The Office Survival Kit: The Office Hero or The Germ Spreader?

Why Coming to Work Ill Is a Bad Idea

We all know the type. They arrive at the office with a tissue in one hand, a cup of tea in the other, and a look that says, "I’ll be fine, I just need to power through." They might believe they’re doing the team a favour by soldiering on, but in reality, they’re more likely to turn the office into a breeding ground for colds and flu.

While we’ve been conditioned to admire the "work through the pain" attitude, the truth is, showing up to work when sick doesn’t do anyone any favours. In fact, it’s more likely to cause harm than good. So, why does it still happen? And what can be done to reduce the risk of illness spreading like wildfire through your office?

The Pressure to Push Through

One reason people come to work sick is the unspoken pressure of "presenteeism" - the idea that being physically present at work equals productivity. Many feel guilty for taking time off, worried about falling behind or letting their team down. Others believe they’re toughing it out and setting an example of dedication.

But here’s the truth: a sick employee isn’t productive. Their concentration is lower, their energy is depleted, and they’re not working at full capacity. Worse still, they’re actively spreading germs to their colleagues, meaning that what started as one person’s sniffle can quickly turn into a full blown office epidemic.

The Ripple Effect of Sickness

When one person comes to work sick, the effects ripple out. Shared spaces like desks, kitchens, and meeting rooms become hotspots for germs. The next thing you know, multiple people are off ill, and productivity really takes a hit. That one person who thought they were saving the day by showing up has now unintentionally created a bigger problem for the entire team.

Germs spread incredibly fast in office environments. According to a study by the University of Arizona, a virus placed on a single doorknob or tabletop can spread to 60% of the staff and visitors within hours. And once illness sets in, it can be weeks before the office is back to normal. That’s a lot of time lost.

How to Keep the Office Germ Free

The most obvious solution is to encourage staff to stay home when they’re ill. However, that’s not always an option, especially in fast-paced environments where deadlines loom. The second-best approach? Ensuring that the office is regularly cleaned and sanitised.

At Best Choice Cleaning Company, we specialise in creating clean, hygienic work environments to stop the spread of illness before it begins. Regular cleaning of desks, shared equipment, and kitchen areas can make a massive difference in reducing germs. And during cold and flu season, a deep clean can be the key to keeping your workforce healthy.

We use professional-grade disinfectants and cleaning techniques that target high-touch areas like door handles, phones, keyboards, and other surfaces where germs love to linger. By doing so, we can help reduce the risk of illness spreading and keep your office running smoothly, even during peak flu season.

Keep Your Team Healthy and Productive

So, the next time someone walks into work looking a little worse for wear, it might be time to have a chat about working from home. But beyond that, a clean and sanitised office is the best line of defence against sick days and lost productivity.

Ready to keep your office healthy and germ free? Contact Best Choice Cleaning Company today for our deep cleaning services. We’ll help you create a cleaner, healthier environment where your team can thrive - even during cold and flu season.