Tissues on desks, dry air in the hallways, and sniffles around every corner? Yup—it’s cold and flu season. But with a little strategy, your workplace can stay ahead of the germs.
Here’s how to stay alert, reduce the spread, and protect your team using the “3 A’s.”
1. Awareness: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
When it comes to staying healthy, awareness is your first defense.
Simple actions can make a big difference:
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Be mindful of what (and who) you touch
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Wash your hands often—20 seconds with soap
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Disinfect shared surfaces and high-touch areas (door handles, light switches, break room counters)
Even though COVID-19 is no longer front-page news, many of the same safety practices still apply.
Want to go further?
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Replace communal candy dishes and buffet-style lunches with individually wrapped items
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Post friendly signage to encourage cleanliness
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Model the behavior: tidy up shared areas, sanitize workspaces, and keep hand sanitizer available
A clean space sends a strong message—this team cares.
2. Application: Invest in Preventative Measures
Good hygiene isn’t just a habit—it’s a smart business decision.
Did you know a traditional bathroom faucet can harbor over 127,000 bacteria per square centimeter? Yikes.
That’s where hands-free tech comes in.
Consider upgrading to:
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Touchless soap dispensers
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Motion-activated faucets
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Automatic hand dryers
Yes, there’s an upfront cost—but the payoff comes in fewer sick days and healthier employees.
Partnering with a professional cleaning team also ensures proper use of disinfectants (with correct dwell times) and deeper sanitation that your in-house crew may not have time to tackle.
3. Absenteeism: The Hidden Cost of Sick Days
Nearly 60% of employees call in sick at least five days a year.
Let’s break that down:
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A 100-person company loses about 58 workdays annually
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A 10-person team? You’re down nearly half your staff when illness hits
Between reduced productivity, overtime, and missed deadlines, the costs add up—$225 billion a year for U.S. employers, to be exact.
Routine commercial cleaning can help:
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Reduce germ hotspots
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Keep high-touch surfaces disinfected
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Limit the spread of illness before it impacts your bottom line
Final Thoughts: Keep It Clean, Keep It Moving
Whether it’s COVID-19, the common cold, or the latest flu strain, germs travel in three main ways:
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Airborne: Someone sneezing, coughing, or talking too close
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Direct contact: Handshakes, hugs, high-fives
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Indirect contact: Shared surfaces like microwaves, doorknobs, faucets, and office supplies
When in doubt, follow the basics:
✔ Wash your hands
✔ Cover your cough or sneeze
✔ Stay home if you’re sick