Preparing Your Milwaukee Office for Flu Season: Tips for a Clean and Safe Workspace

As the cooler months approach, so does the annual flu season. For those working in an office in Milwaukee, taking proactive steps to maintain a clean and safe environment is crucial. The flu virus can spread rapidly, impacting individual health and overall workplace productivity. This blog post provides actionable tips to keep your workspace healthy and minimize the risk of flu transmission among employees.

A study found that workplaces that encourage sick employees to take sick leave see a 26.2% decrease in overall illness.

Understand the Risks

Flu viruses are highly contagious in shared environments. They can transmit through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Furthermore, the virus can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and shared equipment for hours up to multiple days.

For instance, studies show that the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. This means that touching contaminated surfaces can lead to infections, making it essential to implement strong cleaning measures to reduce the chances of outbreaks and help keep everyone healthy.

Create a Hygiene Promotion Plan

Start by educating employees about the importance of good personal hygiene. Promote practices such as:

• Washing hands frequently: Encourage washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before eating.

• Using hand sanitizers: Provide hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol in common areas.

  
  

Make sure to place hand sanitizer stations strategically throughout the office, especially near entrances, break rooms, and shared work spaces.

Additionally, using informational posters about hygiene best practices can be beneficial. Consider distributing brochures or sending out company-wide emails that remind employees of flu symptoms and effective prevention strategies.

Regular Cleaning Schedule

An effective office cleaning schedule is crucial during a Wisconsin flu season. Create a checklist of high-touch areas that need regular cleaning, such as:

• Doorknobs and handles

• Elevator buttons

• Keyboards and mice

• Light switches

• Break room surfaces

• Office equipment surfaces

  
  

Your commercial cleaning staff should focus on these areas daily. For large or busy offices, hiring professional janitorial cleaning services that specialize in commercial spaces may be a worthwhile investment, ensuring thorough and consistent cleaning efforts.

High touch areas such as door handles are the most common way to spread viruses in the office.

Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home

Fostering a work culture where employees feel comfortable staying home when sick is vital. Encourage open communication about health symptoms and create an environment that supports sick employees taking time off without fear of negative consequences.

Research indicates that 78% of infections spread before a person even feels sick. Therefore, allowing individuals to stay home protects not only them but also their coworkers. Make sure to clearly communicate your sick leave policy and emphasize the importance of reporting any flu-like symptoms.

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Promoting your employees to care for themselves year round can yield huge benefits with healthy eating, exercise and mental health. Set up walking clubs or competitions that encourage and motivate employees to meet individual or team goals for physical activity. Provide incentives for active commuting. Encourage managers in your organization to support physical activity efforts among staff.

Companies can offer a variety of additional initiatives, including wellness programs, physical activity incentives, access to resources like fitness memberships and mental health support, and a healthy work environment. Additionally, creating a supportive culture, encouraging open communication, and prioritizing work-life balance are crucial for overall employee well being.

Maintain Good Ventilation

Good ventilation is important for controlling the spread of the flu. Ensure your office has a well-functioning HVAC system that properly circulates air. If necessary, adjust your existing system or use air purifiers, especially in areas with limited airflow.

Proper ventilation can dilute the concentration of airborne viruses, making the environment safer for everyone.

Foster a Culture of Respect

Promote a culture of respect regarding health practices among employees. Remind everyone to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and to dispose of tissues immediately.

Additionally, provide ample trash bins throughout the office, ensuring they are emptied frequently. This not only helps reduce the spread of the flu but also contributes to a supportive and caring work environment where employees feel valued.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your Milwaukee office for flu season requires a proactive approach. By understanding the risks, promoting good hygiene, maintaining cleanliness, and creating a supportive culture, you can contribute to a healthy workspace for all. Employees who feel safe and cared for are likely to be more productive, which benefits the business overall.

As flu season approaches, take the necessary steps to protect your workforce and create a clean, safe work environment. Implementing these strategies will help promote employee health and foster a thriving workplace throughout the year. Remember, prevention is key, and investing in health now can yield significant benefits in the months to come.