Cleaning to Reduce Winter Flu Infections in the Workplace

Two Key Strategies for Businesses

There are two primary approaches to minimising infection risk in Irish workplaces:

1. Preventative measures
2. Enhanced cleaning protocols

Preventative Approaches

Encourage Remote Work at First Signs of Illness

Many employees hesitate to call in sick, fearing they’ll be perceived as unreliable or their illness insufficient to warrant absence. While this mindset may reduce unnecessary absences, it significantly increases the risk of workplace outbreaks.

If your company hasn’t already implemented a flexible working policy, now is an ideal time to do so. During flu season, reassure staff that taking time off when ill is not only acceptable but encouraged. For those showing early symptoms who feel able to work, offer remote options where possible rather than risking further transmission.

Create a ‘Touch Point’ Cleaning Schedule

Certain areas require more frequent cleaning during winter months. Infections most commonly spread when employees touch contaminated surfaces. Key “touch points” that require special attention include:

• Door handles
• Lift buttons
• Stair railings
• Bathroom taps
• Coffee machines
• Fridge handles
• Phone handsets

Implementing a dedicated touch point cleaning schedule ensures these surfaces are disinfected regularly throughout the day.

Install Hand Sanitiser Stations Throughout Your Premises

Hand sanitiser dispensers are a staple in Irish hospitals and healthcare facilities for good reason. Installing sensor-operated dispensers in your workplace encourages good hand hygiene. Place sanitiser stations in kitchens, break rooms, meeting areas, and other high-traffic locations.

Enhanced Cleaning Approaches for Businesses

Professional cleaning equipment can dramatically improve your workplace hygiene standards. Kärcher Hire Ireland offers a range of industrial cleaning solutions that not only combat germs effectively but also save time and money.

Carpet Cleaning (Professional Vacuum Cleaners)

Carpets and soft flooring harbour bacteria, viruses, and dust mites. With gravity’s assistance, most airborne contaminants eventually settle on the floor, creating an unhygienic environment if not properly maintained.

For carpeted areas in Irish workplaces, we recommend:

• Regular use of a professional vacuum cleaner to thoroughly extract embedded contaminants
• Application of lab-tested anti-bacterial products specifically formulated to combat influenza and norovirus, which can survive on soft surfaces for up to 12 hours

Hard Floor Area Cleaning (Scrubber Dryers & Steam Cleaners)

For hard floor surfaces common in Irish businesses, scrubber dryers and steam cleaners provide optimal results. Many Irish healthcare facilities, schools, and care homes regularly hire our steam cleaners due to their superior deep-cleaning capabilities.

Steam cleaning physically removes dirt and germs from surfaces but must be followed by proper sanitisation to be fully effective. We recommend combining our industrial cleaning equipment with lab-tested anti-bacterial products for comprehensive protection.

When you consider the productivity costs associated with widespread employee illness versus the cost of hiring professional cleaning equipment, the economic benefits of implementing a thorough cleaning regimen become clear.

Act Now

From steam cleaners to power washers, Kärcher Hire Ireland offers a complete range of tools designed to deep clean surfaces and maintain a hygienic workplace environment.
If you’re interested in discovering how professional cleaning equipment can transform your Irish business and reduce absenteeism during the upcoming flu season, contact our friendly Kächer Hire Ireland team today.