Flu season is well underway, but it’s not the only health concern employers should be aware of. According to recent reports from NPR, we have another tripledemic situation with COVID-19, flu, and RSV infections all on the rise.¹ Experts warn that this combination of respiratory illnesses is putting added pressure on individuals and healthcare systems alike, emphasizing the need for preventative measures in shared environments where the risk of spreading illnesses is increased—like the workplace.

Encouraging personal hygiene in the workplace is a critical first step in combating the spread of these illnesses. Promoting hygiene practices, implementing workplace cleaning policies, and leveraging professional cleaning services can significantly reduce absenteeism and maintain a safe, productive environment.

Explore actionable strategies to foster workplace hygiene and learn how Commercial Cleaning Corporation can help protect your workforce during this challenging season.

The Importance of Workplace Hygiene During Flu Season

Effective workplace hygiene is essential for mitigating the risks associated with flu season. Germs can spread quickly in shared offices and working spaces, leading to illnesses that disrupt operations and lower team morale. Proactively addressing hygiene among team members not only reduces the likelihood of outbreaks but can also instill confidence in employees, clients, and visitors.

The flu virus is notoriously resilient, surviving on surfaces for extended periods. High-touch areas like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones are particularly vulnerable. Keeping these areas consistently sanitized helps limit exposure to germs.

Fostering a Team Mindset for Cleanliness & Safety

Creating a hygienic workplace is a team effort, but addressing personal hygiene in the workplace can be a delicate topic. Encourage your employees to take responsibility for cleanliness while at work to build a stronger sense of community and safety. Here are some strategies:

Use Visual Reminders: Place signs in bathrooms, break rooms, and high-traffic areas to remind employees of best practices, such as proper handwashing and sanitizing.
Emphasize Handwashing: Again, handwashing is one of the most basic yet effective methods of preventing the spread of illnesses. Remind employees to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Send Regular Updates: Use email blasts or internal newsletters to share tips and updates about workplace hygiene—even the latest local news articles about outbreaks.
Supply Hand Sanitizers: Place hand sanitizer dispensers in common areas like meeting rooms, break rooms, and entryways. Now that sanitizers are more commonplace in stores, you can find easy-to-install options and freestanding equipment for your office or facility.
Encourage Desk Cleanliness: Remind employees to maintain their desks regularly, cleaning surfaces, keyboards, and personal items with disinfectant wipes.
Develop a Workplace Hygiene Policy: Establish clear expectations for hygiene practices and make the policy easily accessible. This gets everyone on the same page regarding cleanliness standards and responsibilities. You can start by using tools like our flu-killing guide for offices.
Reinforce Policies: Regularly communicate and update your workplace hygiene policy to confirm that employees understand its importance and benefits.

Addressing sensitive issues like personal hygiene doesn’t have to feel awkward. Framing these measures as part of a collective effort to protect everyone’s health creates a supportive, nonjudgmental culture.

Daily Cleaning Habits to Support Workplace Hygiene

Everyday cleaning routines are key to creating a germ-free environment. Here are some tips to keep the workplace clean and reduce the spread of viruses:

Focus on High-Touch Areas: Regularly disinfect doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, telephones, and shared equipment.
Keep Floors & Carpets Clean: Yes, even floors can spread germs in the form of dust, dirt, and bacteria. Routine vacuuming and mopping are crucial.
Address Windows & Dust: A clean, dust-free environment improves air quality and reduces allergens that can weaken immune systems.
Provide Cleaning Supplies: Stock cleaning stations with disinfectant wipes, sprays, and hand sanitizers to make cleanliness accessible.

For an in-depth look at cleaning strategies, check out our blog on workplace deep cleaning tips.

How Professional Cleaning Services Enhance Flu Season Preparedness

Expert cleaning services from a seasoned provider like Commercial Cleaning Corporation offer a critical layer of protection during flu season. These services ensure that your workplace is thoroughly disinfected and safe for employees. Key benefits include:

Regular Disinfection: Professional cleaners focus on high-touch areas and shared spaces to eliminate germs effectively.
Deep Cleaning: Beyond daily maintenance, deep cleaning targets hidden dirt and bacteria that standard cleaning might miss.
Expertise & Precision: Professionals use industry-grade tools and techniques to provide a level of cleanliness that’s hard to achieve with in-house efforts.

Collaborating with a professional cleaning company not only protects your team but also reinforces your commitment to their health and well-being.

Partner with Commercial Cleaning Corporation

Learning how to address hygiene in the workplace during flu season is an investment in your team’s health, safety, and productivity. From establishing clear policies to leveraging professional cleaning services, every step contributes to a healthier work environment.

Commercial Cleaning Corporation has the expertise and resources to keep your workplace clean and safe during flu season and beyond. Schedule a consultation or cleaning service today to refine your office’s cleaning practices and flu season preparedness.

Prepare your workplace for a healthier and more productive 2025 with a comprehensive winter cleaning plan that emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and employee well-being. Contact us today to discover how our professional services can help you achieve your goals for the year ahead.

Sources:

1. Winter Illnesses Return with a Vengeance, NPR Shots (Health News)