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 combined with the flu, all it takes is one infected individual to spread the virus and put your entire team at risk. 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. It’s essential to protect your employees from getting sick. One of the best ways to do this is to disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your office. As a top commercial cleaning service in Atlanta, we’ll review the importance of disinfecting for the flu season for the well-being of employees and their productivity.

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. This increase 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: 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. Being proactive also shows 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, preparing 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-19 hospitalizations and spikes across the states. Monitoring their alerts and guidance can help you stay ahead of the potential health impacts on your workplace. As a result, you can take timely action.

Regularly Disinfect Shared Areas  

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases is through meticulous and regular cleaning and disinfection. Utilizing professional cleaning services that offer custom cleaning plans, including 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 onsite flu shot clinic offering your employees vaccines against the flu and COVID-19 is also a good idea. An onsite clinic is an easy and convenient way to protect your team 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. Encourage those who are well but living with a sick family member with the flu to monitor their health daily. Also, encourage these staff members to notify their managers if they become ill. This policy ultimately boils down to fostering 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 policy not only protects your employees but also ensures business continuity.

Your Reliable Partner in Fighting Against Flu in the Workplace

In conclusion, 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 commercial cleaning service to ensure you meet all your cleaning and hygiene needs. 

If you’re looking for a partner you can rely on as you keep the flu and other viruses out of your office, Integrity Facility Services is here to help make your work environment safe. We offer COVID-19 deep-cleaning solutions and daily, weekly, and monthly commercial cleaning services and floor care management programs. Schedule a free consultation or call (404) 530-0811 to discuss your cleaning and disinfecting needs and get started on a custom cleaning program. By working together, we can help keep your office healthy and productive during flu season.