How Can You Protect Your Office During Flu Season?

Flu season can cause many problems to offices in Singapore, but you can take steps to protect your employees from it. This guide will put you on the right path to a hygienic workplace that will keep the flu from spreading.

Like many places around the world, Singapore is no stranger to flu seasons. In fact, we typically have them twice a year — one from May to August and the other from December to March.

It’s important for businesses to always be on their guard once flu cases are on the rise. Being sick could cause problems like absenteeism and low productivity, which would lead to financial losses too.

But how do you keep your office safe during such times? From practising proper hygiene to booking Singapore’s office cleaning services, here’s a guide to what you can do when flu season comes around again.

What Makes Your Workplace Vulnerable During Flu Season?

First, we need to understand what puts your office in danger of the flu spreading.

Plenty of Shared Surfaces

Offices are full of objects that are prime real estate to germs. These include desks, doorknobs, switches, meeting room tables, and the counters in the pantry. The more people that touch a contaminated surface, the higher the risk of transmitting the flu throughout the place.

Poor Airflow

An air-conditioned office needs ample air circulation so it doesn’t trap and keep contaminated air flowing throughout the area. If there’s no way for fresh air to come in, then there’s a great chance that the virus reaches everyone indoors.

Work Pressures

A workplace culture that makes employees reluctant to call in sick will only increase the chances of flu transmission. They may feel compelled to come to work even if they’re clearly unwell.

You Should Stay Hygienic at Work

A flu-free office starts with having strong hygiene practices. Consider fostering these healthy habits:

Promote Flu Vaccinations

Got employees who haven’t had their annual flu jab yet? Do encourage them to do so, such as by organising an on-site flu vaccination drive. The more convenient you make it for them to get their shots, the less likely they are to refuse it.

Provide Hygiene Supplies

It would also be a good idea to have hygiene stations around the office. These should include items like alcohol or sanitisers, tissues, antibacterial wipes, and no-touch dustbins. Remember to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re always restocked soon after they’re all depleted.

Encourage Proper Handwashing Techniques

Regular handwashing goes a long way to preventing germs from contaminating various surfaces. Try setting up simple posters in the restrooms to teach the staff to wash their hands correctly.

Don’t Pressure Them to Come to Work

If you truly care for your employees’ well-being, don’t make them feel guilty for not coming to work if they’re down with the flu. Let them rest and recover until they're fit to return. If they do insist on working, see if the office allows for remote work arrangements.

Frequent Cleaning is a Must

While hygiene is indeed important for preventing the flu from spreading, so is cleaning your office in Singapore.

Here are some tips to maintain cleanliness at work:

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, appliances, and countertops every day.

• You can provide employees with disinfecting wipes for them to clean their workspaces with.

• Consider getting the air conditioning systems cleaned to ensure good airflow throughout the office.

• You can also have your carpeting deep cleaned to completely get rid of any contaminants on them.

If you want to have consistent hygiene standards, perhaps you should outsource your cleaning needs to one of Singapore’s office cleaning companies. They use industry-grade products to effectively remove viruses and other microbes, plus it keeps your people safe since they don’t have to do as much cleaning themselves. If you don’t want to disturb your staff, it’s easy to schedule the cleaning sessions after work hours.

Do What’s Best for Your Employees

Flu season can wreak havoc on your office in Singapore if you hardly care for your workers’ health. But if you take their needs seriously and do what must be done to have a clean and hygienic work environment, they will pay you back by doing better for the business.

If you need more help having the workplace cleaned, just reach out to a professional cleaner today. Let’s fight against the flu together, shall we?