How to Keep Your Workplace Virus Free This Winter

Colder temperatures, and more time spent in close proximity to others, can cause viruses to spread during the winter months. It’s therefore an important time to consider the cleanliness of your workplace.

With viruses such as norovirus and flu as common culprits for sick leave, especially in winter, maintaining a hygienic work environment is paramount to the health of employees.

How Do Viruses Spread?

Viruses can spread in a variety of ways, and this can vary between viruses. Therefore, it’s worth being aware of all the different ways viruses could spread.

Here are the most common ways that viruses can spread from person to person:

• Through droplet spread, caused by being in close proximity to someone with a virus
• Through contact with a contaminated surface or object
• Through eating contaminated food (this can happen if an infected person doesn't wash their hands before preparing or handling food)

How to Protect Employees from Viruses

Knowing how viruses spread is the first step in protecting employees (and yourself) from getting sick at work.

There are a range of actions you can take around the workplace to help limit the spread of viruses:

• Provide signage prompting employees to wash their hands regularly
• Keep hand sanitiser handy at touch points
• Where possible, keep the areas well ventilated
• Ensure bins are cleared and cleaned regularly
• Encourage sick members of staff to work from home to prevent spread
• Frequently wipe down surfaces, such as desks and communal kitchen areas
• Use professional cleaning services to ensure a deep clean that will kill a high percentage of viruses

The Benefits of Using Professional Cleaners in the Workplace

Professional cleaners have years of experience in detailed cleaning practises. They have access to industrial cleaning products and keep on top of industry advancements as they happen.

In the workplace, commercial cleaners help provide an extra line of defence when it comes to keeping viruses, such as norovirus and flu, at bay. In particular, professional cleaners help prevent viruses lingering on surfaces, reducing transmission from contact.

Hiring a professional cleaner in the workplace will:

• Allow yourself and employees to dedicate full attention to daily tasks
• Reduce the risk of a cleaning task being done ineffectively
• Make is possible for stronger chemicals to be used on surfaces, creating a greater chance of killing viruses

Get a quote from Dorset’s leading commercial cleaners

Dorset Commercial Cleaning are Dorset’s number one commercial cleaners, providing a professional service that you can trust. Out expert team have years of experience across a range of sectors, offering cleaning services to offices, hospitals, retail environments and more.

For more information on how Dorset’s leading commercial cleaners can benefit your workplace and help reduce the spread of winter viruses, get in touch or call us on 01202 986700.