April Showers Bring May Flowers, But March Brings More Colds & Flu
April showers bring May flowers, but March is still a peak time for influenza. With the risk of flu and other transmissible illnesses still high, your janitorial services must work with you to prevent cross contamination and reduce the likelihood of employee illness.
Even a few flu cases can wreak havoc in your facility if ineffective cleaning, presenteeism, and poor hand washing practices are present.
Your commercial cleaning company should be doing its part to safeguard your workforce. Are they really cleaning for health?
Your First Line of Defense Against the Flu & Other Illnesses
Just because spring has arrived doesn’t mean flu risk is gone—March remains a peak month. So your defensive measures must stay strong.
First, encourage sick employees to stay home. Presenteeism spreads illness rapidly.
Second, remind occupants about proper handwashing. Even posting hand washing technique guides can help, as many people unintentionally wash ineffectively.
When Your Janitorial Company Is Part of the Problem
Your janitorial company can either help reduce illness—or actually contribute to its spread.
If they are not following industry best practices, they may be increasing cross contamination.
Are restroom rags used elsewhere? Are mop heads reused improperly? These shortcuts put your team at risk.
Best practices that help combat cross contamination:
- Emphasize cleaning of touch points to reduce germ load.
- Change mop water frequently and use clean mop heads.
- Use entryway mats to trap debris and contaminants.
- Implement a color-coded cloth system.
- Maintain equipment properly—vacuums, mops, etc.
- Use appropriate chemicals and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Keep supply and equipment closets clean and organized.
The Real Implications of Cleaning For Health
A building might *look* clean while still harboring invisible bacteria and viruses like influenza and E. coli.
That’s why **science-based cleaning methods** and **industry best practices** are essential.
HEPA vacuums improve indoor air quality and reduce airborne transmission.
Cleaning hot spots and touch points reduces the spread of germs significantly.
Color-coded cloths limit cross contamination from one area to another.
And using chemicals correctly—including required dwell times—ensures disinfectants work as intended.
If your cleaning company ignores these practices, they cannot effectively protect your employees or your facility.
Hit a Home Run With Touch Points & Hot Spots
Touch points are high-risk because they’re touched constantly by many people—light switches, phones, touchpads, doorknobs, shared equipment, and more.
These surfaces are prime transmission zones for viruses and bacteria.
Cleaning them properly with the right disinfectants is a critical part of reducing exposure and illness.
A skilled janitorial company understands the science of how germs spread and how to eliminate them.
Putting It All Together
The right janitorial partner is essential for maintaining a healthy workplace. Beyond employee wellness, it directly affects your bottom line.
Sick employees are less productive, spread illness, and take more time off.
A janitorial company that practices “cleaning for health” helps protect your facility and your organization from preventable flu spread.
If your current provider isn’t meeting the mark, use these principles when evaluating your next cleaning partner.
