The current pandemic is unprecedented. Employers and employees alike are concerned about how the Coronavirus may spread through the workplace. Employers are unsure about the safety of the people who work with them and the clients who visit their office. Now more than ever, it is vital to take steps to ensure your office is clean and safe.

Below are a few suggestions on steps you can take to keep your office clean and safe during an outbreak based on the CDC’s recommendations. 

Disclaimer: what you will read below is intended to reduce the virus’s risk spreading in your office. Even if you and your employees practice all of these things, you are still at risk of becoming infected.

1. TELL EMPLOYEES TO STAY HOME IF THEY ARE SICK

If ill, staying home is always a good practice to have in place, but it is critical right now. To prevent the spread of a virus-like Coronavirus, sick people need to stay at home – even if they have mild symptoms. This is going to make a huge difference in whether or not others become infected.

2. EVERYONE NEEDS TO WASH THEIR HANDS DILIGENTLY

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC recommend that we all wash our hands often and for at least 20 seconds. WHO has a graphic that you can print out and post in your restrooms that shows proper handwashing technique. Handwashing is the best way to clean your hands. 

If soap and water are not readily available, people can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol and wash with soap and water as soon as possible.

3. REGULARLY WIPE DOWN HIGH-TOUCH AREAS

Have your employees wipe down high-touch areas with cleaning wipes or a paper towel with a cleaner that contains bleach.

Some high-touch areas around the office include:

  • Phones
  • Door handles
  • Coffee pot handle
  • Armrests on chairs

4. PRACTICE COUGHING AND SNEEZING ETIQUETTE

Follow coughing and sneezing etiquette, whether there is an outbreak or not. If you are going to sneeze or cough, do it into a tissue, dispose of that tissue, and then wash your hands. If a tissue is not around, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow.

5. AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS

There are events that employees attend as a representative of your company with high volumes of other people, i.e., seminars, conferences, large networking events, trade shows, etc. Many of these large events have been canceled, but if an employee can attend a large event, we suggest telling them not to go.

6. HAVE AN OFFICE CLEANING CREW TRAINED IN COVID-19 DEEP CLEANING

If you don’t already have an office cleaning service with a team trained in COVID-19 Deep Cleaning for infection control, this is something to consider investing in – at least in the short-term. To find out how Integrity Janitorial Cleaning Services can best help you and your company, fill out our Contact Form to receive a free consultation.  We’ll help keep your office safe and clean!