As flu, cold, and COVID season approaches, maintaining a safe and healthy office environment is top of mind for many facility managers. Ensuring the well-being of employees is not only about meeting basic hygiene standards but also about proactively managing cleanliness to minimize disruptions and foster productivity. In today’s evolving workplace, health and safety are increasingly tied to how facility managers approach cleanliness, especially when faced with seasonal health challenges.
In this post, we’ll explore the role of cleaning and maintenance technologies in creating safer office environments and staying ahead of potential health risks. By integrating these technologies, facility managers can better protect employees, enhance workplace efficiency, and contribute to a culture of safety – during flu, cold, and COVID season and throughout the rest of the year.
Preparing for Flu, Cold, and Covid Season
The 2024-2025 flu and COVID season is expected to resemble last year’s, though experts caution that unforeseen factors, such as new variants or unexpected flu strains, could impact its severity.
“We currently expect this flu season to be comparable to last year’s season,” said Adrienne Keen, PhD, of the CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics. “We expect this year’ s COVID-19 season peak to be similar to last year’s or lower.”
Flu remains a major health challenge, with the CDC estimating up to 75 million cases in the U.S. last season, resulting in approximately 900,000 hospitalizations. Meanwhile, COVID continues to pose health risks, particularly with the emergence of the XEC variant, now responsible for 6% of U.S. cases.
Facility managers should prepare for potential spikes in employee flu and COVID cases, especially during peak times such as the winter holiday season. Preventive measures, like reinforcing cleaning protocols, will be vital in maintaining a safe work environment, reducing the risk of widespread illness, and ensuring productivity.
The Case for Advanced Cleaning Technologies
As seasonal illnesses like the flu and other bacterial and viral infections circulate, facility managers are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to achieve higher levels of cleanliness. From automated cleaning systems to smart air filtration devices, technology tools are extremely effective at maintaining a consistently healthy workplace.
For example, Flagship’s quality control platform streamlines performance management, inspections, and reporting, while tracking KPIs that reflect building health. By generating alerts based on inspection results, it enables teams to respond quickly to any emerging cleaning issues, providing a higher level of transparency and consistency. Facility managers benefit from real-time visibility into janitorial operations, making it easy to identify areas that may need additional attention.
But the benefits of implementing tech-driven cleaning solutions extend beyond just health. A cleaner, safer environment boosts employee well-being and productivity, as people are less likely to get sick and miss work. In fact, businesses that adopt advanced cleaning protocols often see improvements in morale, as employees feel that their health is prioritized. With these technologies, facility managers not only enhance workplace cleanliness but also contribute to a culture of wellness that benefits the entire organization.
Creating a Health-First Office Culture
Fostering a healthy office culture begins with a commitment to transparency and employee well-being, and technology plays a crucial role in this transformation. Equipped with the right tools, facility managers can actively monitor workplace conditions and keep spaces consistently clean and safe.
When employees have visibility into the efforts that keep their workplace clean and safe, they feel more valued and secure. For instance, quality control platforms that track inspection results and alert teams to any issues allow employees to see that cleanliness concerns are addressed promptly. This helps reduce anxiety about potential health risks in the workplace, enhancing overall morale and fostering a shared sense of responsibility for maintaining a healthy environment.
By educating employees on the steps taken to maintain a clean workspace, organizations also reinforce the message that health and well-being are central to the company’s values. This open, proactive approach to communication builds a stronger, more resilient workplace culture that puts employee health first.
In Conclusion
Advanced cleaning and maintenance technologies are essential for creating a healthier, safer workplace, especially during flu, cold, and COVID season. By integrating these solutions, facility managers can maintain higher standards of cleanliness, protect employee well-being, and foster a culture of health throughout the year.
At Flagship Facility Services, we leverage the latest technology to deliver superior facility management solutions, empowering facility leaders to create spaces that prioritize health and safety every day.
To learn more about how FM technology can transform your workplace, visit Flagship’s business technology page.
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