Workplace illness is a serious issue and ServiceMaster TBS Pandemic Preparedness Team works hard to help our clients sanitize their spaces, and we want to give you advice on how to prevent this from happening to you! After spending 40 hours a week in the same space with the same people, even those with a flu shot remain vulnerable to the germs around their office. According to some studies, as many as 98% of workers are affected by minor illnesses each year. That is why it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of this illness and to follow these steps in order to prevent it from contaminating your environment.
The first step to fighting off germs is to practice personal hygiene. In order to avoid the many germs that are hidden around the office, it is important to not only wash your hands after using the restroom but to also wash and sanitize throughout the day. To get a full wash, it is important to do it for a full 20 seconds (the amount it takes to sing “happy birthday” twice). Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This is something people don’t realize they are doing but it can rapidly spread germs. Recognizing your risks also means taking the initiative to stay home when you’re feeling ill. With today’s technology, working from home is easier than ever. However, if you have the opportunity to take a day of rest, seize it! Sometimes a few hours of sleep and some vitamins are all you need to get better. If you are feeling ill while at work, make sure you are covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. You should also make sure to wipe down your personal space frequently, as many offices provide cleaning that predominately focuses on common areas.
General office cleaning is also advised to prevent the spread of diseases. Although we’ve already covered where germs are hidden around the office (link to the previous blog), it is important that common areas are properly cleaned. Practices such as wiping down conference tables and sanitizing sinks are important but the health of your employees is best left to the care of a professional. Our team would love to tell you more about our services and what specific practices we would recommend for your office. Contact us if you’re interested in learning more and be sure to check our blog frequently to stay up to date with industry practices, company achievements, and more!
