How to Avoid the Flu at Work
Introduction
At Buildingstars, our mission extends beyond just cleaning; we are dedicated to creating safe, clean, and healthy workspaces that enhance productivity and well-being. As flu season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of flu in the workplace. Here’s our expert guide on how to keep your work environment flu-free.
Flu also affects employers and businesses and costs an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs in the US annually. During the 2021-2022 flu season, flu vaccination prevented approximately 9 million flu illnesses, 100,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths.
National Foundation Of Infectious Diseases
Understanding the Flu
The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to hospitalization or death. Knowing how it spreads is key to prevention.
Preventive Measures
Regular and Thorough Cleaning
Flu viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones is essential. Buildingstars’ comprehensive cleaning services ensure these areas are not just cleaned but sanitized.
Encourage Good Hygiene Practices
Promote regular handwashing among employees. Provide hand sanitizers in common areas. Remind employees to avoid touching their faces, especially the nose, mouth, and eyes.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Keep up with local health advisories and educate your employees about the flu vaccine. Consider hosting a flu vaccination clinic at your workplace.
Promote a Stay-Home Policy for Sick Employees
Encourage employees who are feeling unwell to stay at home. This helps in preventing the spread of the flu to healthy individuals at work.
Ventilation and Air Quality
Proper ventilation is important in preventing the spread of airborne illnesses. Ensure that your HVAC system is regularly maintained and filters are changed as needed.
Buildingstars’ Specialty Services for Flu Prevention
Electrostatic Fogging
Electrostatic Fogging is an innovative service, specifically designed to elevate flu prevention in office spaces. This advanced technique uses electrostatically charged mist to ensure comprehensive coverage of surfaces, targeting hard-to-reach areas often missed by traditional cleaning methods.
The mist contains EPA-approved disinfectants effective against a wide range of pathogens, including flu viruses. By wrapping around and adhering to all surfaces, it provides a thorough disinfection, significantly reducing the risk of flu virus transmission.
This service is especially crucial during flu season, offering businesses an extra layer of protection to maintain a healthy and productive work environment.
Deep Cleans
Deep cleaning services offer a thorough and meticulous cleaning solution that is essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant office environment.
This service goes beyond the scope of regular cleaning, targeting accumulated dirt, grime, and pathogens that can contribute to a less hygienic workspace. Deep Cleans involve detailed attention to every nook and cranny, including areas that are often overlooked in daily cleaning routines, such as behind appliances, under furniture, and high-touch surfaces.
This comprehensive approach ensures the removal of allergens, dust, and potential health hazards, creating a cleaner, fresher, and more inviting office space. Particularly beneficial for combating the spread of illnesses, deep cleaning is instrumental in maintaining a healthier environment for employees, reducing absenteeism and boosting overall productivity.
Customized Cleaning Plans
Customized cleaning plans are tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of each office space, ensuring an optimal clean that aligns perfectly with your business’s specific requirements.
Recognizing that every office is different, these plans are meticulously crafted, taking into consideration factors such as office size, employee count, industry-specific needs, and frequency of cleaning. Whether it’s daily upkeep, specialized services like carpet extraction, or attention to high-traffic areas, our customized cleaning plans are designed to deliver precision cleaning. This flexibility allows us to focus on areas that matter most to your business, enhancing efficiency and reducing unnecessary costs.
More than just a cleaning service, customized cleaning plans represent a partnership in maintaining a workspace that not only looks pristine but also fosters a healthier, more productive environment for your employees. By adapting to your specific cleaning needs, we help create an environment where your business can thrive.
Conclusion
Preventing the flu at work requires a combined effort from both employers and employees. At Buildingstars, we are committed to being your partner in this endeavor, providing top-notch commercial cleaning services to ensure a healthier, more productive workplace.
For more information on our services and how we can help you keep your workplace flu-free, contact us today.