Flu season is a precarious time for business owners because if you don’t take the proper precautions, a large portion of your workforce can be rendered unable to come into the office. That’s why it’s so important to do whatever possible to prevent this illness from spreading throughout your company. From using the right cleaning supplies to implementing smart sick-day procedures, following these helpful tips will protect your workers.

How to Prevent the Flu in Your Office

1. Provide Vaccinations

The best way to protect your employees is to help them avoid contracting the illness to begin with, and the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to do this. Even if the vaccine is covered by the health insurance you provide, the hassle of making an appointment can turn people away. If you set aside a day where they can get it done while at work, you can minimize the risk of the flu spreading.

2. Install Hand Sanitizing Stations

Many janitorial distributors provide these for office environments and will install them throughout the space. Keeping hand sanitizers in convenient locations makes it easier for your workers to regularly sanitize their hands and eliminate the germs that allow the flu to spread. Keep them in bathrooms, eating areas, and shared workspaces for the best effect.

3. Wipe Down Communal Areas

Spaces like dining areas, conference rooms, and hallways are the most likely to have flu germs in them. So, whether it’s done in-house or through a janitorial supplier service, it’s important to keep them as clean as possible. Make sure to use cleaning supplies that eliminate the germs that spread the flu and wipe down all surfaces at least once a day.

4. Keep Cleaning Supplies Well Stocked

It doesn’t take long for the flu to spread, so it’s imperative to stay stocked up on cleaning products that maintain a sterile work environment. If you have regular deliveries scheduled with a janitorial supply company, consider increasing the delivery frequency during the flu season to accommodate the rise in routine cleanings.

5. Educate Employees

Make sure your workers understand the best practices for avoiding the flu, such as washing hands and coughing into their upper sleeve. It’s also crucial that they know to stay home if they are showing any symptoms of being sick. Let them know that they can work from home whenever possible to avoid having them infect their co-workers.