Maintaining a clean and hygienic office environment is crucial not just for aesthetics, but for the overall health and productivity of employees. Offices, like any shared space, are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, and without proper cleaning and disinfection practices, illnesses can spread quickly. These illnesses not only lead to employee absences but also have significant financial and mental costs that affect the productivity and wellbeing of the entire workplace.

The Hidden Costs of Employee Absences

When employees are sick, it’s not just a matter of losing a few hours of work. The costs are far-reaching and often go unnoticed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), businesses in the United States lose $225.8 billion annually due to absenteeism related to preventable illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and gastrointestinal viruses. This loss stems from employee downtime, temporary replacements, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

However, the costs of employee absences go beyond the monetary. Sick days, especially when they occur frequently or in clusters, also contribute to:

• Decreased employee morale: When several team members are absent, remaining employees may feel overwhelmed or stressed as they pick up the slack.

• Mental health strain: A sick office environment, where employees are frequently absent, can create a sense of unease and contribute to stress and anxiety for those who remain at work.

• Team dynamics disruption: Frequent absences can affect the flow of work and make it difficult for teams to collaborate effectively, leading to a decline in overall office morale and productivity.

Best Practices for Cleaning and Disinfecting Office Spaces

Effective cleaning and disinfecting protocols are essential for reducing illness transmission in the office. By implementing the following best practices, businesses can minimize the spread of germs and improve employee health.

1. Cleaning Before Disinfecting

Proper cleaning is the first step to effective disinfection. Before applying any disinfectants, it’s important to remove dirt, oils, and organic matter from surfaces, as these can hinder the effectiveness of cleaning products. For best results:

• Use microfiber cloths to wipe down surfaces.

• Apply an EPA-approved cleaner to lift dirt and debris, ensuring a clean surface for disinfectants to work.

2. Disinfection Protocols: Kill 99.9% of Germs

Disinfection must follow proper procedures to effectively kill bacteria and viruses. Here’s how to properly disinfect office spaces:

• Use EPA-registered disinfectants: Look for products that are effective against a wide range of pathogens, such as Staphylococcus (including MRSA), E. coli, and Norovirus.

• Ensure proper contact time: Most disinfectants require that surfaces remain wet for a set period (often 10 minutes) to achieve maximum effectiveness. Never wipe a surface dry prematurely, as it will reduce the disinfectant's ability to kill germs.

• Focus on high-touch areas: These include desks, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and shared office equipment. High-touch areas are the most likely to harbor germs and should be cleaned frequently throughout the day.

3. Surface Cleaning and Disinfection with Proper Tools

Using the right tools ensures that disinfectants are applied evenly and effectively:

• Microfiber cloths: These are more effective than regular rags or paper towels because they trap and lift dirt, oils, and germs, reducing the spread of contaminants.

• XT3 Sprayers: These sprayers are excellent for covering large areas, ensuring a thorough and even application of disinfectant, especially in high-traffic office spaces.

4. Air Quality and Ventilation

Maintaining good air quality in the office is crucial for reducing airborne viruses and bacteria. Airborne transmission can occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and viruses like the flu or cold can remain suspended in the air for hours.

• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in air purifiers to capture airborne viruses and bacteria.

• Ensure proper ventilation: Open windows when possible or use air conditioning systems designed to improve airflow and filter the air to help keep the environment clean and fresh.

5. Employee Hygiene and Preventive Measures

In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, promoting good hygiene practices is essential:

• Hand Hygiene: Encourage employees to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a thorough handwashing technique that includes cleaning under fingernails and between fingers.

• Masks: In high-risk areas or during outbreaks, consider recommending masks for employees to reduce the spread of airborne illnesses like the flu or COVID-19.

What Happens When Someone in the Office Gets Sick?

When an employee gets sick, it can quickly disrupt the entire office. Here’s how illness spreads and impacts an office environment:

• Person-to-person transmission: Illnesses like the flu and the common cold are often spread through direct physical contact, sneezing, and coughing.

• Surface-to-person transmission: Employees who touch contaminated surfaces, such as shared desks or doorknobs, can transfer germs to their eyes, mouth, or nose, leading to infection.

• Airborne transmission: In poorly ventilated spaces, viruses can linger in the air, increasing the likelihood of infection.

Once someone in the office becomes infected, the disease can quickly spread, particularly in high-density work environments where people interact in close proximity. This leads to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and a negative work environment.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Workforce

A clean office environment not only reduces the spread of germs but also boosts employee morale and productivity. By adopting best practices for cleaning and disinfecting, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and ensuring good air quality, businesses can protect their workforce and reduce the economic and mental toll caused by illness-related absenteeism.

Implementing these measures can prevent outbreaks and create a healthier, more productive office space for everyone. At GermBlast, we are committed to providing businesses with the resources and services needed to maintain a clean and safe environment. If you have questions or would like more information on how we can assist in keeping your office space healthy, feel free to reach out.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home." (CDC)

2. World Health Organization (WHO). "Hand Hygiene." (WHO)

3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)." (EPA)