Anyone who has ever worked in an office (or has kids) knows sickness doesn’t take long to spread. But, would it surprise you to know a virus can spread throughout your office in a matter of hours?
Researchers at the University of Arizona introduced artificial viruses to an office, and found it took just four hours for the viruses to spread to more than 50% of surface areas and employees. While that information is astounding, it’s especially troubling this flu season. Worst of all, it won’t be over until the end of March, at the earliest. Think of how many door handles you’ll turn between now and then. How many telephones you’ll pick up. How many elevator buttons you’ll push.
Schools throughout the country, including an entire district here in Florida, have closed down to be cleaned and sanitized. That’s not an option for many businesses. So here are a few tips for keeping your office clean, and your staff healthy this flu season.
Focus on the contact points. Areas that are handled by multiple people, like doorknobs, microwave and refrigerator handles, and copiers and scanners, need to be cleaned thoroughly and frequently during flu season.
- Disinfect properly. Disinfectants are an effective way of killing germs, but only when used properly. Disinfectants need to be applied to the surface, and allowed to sit for the recommended time specified on the product label. This gives the disinfectant time to work.
- Clean your supplies. If you don’t clean your supplies after using them, you’ll just end up spreading the germs you originally cleaned up.
- Hire the professionals. Keeping an entire office clean and sanitary during flu season is a full-time job! SFM Janitorial Services provides high quality, green cleaning solutions. We take pride in keeping your business looking its best, and your staff feeling their best.
