Want Fewer Sick Employees? Here’s How a Clean Office Reduces Illnesses

Keeping employees healthy isn’t just a human resources goal—it’s smart business. Sick days cost Australian businesses billions in lost productivity each year. For Brisbane companies, where humidity and warm weather create a breeding ground for germs and mould, maintaining a clean office is essential. Investing in expert office cleaning is about safeguarding your team’s health and maintaining a seamless operation of your company, not only about appearances.

Why Office Cleanliness Matters

How a clean office reduces employee illnesses? Cleanliness in the workplace directly impacts employee health and productivity. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, absenteeism costs businesses over $44 billion annually. One major contributor is germs and bacteria in the workplace.

A recent study by the University of Arizona found that viruses can spread to 60% of surfaces in an office within just four hours after contamination. This rapid spread shows how one infected individual can unintentionally affect an entire team. In Brisbane’s climate, bacteria and mould thrive due to consistent warmth and humidity. These disorders aggravate chronic medical disorders, including allergies and asthma, as well as help to disseminate disease. A clean, hygienic workspace is one proactive step towards preserving staff wellness, morale, and business continuity.

Common Illnesses in an Unclean Office

An unclean workplace doesn’t look bad—it can make your team sick. Here are some common illnesses caused by office germs:

1. Colds and Flu: Spread quickly via high-touch surfaces and airborne particles, causing runny noses, persistent coughing, fatigue, and fever that disrupt daily work and productivity. Crowded offices can lead to rapid outbreaks and leave multiple team members off work.
2. Stomach Bugs: Viruses like norovirus can survive on surfaces for days, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. These illnesses can spread rapidly in shared kitchen and breakroom spaces, creating unpleasant situations and forcing entire departments to take sick leave.
3. Respiratory Infections: Mould and bacteria, common in Brisbane’s humid conditions, can trigger asthma attacks, bronchitis, and other lung infections. This can make breathing difficult for employees and result in long-term sick leave. Poor air quality and unclean vents amplify these risks and reduce overall productivity.
4. Skin Infections: Germs on desks, chairs, and keyboards can lead to rashes, irritation, and bacterial skin infections that may require medical treatment and absence from work. In severe cases, infections can worsen and spread through indirect contact, impacting multiple staff members.

Key Areas Where Germs Thrive

Shared Spaces

• Kitchens and Breakrooms: Sponges, sinks, and countertops are germ hotspots. These areas often accumulate food residues and moisture, creating perfect conditions for flourishing bacteria, yeast, and mould. Poor cleaning routines in these spaces can quickly lead to foodborne illness outbreaks.
• Meeting Rooms: Multiple people in enclosed spaces increase the chance of germ transmission. Shared equipment like remotes, phones, whiteboard markers, and conference tables can harbour pathogens if not regularly disinfected.

High-Touch Surfaces

• Desks and Keyboards: Studies show keyboards can harbour more bacteria than toilet seats. Employees frequently eat at their desks, dropping crumbs and spills that become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs.
• Door Handles and Lift Buttons: Constant contact makes these surfaces prime for spreading illness. Without routine cleaning, they become vectors for viruses and bacteria that travel from person to person.

Air Quality

• Poor Ventilation: The hot and humid climate can produce stale, germ-filled air. Poor air circulation allows viruses and allergens to linger, increasing the chances of respiratory issues.
• HVAC Systems: If not regularly cleaned, air conditioning units can circulate bacteria, mould spores, and dust throughout the office. Regular maintenance ensures air quality and prevents health issues linked to poor ventilation.

How Regular Cleaning Reduces Employee Illnesses

Outstanding office cleaning services play a vital role in reducing illness in the workplace. Here’s how:

1. Disinfection: Regular sanitisation of high-touch areas and communal spaces eliminates viruses and bacteria on surfaces like desks, phones, door handles, and kitchen appliances, significantly reducing infection risk. This is particularly important in offices where employees frequently share equipment and workspaces, making thorough disinfection essential to break the chain of infection.
2. Air Purification: Cleaning HVAC systems and maintaining air purifiers improve indoor air quality, removing allergens, mould spores, and dust. Fresh, clean air circulation keeps respiratory conditions at bay and creates a more pleasant, energising environment that enhances focus and productivity.
3. Waste Disposal: Proper waste removal prevents bacteria buildup and pest infestations. Overflowing or poorly managed bins can emit foul odours and spread germs that impact the entire office. Responsible waste management also reduces the risk of attracting insects and rodents, ensuring your office space remains healthy and hygienic.

Multiple Cleaning Services specialises in commercial cleaning tailored to Brisbane businesses. Their expert team uses industry-grade disinfectants, HEPA filters, and eco-friendly products that eliminate germs without harming your workspace. Their services are designed to handle routine and deep cleaning requirements for offices of all sizes, ensuring that every surface, corner, and air system is thoroughly cleaned and maintained.

Best Practices for a Healthier Office Environment

1. Encourage Hand Hygiene: Provide hand sanitiser stations in every room and communal area. Encourage frequent hand washing through posters, digital reminders, and team meetings. Offer disinfectant wipes for personal workspaces to maintain cleanliness and reduce germ spread from shared equipment.
2. Invest in Deep Cleaning: Schedule weekly or fortnightly professional deep cleans, especially during flu season. This includes carpet steam cleaning, upholstery sanitisation, window cleaning, and thorough restrooms and break areas disinfection. These intensive cleans remove deeply embedded dirt and eliminate bacteria from hard-to-reach areas.
3. Improve Ventilation: Regularly service air conditioning systems and replace filters to avoid circulating contaminated air. Add air purifiers with HEPA filters in busy office zones to keep air fresh and safe. Open windows when possible to promote natural airflow and reduce stagnant air buildup.
4. Educate Staff: Conduct workshops on workplace hygiene and distribute monthly newsletters with health tips. Clear signage, digital displays, and email updates remind staff about sanitisation, handwashing, and proper cough etiquette. Foster a culture where cleanliness is part of daily routines.
5. Follow Regulations: Stay compliant with City Council health guidelines and Safe Work Australia standards. Keep records of all cleaning activities and safety checks to demonstrate compliance during audits. Regularly review and update protocols to reflect current health advisories and best practices.

Prioritise Cleanliness for a Healthier, More Productive Workplace

Its unique climate makes office cleanliness more than a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. Don’t let germs take over your workspace and impact your team’s health, morale, and productivity. Clean environments inspire trust, promote positivity, and safeguard your business against costly disruptions. A proactive approach to hygiene sends a powerful message: you care about your employees and clients.

Let our experts help you create a cleaner, healthier environment tailored to your business needs. Our dedicated team offers customised solutions beyond surface cleaning, targeting hidden germs and ensuring your workplace remains fresh, safe, and inviting.

Contact Multiple Cleaning Services today to arrange a tailored commercial cleaning plan and experience the long-term benefits of a spotless, vibrant office space.