The sounds of sneezing and coughing that ring throughout the workplace could be allergies but according to a survey released Monday by Staples it could be a cold or flu. Nearly 80 percent of office workers polled by the office products retailer come to work even when they know they are sick, an increase of 20 percent over last year. But the picture is not much better for those that stay home - more than two-thirds will return to work while still contagious.
In a typical year, the flu virus is responsible for approximately 70 million missed workdays and an estimated $10 billion in lost office productivity according to Staples research. Survey results also show that employees could do more to keep the workplace healthy: half of office workers don’t clean their workspaces regularly and are unaware of the dirtiest surfaces in the office.
Staples offers solutions to help maintain a healthy workplace by keeping things clean – whether a home office, small-to-mid-sized business or large enterprise. From simple items, such as hand sanitizer, to large-scale industrial cleaning products and techniques, Staples has the solutions to keep workers healthy and productive.
“At Staples, we know that companies are already doing more with fewer resources, and flu season has the potential to impact productivity,” said Lisa Hamblet, vice president for facility solutions at Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples. “Prevention is key, and using the right supplies is critical. Products such as hands-free soap, paper towel dispensers, disinfectants and sanitizers, along with staff awareness, can help keep an office healthy.”
The third annual Flu Season Survey is an online survey of more than 150 office workers and 100 FMs at organizations of all sizes across the U.S. The survey, conducted in September 2012, asked a series of questions about hygiene in the workplace and flu knowledge.
Staples has 20 stores serving the Detroit area. Each opens at 8:00 Monday through Friday, 9:00 on Saturday and 10:00 Sunday. Closing times vary by store, ranging from 8:00 to 9:00 at night but all close at 6:00 Sundays.
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