According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the country suffers a $6.2 billion loss in productivity. Helping your employees to stay healthy in the office during the winter will not only ensure a healthy and happy workplace but also keep your employees productive. This will have a positive impact on your bottom line and help you avoid losses resulting from an illness during the winter. Here are tips to help maintain a healthy workplace this winter.
Bacteria and viruses are often spread through contact. However, you don’t have to be in direct contact with the sick person to get sick. Coming into contact with contaminated surfaces can result in the spread of illness. It is therefore important to encourage your employees to wash their hands to get rid of germs that cause illnesses.
Provide soap and running water to promote hand washing. You can also provide your employees with alcohol-based sanitizer to kill germs when they are unable to access soap and water.
According to the CDC, one of the best ways to avoid the flu during flu season is by getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends a yearly short to protect against influenza. You can promote a healthy workplace by educating your employees about vaccinations and encouraging them to get vaccinated. You can provide them with information about where vaccinations are offered.
As mentioned earlier, disease-causing germs are often spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. You can stop the spread of germs in the workplace by having high-contact surfaces disinfected regularly. These surfaces include doorknobs, tables, elevator buttons, toilets, restroom faucets, coffee makers, stair railings, and water dispensers. Whenever possible, use a hospital-grade disinfectant. This will help to prevent the spread of viruses.
It is important to develop healthy habits such as regular exercise and drinking plenty of water to maintain good health during the winter. Educate your employees about healthy habits such as getting adequate rest, exercising, eating healthy, and drinking water. You can promote healthy habits by encouraging employees to take breaks, providing employees with opportunities to exercise such as by having company sports activities, and providing reminders that promote healthy habits such as posters to remind employees to cover their mouths with a tissue when they sneeze or cough.
Many employees will come to work even when they are sick in order to avoid disciplinary action. However, being present in the office doesn’t mean that they are productive. It also exposes other employees to the illness. It is best to encourage employees to stay away from work when sick. This will help to protect other employees and promote faster recovery.
Are you looking for a way to maintain a healthy work environment this winter? Use the tips above to help keep your employees healthy this winter.