Colder Weather & More Time Indoors Means Flu Season Is Here
October is upon us, which means football, Halloween, the leaves changing colors, and of course, the start of flu season. Cold weather doesn’t cause the flu but it does lead to more time indoors and increased transmission.
This increased transmission happens when germy hands touch surfaces others touch—then hands go to the nose or mouth, and flu spreads. Even one or two cases can turn exponential quickly, driving absenteeism up and productivity down.
As a Facility Manager, you want healthy employees and a healthy bottom line. That makes your janitorial services company a critical partner in slowing the spread of the flu.
Ineffective cleaning practices and a lack of cleaning for health can quickly turn your building into a breeding ground for illness. If your janitorial services company is not actively helping protect your facility, employees, and reputation, it's time to find a partner who will.
Reducing the Impact of the Flu In Your Facility
Flu season is just beginning, with early cases appearing. But flu spreads rapidly—each sick person infects more, who infect others, and so on.
Influenza and other illnesses impact Facility Managers every year. You cannot eliminate the flu, but you can significantly reduce its impact through internal measures and support from your commercial cleaning company.
The best defense is a good offense.
Start by reminding staff about proper handwashing and coughing etiquette—many adults forget simple practices like coughing into their elbow and washing hands frequently.
Posting correct handwashing techniques helps reinforce good habits.
Second, discourage presenteeism—coming to work while sick. While it may seem helpful, it actually accelerates disease transmission. Three days of rest for one employee is better than ten employees becoming sick due to exposure.
Is Your Commercial Cleaning Company Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
You’re doing your part—now, is your janitorial company doing theirs?
Are they preventing cross contamination using color-coded cloths and Team Cleaning?
Color coding ensures restroom rags are not used in break rooms.
Team Cleaning assigns specialists—restroom cleaner, vacuum tech, etc.—reducing mistakes and cross contamination.
Does your Detroit commercial cleaning company regularly change mop water and mop heads?
Do they understand touchpoints, maintain tools properly, store chemicals safely, follow dwell times, and use the right cleaners for each task?
If not, it’s time to rethink your commercial cleaning partnership.
Why Cleaning For Health Is So Critical
A facility can look clean yet be loaded with bacteria and viruses invisible to the eye. Influenza, cold viruses, and countless pathogens can thrive on surfaces that appear spotless.
That’s why science-based systems like Cleaning for Health and janitorial best practices are essential.
HEPA vacuums improve indoor air quality and reduce airborne germs.
Focusing on hot spots reduces viral transmission dramatically.
Color-coded cloths prevent spreading contaminants between surfaces.
And using products according to manufacturer specifications—including proper dwell times—maximizes disinfection effectiveness.
If your cleaning company ignores best practices, they are not protecting your building, people, or reputation.
Touch Points & Hot Spots: Eradicating Germs Where They Thrive
Touchpoints and hot spots are the areas touched by nearly everyone—multiple times per day. These include door handles, phones, keyboards, elevator buttons, light switches, and touchpads.
These areas are the highest-risk transmission points and must receive targeted cleaning and disinfection.
A professional cleaning company understands how germs spread, where they hide, and how to eliminate them safely and effectively.
Safeguarding Your Employees’ Health & Your Bottom Line
Your janitorial services can either protect your facility or contribute to widespread illness during flu season.
Sick employees are less productive, spread illness further, and require more sick days.
Partnering with a cleaning company committed to cleaning for health is the best way to preserve employee wellbeing and maintain operational efficiency.
