Now more than ever, it is important to understand that offices are breeding grounds for germs. Appropriate measures should be taken to try to prevent coughs and colds spreading throughout the workplace during the winter.
One way to prevent the spread of germs in the workplace is by ensuring it stays clean, tidy and hygienic.
Windows
Most offices tend to neglect the windows throughout the winter. With the weather being so dark and miserable outside, the windows can get ignored from autumn to spring.
The grubbier the windows become, the greater the effect on the overall office environment. Not to mention, the obvious danger associated with mould spores getting trapped on windows and aggravating breathing issues.
Even if there’s not a lot to see or celebrate outdoors, you still need to keep a close eye on your windows throughout the winter. They are quick and easy to clean using a cloths and some white vinegar spray.
Flooring
If you do not clean the floors on a regular basis, it doesn’t take long for things to deteriorate. Dirty floors not only give the wrong impression to visitors and customers. They also create a demotivating and unpleasant working environment for staff.
If not maintained properly, they can present slip and trip hazard. To eliminate the risk, ensure floor mats are placed at all entrances as these can help minimise mud and moisture being tracked into the building
Ensure that as many people as necessary are given the duty of monitoring floor safety and addressing excess mud/moisture where required.
Air flow
With people reluctant to open the office windows throughout winter, the air inside your office can become stuffy and stale over winter. This is heightened with the heating running every day too. Un-circulated air can contribute to a build up of allergens and toxins which can lead to staff becoming unwell.
Consider investing in some office plants or air purifiers. This will help tackle poor air quality. In addition, you should make sure all vents and filters are cleaned thoroughly.
Cleanliness
Winter months spell the start of cold and flu season. As a business, you will want to do all you can to prevent your employees from getting sick.
Within an office, everyone usually works within a close environment and bugs can easily spread from shared equipment and lingering germs.
By disinfecting communal spaces like kitchens, bathrooms and break rooms should be something your cleaners do on a daily basis already. However, you could request that your cleaners increase the frequency with which they disinfect areas like desks, meeting rooms and filing cabinets. As well as encouraging employees to keep their keyboards, mouse and phone clean, to battle the spread of winter illnesses.
Here at Workplace Cleaning Solutions, we offer a wide range of thorough cleaning services. Our highly trained team of cleaners pay great attention to detail and perform consistently high quality cleans for commercial properties of all sizes. For more information about our services, contact us on 01604 791799.
