It’s that time of the year again when the weather starts ushering in the cold, and icy wind signals the start of Halloween and in a few weeks the Christmas holidays.  Everyone will be snugly wrapped in their scarves and coats while the office heaters work double time to keep everyone in the workplace toasty warm.

Unfortunately, the incoming weather also brings a higher frequency of colds and flu. In the UK, employers have higher sickness costs during these months due to bouts of winter vomiting episodes, coughing and fever. Naturally, a good employer tries his or her best to still come to work despite catching a bit of a bug; but it does pose a threat to everyone else in the office.

There is no better solution than prevention. So, before a single ill employee causes others to go off on sick leave and make the office an empty shell, keep in mind these tips to avoid distributing the holiday bout of flu.

 

Don’t make germs interfere with work

One of the most common ways to get colds or other sicknesses is caused by germs. The office, the loo and the kitchen are breeding grounds for germs to gather. Hands transmit these germs pretty quickly as well. Ensure that the office is well-equipped with hand sanitisers at all times.

To prevent germs from spreading rapidly and unnecessarily, always remind employees to wipe off any electronic devices like tablets, mobile phones and telephone receivers etc. before and after every use. This way, germs do not get easily transmitted every time someone else borrows or uses the device.

It is also the responsibility of an employee to ensure that his or her workspace is thoroughly and regularly wiped clean not just on the surface but even inbetween the keyboard keys and any area such as where files gather dust for being left a while.  Also, ensure that door handles as well as public furniture are cleaned and sprayed with antibacterial spray every day.

 

Regularly clean the filters and empty the bins

A busy and hectic day at work will not help employees be mindful of the overflowing waste basket. People will blow their noses and clean up after themselves in the toilet by throwing the used tissues in an overstuffed rubbish bin. This is a very good area for bacteria to amass. Ensure that there is someone who empties these bins during the course of the day so that it will not fester and cause infection.

Another important thing to remember is to clean the air filter regularly. Dust mites, moulds and pollen can get stuck in these air conditioning ducts and if they are not cleaned out, the result might be a stuffy and sick office.

It is advisable to have a professional cleaning crew take care of the office air filters regularly, as well as the rugs and the machine dispensers that everyone uses. This will guarantee that a job this big and important is taken care of the right way. Clean circulating air is one of the best holiday gifts everyone in the workplace should receive.

RPC Cleaning is eager and ready to provide your workplace or your home with the complete clean and germ-free clean up service before the festive holidays. For tips and cleaning services which are tried, tested and proven, call us today at 0208 994 4778!