Influenza is on the rise across Canada, with positive tests now at record highs not seen since the 2020-2021 season. This is no surprise, really, as the warmer spring weather tends to encourage viruses and bacteria to spread. But, this results in a lot of workers off sick, and, for SMEs, that accounts for around 15-20% of total payroll costs. If that wasn’t bad enough, higher springtime pollen counts also trigger allergy symptoms that make employees less productive. But here’s some good news: a simple cleaning plan is all you need to cut down on illness and absenteeism this spring. This plan should encourage employees to clean regularly, use green products, and eliminate pollen from your premises.
Encourage employees to clean
Did you know the typical office desk harbours around 8 million bacteria per square inch (PSI)? In comparison, the average toilet seat has just 59 bacteria PSI. So, encourage employees to wipe down their desks with anti-bacterial spray or wipes at the end of each day. This simple hygiene practice can take your risk of catching a virus from an infected employee from 90% down to 10%. Explain this benefit to employees, so they understand exactly how they benefit from good hygiene. Also, keep clutter to a minimum. This provides less spaces for viruses, pollen, and allergens to hide and further spread. So, teach employees to dispose of their rubbish rather than let it pile up on and around their desks. Bins should be provided, and clearly labelled to indicate if they’re for general or recycled waste.
Breathe easier with green cleaning
Around 1 in 7 cases of adult asthma are caused by everyday cleaning sprays. These harmful products emit a cocktail of fumes that linger in the air for days, weeks, or even months, according to recent research. In other words, it pays to switch to gentle eco-friendly cleaners; you’ll find that when you limit your chemical use, it reduces employee absences as green cleaners won’t trigger headaches and respiratory issues. What’s also great is that this has a positive impact on your bottom line. To know if a cleaner’s free from harmful chemicals, read the ingredients list. Terms like “green” or “non-toxic” aren’t regulated, and mean nothing by themselves, so be sure to check the label for toxic ingredients, and look up any word you’re unsure of.
For example, simple white vinegar is genuinely non-toxic and doubles as a disinfecting agent powerful enough to kill E. coli. A gallon costs around $30, and should be diluted with water in a 50:50 mix to make an effective cleaning spray. Use this to kill bacteria and eliminate bad smells without the need for synthetic chemicals and fragrances.
Protect against pollen
Spring is tree pollen season in Canada, with the highest pollen counts expected between mid-March to mid-June. The easiest way to keep pollen out of your premises is to keep the doors and windows closed as often as you can. Pollen then won’t be blown inside where it can irritate employees and customers with seasonal allergies. It also helps to dust surfaces daily with a damp cloth to remove accumulated allergens. Running the air conditioner is another useful way to trap pollen, but you need to look after the unit—otherwise the filter becomes clogged and circulates allergens throughout the air. So, change the filter at least every one to three months to keep the AC efficient and your workplace pollen-free.
Simple cleaning practices can effectively combat common spring illnesses and allergies. If you encourage employees to clean up, switch to green cleaners, and keep pollen at bay, you’ll successfully protect the health of employees and customers alike.
