Modern Slavery StatementAs temperatures drop and flu season sets in, keeping your workplace healthy becomes a top priority. Mark Ryan, Hygiene Expert at Banner, has spent years helping organisations across the UK create cleaner, safer spaces through smart product choices and best practice hygiene solutions.
Why Workplace Hygiene Matters So Much in Winter
Every winter, viruses spread more quickly, and not just because we’re spending more time indoors. Cold, dry air helps viruses survive longer in the environment, while heating systems circulate them through the air. Add in shared surfaces like door handles, keyboards and phones, plus the natural habit of touching our faces, and you have the perfect recipe for workplace outbreaks.
Poor hygiene doesn’t just lead to more sick days. It hits productivity hard. When one person comes in with the flu, it can ripple through teams, causing disruption and delays. In fact, research shows that more than a million hours of teaching time are lost annually in primary schools due to poor bathroom hygiene, equivalent to £11 million in teaching time – and this principle applies across every workplace.
So, what can you do? Stocking up on the right supplies makes a real difference. Here are my top ten essentials every workplace needs to stay healthy this flu season.
Our Hygiene Supply Checklist for Flu Season
- Disinfectant Sprays & Wipes
I always recommend having fast-acting disinfectants on hand. They are perfect for desks, door handles, keyboards and shared equipment, killing bacteria and viruses before they have a chance to spread. A handy way to stay on top of this is by keeping a pack of disinfectant wipes in every meeting room and near high-traffic touchpoints.
- Hand Sanitisers
I find that hand sanitisers are often the simplest way to reduce germs in busy workplaces. Place them at entrances, exits and shared spaces, and I recommend providing 30 ml personal bottles for desks so staff can quickly sanitise their hands throughout the day. Alcohol-based sanitisers are my preferred choice because they eliminate 99.9% of germs without leaving hands sticky.
- Antibacterial or Foaming Soaps
In washrooms, I always say that the right soap matters. Antibacterial hand soaps remove dirt and germs more effectively than standard handwash. I also recommend using disposable paper towels rather than hot air dryers, as they dry hands quickly without circulating airborne microbes.
- Facial Tissues
A simple yet powerful hygiene tool, keeping facial tissues available on every desk helps capture germs at the source. Encourage the well-known “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” approach within your team: tissues straight in the bin after use, followed by hand sanitiser or a wash.
- Microfibre Cloths
Unlike standard dusters, microfibre cloths trap particles rather than spreading them around. I would recommend using microfibre cleaning cloths for regular desk or screen cleaning to reduce allergens and dust, especially helpful for those with winter allergies. But don’t forget to wash them frequently to maintain their effectiveness.
- HEPA Filter Air Purifiers (High Efficiency Particulate Air)
Air quality is easy to overlook but crucial during flu season. Quality air purifiers are fantastic at removing fine particles, dust and airborne germs, improving overall wellbeing and concentration within your team. I would suggest placing one in each open-plan area or meeting room, and remember to replace filters regularly for optimal performance.
- Kitchen & Dining Area Cleaners
Shared kitchens and dining spaces are known germ hotspots. For these areas, multi-surface cleaners can be very effective, as wiping down surfaces before and after use helps reduce the risk of contamination.
- Dish Soaps & Sanitising Agents
Keeping mugs, utensils and dishes hygienic reduces cross-contamination risks. Dishwashing liquids and sanitisers are brilliant for cutting through grease and killing bacteria, helping maintain a healthy breakroom environment.
- Hand Creams & Lotions
The one downside of frequent washing and sanitising is that it can dry out skin and lead to cracking. This can actually cause hands to be more vulnerable to germs. Stock up on hand creams in washrooms and common areas to encourage regular use and skin protection.
- Hand Wipes
For those with sensitive skin, hand wipes are a great alternative as they offer a quick, gentle clean. These can be placed in reception, meeting rooms or vehicles used by field staff for on-the-go hygiene without irritation.
2. Warehouse & logistics roles
Roles: picking and packing, forklift drivers, loading dock staff and internal delivery teams.
These roles spend most time indoors or partly sheltered but still struggle when moving between zones or during loading/unloading in cold ambient areas. The key is to maintain warmth without restricting mobility:
- Warm but slim insulating layers (fleece, quilted jackets)
- Breathable fabrics to avoid overheating when active
- Insulated, dexterous gloves so handling items remains safe
- Footwear that is waterproof, insulated, and slip-resistant
- Comfortable base layers to help trap heat
Our comprehensive workwear range includes base and mid-layers, softshell jackets, and work trousers. In my experience, I’ve found that using this layered approach works well, allowing workers to start off cold and peel off layers as they warm up indoors.
Keeping Your Workplace Healthier Through Flu Season and Beyond
A strong hygiene routine isn’t just about products, it’s about consistency. Encourage staff to clean shared equipment regularly, top up supplies often and lead by example. Small steps make a big difference in keeping teams healthy and productive.
At Banner, we help businesses of every size build cleaner, safer workplaces. Explore our full hygiene product range and make this flu season your organisation’s healthiest yet.