Why Cold and Flu Season Matters for Business

The economic impact of cold and flu season on businesses is substantial. The average employee with the flu misses three to four days of work, and even those who come to work while sick experience reduced productivity. Beyond the immediate costs of absenteeism, workplace illness can create a ripple effect that affects team morale, customer service, and project timelines.

Taking preventive action isn’t just good for employee wellbeing—it’s a smart business decision that protects your bottom line.

Creating a Healthy Workplace Environment

Enhance Cleaning Protocols

During cold and flu season, standard cleaning procedures may not be sufficient. Consider increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, shared equipment, and kitchen areas. Provide cleaning supplies at workstations so employees can wipe down their own keyboards, phones, and desks throughout the day.

Improve Air Quality and Ventilation

Proper ventilation plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of airborne illnesses. Ensure your HVAC system is well-maintained and filters are changed regularly. If possible, increase fresh air circulation and consider using air purifiers in shared spaces. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels between 40-60% can also help reduce virus transmission.

Provide Hygiene Stations

Make it easy for employees to practice good hygiene by placing hand sanitizer stations in strategic locations throughout your workplace—near entrances, in conference rooms, break rooms, and common areas. Ensure restrooms are always stocked with soap and paper towels.

Encouraging Preventive Health Measures

Promote Vaccination

One of the most effective ways to reduce flu cases in your workplace is to encourage vaccination. Consider hosting an on-site flu shot clinic, partnering with a local pharmacy or healthcare provider to bring vaccinations directly to your employees. If that’s not feasible, provide paid time off for employees to get vaccinated and communicate information about where vaccines are available.

Educate Your Team

Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing illness. Share information about proper handwashing techniques, respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), and the importance of not touching one’s face. Regular reminders through email, posters, or team meetings can reinforce these healthy habits.

Implementing Supportive Sick Leave Policies

Review Your Sick Leave Policy

Ensure your sick leave policy is clear, generous, and easy to use. Employees should never feel pressured to come to work when they’re ill. If your current policy is restrictive, consider whether temporary adjustments during peak flu season might be appropriate.

Discourage Presenteeism

Create a culture where staying home when sick is not only accepted but encouraged. Leadership should set the example by staying home when they’re unwell. Make it clear that coming to work sick puts others at risk and can actually prolong recovery time.

Enable Remote Work

For employees whose jobs allow it, offering the option to work from home when they’re mildly ill can help them rest while staying productive and preventing the spread of illness to coworkers.

Supporting Employee Health and Immunity

Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote wellness initiatives that support immune health. This might include sharing information about nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular exercise. Consider offering healthy snacks in the office or organizing wellness challenges.

Provide Flexibility

Stress and exhaustion can weaken immune systems. During cold and flu season, consider whether you can offer additional flexibility with schedules to help employees maintain work-life balance and get adequate rest.

Ensure Access to Healthcare

Make sure employees understand their health benefits and know how to access care when needed. Provide information about telehealth options, urgent care facilities, and what to do if they develop symptoms.

Communicating Your Plan

Be Proactive and Transparent

Don’t wait until illness strikes. Communicate your cold and flu season preparedness plan to all employees before the season begins. Let them know what steps the company is taking and what you expect from them.

Regular Updates

During peak illness times, provide regular updates about any cases in the workplace (without violating privacy), remind employees about preventive measures, and reinforce your sick leave policy.

Create Easy Reference Materials

Develop simple, accessible resources such as a one-page guide on symptoms that should keep someone home, proper hygiene practices, and who to contact if they’re ill.

Preparing for Business Continuity

Cross-Train Employees

Ensure that critical functions aren’t dependent on a single person. Cross-training team members means your business can continue operating smoothly even when key employees are out sick.

Have a Contingency Plan

Identify which functions are essential and develop backup plans for maintaining them during periods of high absenteeism. This might include temporary reassignment of duties or bringing in temporary help.

Review Your Technology

Ensure your remote work technology is functioning properly and that employees know how to use it. Test video conferencing systems, VPN access, and collaboration tools before they’re urgently needed.

Conclusion

Preparing your business for cold and flu season doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By combining preventive measures, supportive policies, clear communication, and contingency planning, you can create a workplace that stays healthier and more productive throughout the season.

The key is to start early, be proactive rather than reactive, and create a culture where employee health is valued and protected. When your team knows you’re invested in their wellbeing, they’re more likely to take the necessary precautions to stay healthy—benefiting everyone in the organization.

Remember, every business is different. Assess your specific workplace needs, involve employees in the planning process, and be willing to adjust your approach based on what works best for your team. With thoughtful preparation, you can minimize the impact of cold and flu season and maintain a thriving workplace all year long.

Contact the professionals at Advance Champion Supply to help create a safety plan designed for your business that includes the proper products and procedures to protect your staff and your business.

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The Sobering Statistics

According to a recent report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), nearly half of

U.S. adults—a staggering 48%—admit to forgetting or deliberately choosing not to wash their hands in critical situations. This includes moments after visiting grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, or healthcare facilities like doctor’s offices and hospitals.

The timing of this report is particularly significant, coming after what health officials called the worst flu season in 15 years and multiple norovirus outbreaks across the country.

Knowledge vs. Practice: A Critical Gap

While most Americans understand the basics of handwashing in theory, their real-world habits tell a different story. The survey found that 62% of respondents correctly knew that washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds effectively reduces germ transmission. However, knowledge doesn’t always translate to action.

Why People Skip Handwashing

The reasons behind poor hand hygiene habits vary:

Forgetting remains the top reason people don’t wash their hands, but perhaps more concerning is that one in five adults (20%) actively choose not to wash their hands. Their justifications include:

• Believing it’s unnecessary
• Not having enough time
• Worrying about skin dryness

Interestingly, the survey revealed gender differences in handwashing behavior: men are more likely to simply forget, while women tend to reach for alternatives like hand sanitizer when they skip traditional handwashing.

When Americans Do Wash Their Hands

The survey identified the top situations that prompt handwashing:

1. After using the restroom (69%)
2. After handling food (48%)
3. After handling human or animal waste (39%)

However, only 30% of respondents wash their hands after coughing or sneezing—a particularly troubling finding given how easily respiratory diseases like flu spread through airborne droplets.

The Bigger Picture: Health Impact and Motivation

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Health experts estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands properly, approximately 1 million lives could be saved worldwide each year.

Most Americans (55%) say they wash their hands primarily to stay healthy and avoid illness. Additionally, 68% cited preventing the spread of germs to others as a top motivation, showing that community- minded thinking does influence hygiene habits.

Seasonal Patterns and Post-Pandemic Trends

The data reveals some interesting behavioral patterns:

• 26% of respondents increase their handwashing frequency during fall and winter months, despite germs being present year-round
• One-third of Americans report washing their hands more frequently now than they did during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Bottom Line

As Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr., NFID medical director, emphasized: “While handwashing is an important strategy for disease prevention, and should be complementary to vaccination, it is a critical and often overlooked tool.”

The report serves as a crucial reminder that proper hand hygiene remains one of our most powerful— and underutilized—weapons against infectious disease. Bridging the gap between knowledge and practice could have profound implications for public health, potentially saving countless lives and reducing the burden of preventable illnesses.

This summary is based on the 2025 NFID State of Handwashing Report, which provides comprehensive insights into American handwashing behaviors and attitudes.

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In late January PBS news reported that doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms were higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010

It further reported that 24 million illnesses from flu-like symptoms have occurred so far this season. In addition, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths have occurred according to data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Apparently, the trend is not stopping because numbers keep pushing upward.

During the 2024-2025 season it has been reported that 57 pediatric deaths have occurred. Overall, 43 states have reported high or very high flu activity in the past few weeks. Most prevalent areas include the South, Southwest and West.

What can we do? First and foremost, handwashing is the most important thing to prevent the spread of viruses and germs. This is not only vital for adults but for children too. Children that are exposed to other students in a classroom setting can be susceptible to a variety of pathogens. Precautions like packing a bottle of hand sanitizer in a student’s backpack can go a long way towards the prevention of infection. However, nothing replaces proper handwashing with soap and water.

In addition, increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in your home and office will help mitigate the effects of the spread of germs and disease. Stock up on handwashing soap, alcohol hand sanitizer, all-purpose cleaner and disinfecting wipes to help protect you and those around you.

There is a proper way to clean and disinfect and it is a two-step process. For more help please contact the professionals at Advance Champion Supply for all you need to keep your space clean, healthy and safe.

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Restrooms: A Hygiene Priority

The cleanliness of restrooms is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy workplace. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Clean, Disinfect, and Sanitize:
  Begin by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, including mirrors and bright metals. Use appropriate cleaning agents to ensure a sanitary environment.
• Mop Floors with Disinfectant:
  When mopping restroom floors, always use a disinfectant. Importantly, avoid using the same water or mop for other areas to prevent cross-contamination.
• Focus on Toilets and Urinals:
  Disinfect and sanitize all toilets, urinals, and areas with frequent human contact. This step is crucial for preventing the spread of germs.
• Proper Waste Disposal:
  Dispose of all cleaning materials in a hazardous waste container. This ensures the safe and responsible handling of potentially harmful substances.
• Guest Consideration:
  Remember that restrooms are not only for employees but also for guests. Cleaning them meticulously reflects your commitment to the health and well-being of everyone associated with your business.

Entry Ways: A Reflection of Your Business

The entryway sets the tone for the entire business, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Follow these tips to maintain a clean and inviting reception or entry area:

• Clean Windows:
  Clear, streak-free windows enhance the overall appearance of your entryway. Regularly clean windows to ensure a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
• Floor Maintenance:
  Vacuum all carpets to remove dirt and debris, providing a clean and professional look. Regular carpet maintenance contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
• Mat Care:
  Keep entrance mats clean and well-maintained. These mats are crucial in trapping dirt and preventing it from spreading throughout the premises.
• Clutter-Free Zone:
  A clutter-free entryway creates a sense of organization and professionalism. Regularly remove any unnecessary items or clutter from the reception area.

Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is not only a reflection of your business’s professionalism but also a key factor in promoting the health and well-being of everyone in the vicinity. By following these daily cleaning tips, businesses can create a positive and inviting environment for employees and guests alike.

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Have you ever wondered why were inclined to live in clean and organized spaces? Is it a genetic predisposition to avoid illnesses, or is there another reason?

While the exact motivation for maintaining cleanliness remains uncertain, numerous scientific studies suggest that clean and organized environments have significant positive effects on our health and well-being.

Psychologists assert a clear link between cleanliness and mental ease, influencing our mood and ethical behavior.

Research indicates that tidy surroundings induce a sense of order, making us more inclined to be honest and ethical. Conversely, neglectful environments may foster frustration, leading to dishonesty and deceit.

Tidiness goes beyond aesthetics; it deeply impacts our emotions and can influence our decision-making processes. The emotional impact is so profound that it can sway our attitudes toward right and wrong.

The Essential Benefits of a Clean Environment

Cleaning as a Stress Reliever

Studies reveal that cluttered spaces can impede concentration and hamper information processing in the brain. Conversely, an organized environment enhances information processing, leading to increased productivity and reduced mental fatigue. During times of stress, the urge to clean and declutter emerges as a manifestation of the human desire for control over living spaces. [Source: Psycom – https://www.psycom.net/anxiety/mental-health-benefits-cleaning]

The Workplace Connection

Clean, tidy, and organized workplaces aren’t just visually appealing; they also enhance employees concentration and boost productivity. Whether in offices or schools, periodic tidying not only reduces time spent searching for documents but also improves morale. [Source: Small Business UK – https://smallbusiness.co.uk/does-a-clean-office-improve-productivity-2505666/]

Efficiency and Health Benefits

Consistent cleaning activities contribute to limiting the spread of germs and bacteria, reducing the likelihood of employees falling ill at work. Clean offices not only enhance professional appearances for clients but also instill pride in employees for their workplace.

The Power of Perception

Cleanliness isn’t merely a reflection of professionalism; it affects how others perceive us. Clients visiting a clean and organized office are more likely to trust the competence of the service provider. Similarly, employees are more likely to take pride in their work and workplace.

Balancing Act

Maintaining cleanliness and order is crucial for both health and productivity in various settings, from homes to offices. However, it can be time-consuming, especially for tasks like cleaning windows and floors.

IPC offers a range of cleaning solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces, providing efficient machines and manual equipment for various cleaning needs.

Your local IPC Worldwide dealer is Advance Champion Supply located in Gilbert Arizona. For more information and how we can help you create a cleaning process to benefit your business please call Kevin De Rosa at 480-302-5945 or visit www.advancechampionsupply.com.

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