Flu season is in full swing, and in an office setting, it can spread quickly. Offices are covered in germs and unfortunately, flu viruses are able to survive on any hard surface for up to 48 hours. This means that even if you don't come in direct contact with anyone who is sick, you can still get infected with the virus just by touching something that a sick person touched. The flu can cost a company big time, with people out sick and minimal productivity taking place. If you're a business owner, flu season can mean bad times for your company. Thankfully, there are easy things you can do to prevent a flu epidemic from wiping out your office.
Get a Flu Shot
Vaccinations are the most effective way of ensuring you don't catch the flu. Not only should you get a flu shot, but you should encourage all of your employees to get one as well. One great way to ensure everyone gets vaccinated is by offering on-site vaccinations. In doing this, employees will be more encouraged to get their shot than if they had to go to a doctor's office or pharmacy.
Send Sick Employees Home
There are always a few extremely stubborn employees who insist on coming into work, even if they're really sick. You should encourage them to take a sick day, rather than risk them spreading the virus to everyone in the office. If the work they need to do is critical, an alternative solution would be to have them work remotely. This way, they can get their work done while minimizing the risk of spreading the virus.
Encourage Responsible Hygiene
All adults should be aware of the importance of good hygiene, but it never hurts to reiterate during flu season. This is why you should post or share guidelines for basic hygiene throughout the office. Additionally, you could bring everyone together for a meeting to really get your point across. At the very least, you should encourage the following:
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, as often as possible.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.
- Refrain from using other co-workers' office equipment when possible.
Consider Office Cleaning Janitorial Services
Office cleaning janitorial services can do a much better job of providing office cleaning services than you and your employees can. Flu season is definitely a reason your office could need janitorial cleaning services. Not only do they have the right tools and products for professional office cleaning, but they know where the dirtiest, germiest places in an office setting are. By investing in office cleaning janitorial services, you can rest assured that your office is as clean and germ-free as possible.
Flu season can be a trying time for any organization, but as a business owner, it's up to you to keep your office clean and your employees as healthy as possible.
