Boosting Workplace Health: The Vital Role of Regular Janitorial Services During Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season brings more than just sniffles and coughs to the workplace. It often leads to increased sick days, reduced productivity, and a less healthy environment for employees and visitors. One of the most effective ways to combat this challenge is through regular janitorial services. Keeping commercial spaces clean and sanitized plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of viruses and maintaining overall health. This article explores why consistent janitorial care matters during cold and flu season and how it benefits your facility, employees, and guests.

Janitorial staff disinfecting high-touch surfaces in a commercial building

How Cold and Flu Viruses Spread in Workplaces

Cold and flu viruses spread primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land on surfaces like desks, door handles, keyboards, and shared equipment. When others touch these contaminated surfaces and then touch their face, the virus can enter their body.

Studies show that viruses can survive on surfaces for hours to days depending on the material. For example, influenza viruses can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic. This makes regular cleaning and disinfecting essential to break the chain of infection.

The Impact of Sick Days on Business

Sick employees affect more than just their own health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu causes an average of 17 million lost workdays annually in the United States. This results in billions of dollars in lost productivity.

Beyond absenteeism, employees who come to work sick can spread illness to coworkers, increasing the overall number of sick days. This phenomenon, known as presenteeism, reduces workplace efficiency and can lower morale.

Why Regular Janitorial Services Matter

Regular janitorial services do more than keep a facility looking clean. They actively reduce the presence of germs and viruses on surfaces, lowering the risk of illness transmission. Here are key reasons why consistent cleaning is vital during cold and flu season:

• Targeting High-Touch Areas

Door handles, elevator buttons, light switches, and shared equipment are hotspots for germs. Janitorial teams focus on disinfecting these areas frequently to minimize contamination.

• Using EPA-Approved Disinfectants

Effective janitorial services use disinfectants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are proven to kill cold and flu viruses.

• Maintaining Air Quality

Cleaning reduces dust and allergens that can weaken immune systems, helping employees stay healthier.

• Supporting Employee Confidence

A visibly clean and well-maintained workplace reassures employees and visitors that their health is a priority.

Practical Examples of Janitorial Impact

Consider a mid-sized office that implemented daily janitorial cleaning focused on disinfecting high-touch surfaces during flu season. Over three months, the company reported a 30% reduction in employee sick days compared to the previous year. Employees also expressed greater satisfaction with workplace hygiene.

Another example comes from a healthcare facility where janitorial staff increased cleaning frequency in waiting areas and restrooms. This helped reduce flu outbreaks among patients and staff, demonstrating how cleaning protocols can directly influence health outcomes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Janitorial Service

To maximize health benefits during cold and flu season, select a janitorial service with these qualities:

• Experience with Commercial Facilities

Look for providers familiar with cleaning offices, schools, or healthcare settings.

• Use of Proper Cleaning Agents

Confirm they use EPA-registered disinfectants effective against viruses.

• Flexible Scheduling

Services should be able to clean during or after business hours without disrupting operations.

• Trained Staff

Janitorial teams should be trained in infection control and cleaning best practices.

• Clear Communication

Providers should offer detailed cleaning plans and be responsive to facility needs.

Additional Steps to Support Workplace Health

While janitorial services are essential, combining them with other health measures creates a stronger defense against illness:

• Encourage employees to stay home when sick.

• Provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility.

• Promote regular handwashing with signage.

• Improve ventilation systems to reduce airborne germs.

• Offer flu vaccinations onsite or through health programs.

  
  

Measuring the Return on Investment

Investing in regular janitorial services during cold and flu season can save money by reducing sick days and maintaining productivity. For example, if a company with 100 employees reduces sick days by just one day per employee, the savings in wages and lost output can be substantial.

Moreover, a clean workplace enhances employee well-being and can improve retention rates. Healthy employees are more engaged and perform better, which benefits the entire organization.