In today’s work environment, maintaining a clean and healthy workplace is more important than ever. Especially during cold and flu season, you’ll want to make sure your workplace is prepared to go to war with germs. Here are some ways you can create a healthier work environment with the right items and routines.
1. Routine cleaning: The foundation of a healthy workspace
Routine cleaning is a key way to cut down on both the number of germs and the spread of them in the workplace. Daily cleaning helps remove dust, germs, and bacteria, ensuring a safe environment for employees, customers, patients – everyone who enters your workplace regularly. Important areas to focus on are desks, keyboards, phones, and lounge areas like kitchens and break rooms.
Cleaning essentials for routine cleaning: All-purpose liquids and sprays, specialty cleaners, microfiber cloths
Maintaining a clean workplace is crucial for productivity and health, and the use of products like these plays a significant role in achieving this. All-purpose cleaners provide a versatile solution for tackling a range of surfaces and spills, simplifying the cleaning process and ensuring that common areas are hygienic. Specialty cleaners address more specific needs, such as removing tough stains or disinfecting glass and windows, toilets and bathroom surfaces and furniture. Microfiber cloths enhance the effectiveness of these cleaning agents. Together, these tools not only streamline cleaning routines but also promote a healthier and more organized work environment.
2. Protecting high-touch surfaces: Killing germs where they live
Areas like doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons are hubs for germs and bacteria. Regular disinfection of these surfaces is essential to prevent the spread of illnesses. According to a study done at Penn State University, on a single cafe doorknob, fourteen different colonies of bacteria were living on the knob, with each colony containing more than a million bacteria.
Cleaning essentials for high-touch areas: Disinfectant wipes, Disinfectant spray, and keyboard air dusters
Disinfectant wipes are ideal for quick and effective cleaning of high-touch surfaces. Many disinfectant wipes are designed to kill 99.9% of germs, including those that cause illnesses such as the common cold or the flu. It’s a smart idea to keep products like this easily accessible so high-touch areas can be sanitized multiple times a day. For more tips on making the most of them, see our post on how to use disinfectant wipes to prevent the spread of colds and flu. You can also use an aerosol disinfectant spray to make it even more convenient. Another handy item is a keyboard air duster, because we all know how easy it is for dust to get trapped between keys.
3. Prepare for sneezes: Have the right supplies on hand to keep yourself and others healthy
There are steps we can all take throughout the day to keep the workplace free of germs. Make sure your workplace is equipped with everything your employees need to prevent the spread of germs throughout the day.
Cleaning essentials for personal hygiene: Tissues & hand sanitizer
To keep your office clean this cold and flu season, everyone needs to do their part. Encourage practices like regular hand washing, using hand sanitizer and anti-viral tissues, and staying home when sick. These small precautions can help stop the spread of illness and protect everyone in your workplace plus loved ones at home as well.
Stock up on office cleaning supplies at Quill
A clean and healthy workplace is essential for the well-being and productivity of your employees. By integrating effective practices into your cleaning regimen, you can create a safer environment and reduce the spread of germs. Stock up on your favorite office cleaning products from Quill and keep up with the latest office cleaning tips on the Quill Blog.