How Office Managers Can Partner with Their Cleaning Service to Prepare for Flu Season

As flu season approaches, office managers are tasked with not only maintaining productivity but also ensuring the health and safety of their teams. One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness in the workplace is by maintaining a clean, sanitized environment. But how can you be sure that your office cleaning service is ready for the challenge?

Here are several key ways office managers can collaborate with their cleaning service to prepare for flu season:

• Assess the Cleaning Plan for High-Traffic Areas

  Flu viruses spread quickly in environments where people congregate, and offices are no exception. Make sure your cleaning service is paying special attention to high-touch areas such as:

  • Doorknobs and handles

  • Light switches

  • Elevator buttons and handrails

  • Shared office equipment (copiers, printers, etc.)

  Ask your cleaning company if they are incorporating these areas into their cleaning routine and coordinate a plan with them as flu season gets into full swing.

• Request Disinfectant Products That Are Effective Against Germs

  Not all cleaning products are created equal. While some are good for basic cleaning, others are specifically designed to kill bacteria and viruses. Make sure your cleaning service is using products that are EPA-approved for flu and virus control.

  Ask if they can use disinfectants that are effective against a broad spectrum of germs, including the flu virus, and whether those products are safe for the environment and your employees. If your office has specific requirements (e.g., hypoallergenic or fragrance-free products), make sure to address that as well.

• Communicate Your Expectations Clearly

  Make sure your cleaning service knows exactly what you expect during flu season. Share your concerns, outline any specific cleaning tasks, and discuss how you want the space to look and feel. Also, ask about the cleaning crew’s training and protocols during flu season—ensuring that they’re up-to-date on proper sanitation methods and safety measures.

  If possible, arrange for a site visit with the cleaning service to walk through your office together. This will allow you both to pinpoint any high-touch areas or spots that need extra attention.

• Boost Hygiene Awareness Among Employees

  While the cleaning service is taking care of the office, encourage your employees to practice good hygiene, such as:

  • Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.

  • Covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

  • Disinfecting their workstations regularly.

  You can even work with your cleaning service to supply hand sanitizing stations and disinfecting wipes at key locations around the office, such as near elevators, kitchen areas, and at every desk.

• Regular Check-ins Throughout the Season

  Flu season can last for several months, so it’s important to stay in regular communication with your cleaning service. Regular check-ins allow you to adjust the cleaning schedule as needed based on employee attendance, any flu outbreaks, or other factors. This way, you can ensure the office stays clean and sanitized throughout the season.

As flu season approaches, proactive communication with your office cleaning service can go a long way in protecting the health and well-being of your employees. By adjusting cleaning routines, using the right disinfectants, and staying on top of hygiene protocols, you can help reduce the spread of illness and create a healthier work environment.

If you’re unsure whether your current cleaning service is up to the task, now is the perfect time to start a conversation. Remember, flu season doesn’t wait—neither should your office’s preparedness.

If you're in Orange County and you're looking to a janitorial service provider to help you improve the level of cleanliness in your office, then give us a call to schedule a walk through. We can be reached at 949-701-2128 or je@elitebuildingcare.com

We provide service in:

Irvine, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Orange, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana and surrounding cities.