We’ve all been there—dragging ourselves to work despite being plagued with a cold or flu. It’s ingrained in our ‘she’ll be fine’ attitude. However, we have three words for you: Don’t do it.

The culture around sick days is evolving, and coming in when you’re an infectious mess is increasingly frowned upon. Yet, many still do it. A recent survey found that 42% of workers come in sick due to deadlines, while 37% can’t afford time off or feel their boss expects them to show up.

What many don’t realise is that those first few days of illness are when you’re most contagious. Over-the-counter medicines may alleviate symptoms, but they don’t prevent the spread of germs. Moreover, when you’re ill at work, your productivity plummets by up to two-thirds, and you risk infecting your colleagues.

Even if that sneezing colleague in marketing is nowhere near you, their germs can land on surfaces and linger. Keyboards, door handles, light switches, and taps become breeding grounds for cold viruses, facilitating their spread throughout the workplace.

This is where professional cleaning companies like Red Alert Cleaning come in. During cold and flu season, it’s crucial to have all surfaces cleaned to a high standard regularly. Professional cleaners use specialised products and techniques to sanitise high-touch areas, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

By investing in professional cleaning services, businesses can:

Decrease absenteeism: A cleaner workplace means fewer sick employees, reducing overall absences.

Boost productivity: Healthy employees are more productive, and a clean environment promotes focus and efficiency.

Improve morale: A visibly clean workplace shows that you care about employee well-being, boosting morale and job satisfaction.

Reduce the spread of illness: Professional cleaning targets germ hotspots, breaking the chain of infection.

Another solution? If possible, work from home when you’re under the weather. This approach allows you to complete your tasks without infecting others while giving yourself time to recover. Many forward-thinking companies are adopting this policy to prioritise employee health and overall productivity.

Remember, when you next catch a nasty bug, keep it under wraps—at home. And for businesses looking to create a healthier, more productive workplace, consider partnering with a professional cleaning service like Red Alert Cleaning. It’s an investment that pays off in reduced sick days, improved productivity, and a happier, healthier workforce.

By prioritising cleanliness and employee health, businesses can create a more resilient and efficient work environment. Professional cleaning services play a crucial role in this effort, offering expertise and thoroughness that go beyond standard office cleaning practices. In the long run, the benefits of a professionally cleaned workplace far outweigh the costs, making it a smart choice for any business looking to thrive, especially during cold and flu season.