

A study by Furniture At Work found that door handles can have 30 times more bacteria than toilet seats.

Encouraging Healthy Practices

Promoting health-conscious behaviors among employees is crucial for workplace safety.

• Awareness Campaigns: Launch health awareness initiatives that educate staff about flu prevention. For instance, consider distributing flyers with tips on handwashing and respiratory hygiene.

  
  

• Sick Policy: Encourage team members feeling unwell to stay home. A study found that workplaces that encourage sick employees to take sick leave see a 26.2% decrease in overall illness.

  
  

• Remote Work Options: If possible, allow flexible remote work during peak flu seasons. This can help lower the number of people in the office at any time, decreasing exposure risk.

  
  

Keeping Communication Open

Clear communication is key to maintaining a clean and safe office environment.

• Feedback Channels: Open feedback channels are essential for employees to voice concerns about cleanliness. This can help address issues promptly.

  
  

• Updates on Procedures: Keep staff informed about new cleaning protocols or changes in health guidelines. Regular updates foster a shared sense of responsibility and community health.

  
  

Ensuring a Safe Office Environment

Keeping the office clean during flu season is crucial for protecting employee health. A proactive approach involving a regular cleaning schedule, essential supplies, and encouraging healthy practices reduces the risk of spreading germs and flu viruses among staff.

As flu season approaches, implementing these measures can help create a safer work environment, allowing employees to stay healthy and productive.

A study found that workplaces that encourage sick employees to take sick leave see a 26.2% decrease in overall illness.