- Cleaning 365
Flu season in Canada disrupts more than just public health—it affects office productivity, employee well-being, and business continuity. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, seasonal influenza contributes to over 12,000 hospitalizations annually. Many of those infected are working adults who continue to attend offices while contagious.
When offices are not prepared, the flu virus can spread quickly through shared workspaces. One symptomatic employee can trigger widespread absenteeism in a matter of days. Maintaining workplace hygiene practices and cleaning high-risk areas plays a central role in keeping operations running smoothly during flu season.
Understanding How Flu Spreads in Offices
The flu virus transmits primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Once expelled, the virus can remain on office desks, light switches, and breakroom counters for several hours. Touching these surfaces and then one’s face without proper handwashing can lead to infection.
Several factors in office design and daily operations contribute to the rapid spread of viruses. These include shared equipment, poor air circulation, infrequent restroom cleaning, and limited access to hand sanitizer stations. To counter this, employers must adopt proactive cleaning and disinfection strategies built around flu prevention.
Estimated Flu Transmission Sources in Offices
This breakdown reflects how contaminated surfaces and airborne particles account for the majority of office flu cases. Other transmission sources include shared devices and poorly maintained restrooms.
Understanding these risk areas allows businesses to structure more effective cleaning routines that reduce transmission.
Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces
During flu season, all high-contact surfaces must be cleaned more frequently. These include doorknobs, desk surfaces, elevator buttons, and handrails. These areas see dozens or even hundreds of touches per day.
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces with EPA-approved disinfectants is essential. Products must remain on the surface for the recommended contact time to effectively kill flu viruses. This practice reduces the risk of workplace contamination and helps prevent outbreaks.
At Cleaning 365, we use certified products and trained staff for this purpose. However, offices can also train in-house janitorial teams to follow daily cleaning checklists for offices based on these best practices.
Cleaning Shared Office Equipment
Shared devices such as photocopiers, coffee makers, water coolers, and meeting room remotes often go uncleaned throughout the day. These surfaces are touched by multiple employees, making them frequent virus carriers.
Workplace hygiene practices should include routine cleaning of this equipment between uses. Placing disinfectant wipes and signage nearby encourages users to take initiative. For larger offices, having a designated cleaner disinfect shared equipment every two to three hours may be more effective.
Cleaning 365 includes these high-risk items in its flu season checklists, ensuring complete coverage during daytime operations.
Restroom Sanitation Protocols for Offices
Restrooms are high-traffic zones that require consistent attention. Faucet handles, soap dispensers, and stall locks can harbor bacteria and viruses for extended periods. During flu season, cleaning frequency should increase, and materials used must target flu virus strains.
Using color-coded cloths for different restroom sections helps prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, mopping with hospital-grade disinfectants ensures that viral particles are removed from the floor.
Restroom sanitation protocols should include hourly cleanings during busy periods. Our teams at Cleaning 365 follow strict scheduling, supply restocking, and reporting protocols to support safe restroom conditions.
Hand Sanitizer Station Placement
Placing hand sanitizer stations in high-visibility and high-traffic areas increases usage and supports prevention. They should be located at building entry points, near shared equipment, and inside or beside every meeting room.
The placement must follow employee movement paths to encourage habitual use. Sanitizers should contain at least 60 percent alcohol and be refilled before they run empty.
Cleaning 365 can assist with supply management and dispenser placement for companies without an internal facilities team.
Air Purification in Office Spaces
Airborne transmission is a growing concern, especially in closed office environments with central HVAC systems. Poor air quality contributes to flu spread when viruses recirculate through shared ventilation.
Using air purification in office spaces with HEPA filters helps remove virus particles. Portable purifiers can be used in small offices, while larger workspaces may benefit from HVAC system cleaning for flu prevention.
Cleaning 365 offers routine air duct inspection and filter replacement coordination as part of our flu season support plan.
Daily Cleaning Checklists for Offices
Every office should follow a structured daily cleaning schedule to ensure consistency and coverage. Below is a recommended checklist:
Cleaning Task | Frequency | Suggested Approach |
Disinfect all desks and countertops | Twice daily | Spray and microfiber cloth |
Clean door handles and elevator buttons | Every three hours | Alcohol-based disinfectant wipes |
Sanitize phones and computer mice | After each shift | Disposable wipes or mist spray |
Empty and reline trash bins | Daily | With gloves and sealed disposal |
Disinfect kitchenettes and shared gear | Midday and evening | Multi-surface disinfectant |
Clean and mop restrooms | Every two hours | Hospital-grade floor and surface cleaner |
These routines should be adjusted based on office size and traffic volume. Cleaning 365 provides customizable schedules that align with your operational flow.
Employee Hygiene Education
Clean surfaces are only part of the equation. Employees must also practice individual hygiene to break the chain of infection. Educating staff on handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and equipment sharing protocols is crucial.
Employers can provide signage, conduct short wellness briefings, or include flu-prevention reminders in company newsletters. Encouraging sick employees to stay home also plays a major role in reducing transmission.
Cleaning 365 supports these efforts by providing free flu season signage, reminder templates, and orientation content for client use.
Use of EPA-Approved Disinfectants
When selecting cleaning products, not all disinfectants are suitable for flu prevention. Only EPA-approved disinfectants have been tested for their effectiveness against influenza viruses.
Using the wrong products can provide a false sense of safety. Cleaning staff must follow label instructions, including correct dilution and contact time.
At Cleaning 365, all disinfectants are approved by Health Canada and used according to infection control guidelines. If your office has specific material surfaces, we also select products that protect equipment while eliminating pathogens.
Promoting Remote Work During Outbreaks
Reducing the number of people in the office during peak flu outbreaks can significantly lower the chance of exposure. Employers should consider offering flexible remote work arrangements when flu symptoms appear among staff.
Hybrid schedules not only protect workers but also allow for deep cleaning while the office is vacant. Cleaning shared office equipment between rotations becomes more manageable when fewer people are present.
Cleaning 365 adjusts cleaning frequency to match your occupancy plan. We also provide pre-return disinfection to prepare offices for rotating teams.
HVAC System Cleaning for Flu Prevention
In addition to air purifiers, regular HVAC maintenance is key. Clogged filters and dusty vents can circulate particles that reduce air quality. Flu viruses may remain suspended in unfiltered air, especially in poorly ventilated meeting rooms.
Cleaning 365 partners with HVAC professionals to offer duct cleaning and filter maintenance as part of flu control packages. A clean system supports not only health but also employee comfort.
Flu Outbreak Response and Deep Cleaning
Despite preparation, outbreaks can still occur. When they do, a structured response is essential. Offices must move quickly to disinfect all zones and restore safety.
A flu response should include cleaning shared desks, disinfecting high-traffic areas, sanitizing restrooms, and applying disinfectant misting or fogging if needed. Cleaning should occur outside working hours to avoid exposure and minimize disruption.
Cleaning 365 provides same-day response for confirmed outbreaks, using trained crews equipped with approved flu control supplies.
Conclusion: Hygiene is Productivity During Flu Season
Maintaining hygiene during flu season is not only a health measure—it is a business priority. Offices that follow smart cleaning strategies see fewer disruptions, healthier staff, and better morale.
From disinfecting high-touch surfaces to optimizing air flow and cleaning shared office equipment, every action makes a difference. By implementing proven cleaning practices and employee education, businesses can reduce the risk of flu spreading in offices.
Cleaning 365 offers expert commercial cleaning services tailored for Canadian workplaces. Whether you need routine cleaning, outbreak response, or consultation on workplace hygiene practices, we are here to help keep your operations strong during flu season.
FAQ's
How does a clean workplace improve employee health and productivity?
A clean office prevents illnesses, reduces stress, and enhances focus, leading to improved efficiency.
Why is office cleanliness essential for better health outcomes?
It minimizes bacteria and allergens, reducing workplace-related illnesses and absenteeism.
How does workplace cleanliness boost employee well-being and efficiency?
A sanitized environment promotes better mental health, increases energy levels, and supports overall job satisfaction.
How does a sanitized workplace reduce sick days and boost efficiency?
Regular cleaning prevents the spread of germs, ensuring fewer disruptions in workflow.
Why is maintaining a clean environment crucial for workplace health?
It protects employees from infections, enhances productivity, and fosters a positive workplace culture.