Winter Germs and Office Hygiene: Protecting Your Team This Flu Season

As the New Year begins, winter is in full swing, and so is flu season. For businesses, this can mean increased employee sick days, lower productivity, and the potential spread of illness throughout the workplace. However, by prioritising office hygiene and implementing effective cleaning practices, you can create a healthier environment for your team and reduce the risks associated with winter germs.

Here’s how professional cleaning services, like those offered by Unique Support Services Ltd, can help you protect your staff and keep your business running smoothly during flu season.

 

Why Winter Germs Are a Bigger Threat

Winter brings colder temperatures, shorter days, and a tendency for people to spend more time indoors. This combination creates the perfect environment for germs to spread. Shared office spaces, particularly those with open-plan layouts, are hotspots for bacteria and viruses. High-touch areas such as door handles, keyboards, telephones, and communal kitchens can quickly become breeding grounds for harmful microbes.

Without regular and thorough cleaning, these germs can linger and infect employees, leading to a cycle of illness that disrupts workflow and team productivity.

 

Key Areas to Focus On for Flu Prevention

To minimise the spread of germs in your workplace, it’s essential to prioritise cleaning and sanitisation in the following areas:

1. Desks and Workstations – Employees spend a significant portion of their day at their desks, making these areas prime spots for germs. Regularly wiping down surfaces, keyboards, and computer mice with disinfectant can make a big difference.

2. High-Touch Surfaces – Door handles, light switches, lift buttons, and shared equipment such as photocopiers should be cleaned multiple times a day to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Break Rooms and Kitchens – Communal spaces where food is prepared and consumed are particularly susceptible to bacteria build-up. Sanitising countertops, sinks, and appliances is essential for maintaining hygiene.

4. Restrooms – Ensuring restrooms are cleaned and disinfected daily is critical for preventing the spread of germs. Stocking soap, hand sanitiser, and paper towels also encourages proper hygiene among staff.

 

The Role of Professional Cleaning Services

Professional cleaning services are essential for maintaining a clean, healthy workplace, especially during flu season. Here’s how Unique Support Services can support your business:

1. Regular Sanitisation – Our team uses advanced techniques, including fogging and anti-viral cleaning, to eliminate germs effectively and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

2. Periodic Deep Cleans – Deep cleaning is an essential process that should be carried out every six months to a year, complementing regular daily or weekly cleaning routines. Unlike routine cleaning, deep cleaning targets hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a comprehensive clean throughout.

3. Fogging Service & Anti-Viral Cleaning – Designed to provide an extra layer of protection during flu season and beyond. Proven to defeat COVID-19, this service ensures your premises are disinfected and sanitised, creating a safe environment for employees and visitors alike.

4. Tailored Cleaning Schedules – We work closely with you to design bespoke cleaning plans that align with your business’s unique requirements, whether daily, weekly, or monthly services.

5. Flu Prevention Expertise – Our expertise in flu prevention ensures that all high-risk areas, including high-touch surfaces and communal spaces, are treated with the utmost care, providing long-lasting results.

  

Tips for Employees to Stay Healthy

In addition to professional cleaning services, encourage your staff to:

• Wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitiser when soap isn’t available.
• Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when sneezing or coughing.
• Stay home if they feel unwell to avoid spreading illness.

 

The Bottom Line

A clean office isn’t just about appearances; it’s about protecting your team’s health and ensuring your business operates efficiently. Investing in professional cleaning services during flu season is a proactive step that demonstrates your commitment to employee well-being.

At Unique Support Services, we specialise in creating healthier work environments throughout London and the South East. Contact us today to discuss how we can help your business combat winter germs and keep your workplace safe and productive all season long.