Flu and cold season can quickly turn an office into a hotspot for germs. Shared workspaces, high-touch surfaces, and close contact make it easy for viruses to spread. Sick employees mean lower productivity, missed deadlines, and a less healthy workplace.
If you’re managing an office in Madison, you know the seasonal challenges well. Winter brings salt and slush into entryways, while shared desks and breakrooms stay busy all year. No matter your office size or layout, there are steps you can take to reduce illness and keep your team healthy.
This guide gives five actionable strategies to keep your Madison office cleaner and safer this flu season.
Quick Takeaways
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily, including keyboards, doorknobs, and light switches.
- Deep clean shared spaces like breakrooms and restrooms regularly.
- Encourage proper hand hygiene and provide sanitizing stations.
- Maintain HVAC systems and air quality to reduce airborne germs.
- Schedule professional cleaning when needed for carpets, upholstery, and vents.
Office Cleaning Strategies for Flu Season
1. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Keyboards, mice, phones, and desks are major germ hotspots. Doorknobs, light switches, handles, and shared equipment also carry bacteria and viruses.
Using EPA-approved disinfectants or safe alternatives ensures these surfaces stay clean without harming your staff or office equipment.
2. Focus on Shared Spaces
Breakrooms, kitchens, and restrooms get a lot of traffic. Wipe down sinks, counters, tables, and appliances daily.
Empty trash bins and sanitize recycling containers to keep these areas hygienic and inviting for everyone.
3. Improve Air Quality
Airborne germs spread easily in office environments. Replace HVAC filters regularly and clean vents to improve airflow.
Dust ceiling fans and air ducts, and consider adding air purifiers to common areas to reduce allergens and viruses.
4. Encourage Employee Hygiene
Provide handwashing and sanitizer stations throughout the office. Remind employees to stay home if they’re feeling sick. Encourage staff to wipe down personal workspaces daily to prevent germs from spreading.
5. Adjust Cleaning Frequency
During peak flu months (October through March), increase cleaning frequency. Focus on high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces.
Using a cleaning schedule helps ensure no spot is missed and keeps your office consistently germ-free.
FAQs
How often should I disinfect high-touch surfaces?
High-touch areas like keyboards, doorknobs, and shared equipment should be disinfected daily. This keeps germs from spreading and helps protect your team during flu season.
Can professional cleaning reduce employee sick days?
Yes. Professional cleaning, including carpets, upholstery, and vents, removes germs that regular in-house cleaning might miss. This lowers the risk of employees getting sick and keeps productivity high.
What cleaning products are safe and effective in offices?
EPA-approved disinfectants, microfiber cloths, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions are all effective for office surfaces. They clean thoroughly without harming people or electronics.
Should offices rely on in-house cleaning or hire professionals?
Daily maintenance like wiping desks and sanitizing keyboards can be done in-house. However, deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, vents, and shared spaces benefits from professional expertise.
Keep Your Madison Office Clean and Healthy
Seasonal cleaning takes time, but it’s worth it for a healthier, more productive workplace. For a truly germ-free office, check out our professional office cleaning services in Madison, WI and nearby areas to schedule your seasonal deep clean or recurring maintenance plan.
Our experienced staff uses eco-friendly products and offers customizable cleaning plans tailored to your office’s unique needs. Whether it’s a one-time deep clean or ongoing service, we’ll help keep your Madison office safe, clean, and ready for every season.
