Flu season hits every year without fail, making it an annual concern that can significantly impact your workforce. Unfortunately, with the recent COVID-19 surges to be concerned about on top of the usual flu this time, all it takes is one infected individual to spread the virus and put your entire team at risk.
The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both are considered infectious diseases that can be spread when infected individuals sneeze, cough, or speak. Coughing near someone’s desk, or sneezing into their hands and touching doorknobs or light switches can also expose others to these illnesses.
Preparing for flu in the workplace is not just a matter of keeping your employees healthy; it’s also a strategic move to stop the spread of diseases and maintain a happy, satisfied, and productive workforce.
Why Prepare for Flu Season
Flu season is known for its ability to spread quickly and cause disruptions in the workplace. The same goes for the pandemic; a careless decline in preventive measures can drive case upticks that can deal a heavy blow to your productivity.
Here are a few reasons why preparing for flu season should be your top priority:
- Employee Health and Well-Being: Both the flu and COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even fatalities. By taking proactive measures, you protect the health and well-being of your employees and show them that you prioritize their safety.
- Reduced Absenteeism: When illnesses spread in your workplace, many employees call in sick, reducing productivity and unfortunately adding stress to those who remain. On the other hand, learning how to prepare for flu season can help you minimize absenteeism and keep everyone’s workloads manageable.
- Maintained Productivity: A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Reducing sick days leads to greater efficiency and continuity in your operations.
How To Prepare for Flu Season
After unpacking the top reasons to prepare for flu season and possible Covid surges in the following months, it’s time to get to work. Here are some practical steps you can take to achieve and maintain a healthier workplace:
Monitor Flu Alerts from the CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides valuable information about flu activity in your region. It also releases regular information about Covid hospitalizations and spikes across the states. Monitoring their alerts and guidance can help you stay ahead of the potential health impacts on your workplace and take timely action.
Regularly Disinfect Shared Areas
One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases in your office is through meticulous and regular cleaning and disinfection. Utilizing professional cleaning services that offer custom cleaning plans, including the use of color-coded materials and electrostatic cleaning technologies, can ensure that your workplace remains a clean and safe environment.
Promote Good Hygiene and Wellness in Your Workplace
Encourage employees to adopt healthy habits. Provide hand sanitizers and tissues, and encourage regular handwashing. If possible, having an on-site flu shot clinic where your employees can get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is also a good idea. This is an easy and convenient way for your team to get protected from severe illnesses.
Advise Sick Employees To Stay at Home
It’s crucial to communicate the importance of sick employees staying home to recover and prevent spreading viruses to others. Those who are well but living with a sick family member with the flu should be encouraged to monitor their health daily and notify their managers if they become ill.
This ultimately boils down to encouraging a culture where employees feel comfortable taking sick days when necessary.
Review Your Telework Policies
Incorporate flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuting, to limit exposure during flu season. This not only protects your employees, but also ensures business continuity.
Your Reliable Partner in Fighting Against Flu in the Workplace
Preparing for flu season and possible Covid surges is an essential aspect of workplace management. By staying informed, maintaining a clean environment, promoting good hygiene, and considering flexible work arrangements, you can reduce their impact on your business.
It’s best not to wait until the virus has spread inside your workplace. Take proactive measures now to protect your employees and maintain a productive workplace. Consider working with a professional business office cleaning service to ensure all your cleaning and hygiene needs are met.
If you’re looking for a partner you can rely on as you keep the flu and other viruses out of your office, you’ll find a dependable team in a JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting cleaning franchisee. They specialize in business office cleaning and offer plans tailored to your needs. Best of all, they use HEPA-filter vacuums, electrostatic cleaning technologies, and color-coded cleaning supplies to keep your workplace clean and free from harmful pathogens.
Get in touch today to discover how your JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting local cleaning company can address your business’s needs and keep it healthy all year round.
Cleaning and disinfecting services provided by independently owned and operated JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting franchisees.