From Classroom Sniffles to Cubicle Outbreaks: Stopping the Back to School Germ Cycle

Back-to-School = Germ Season: Cleaning Strategies for Offices, Schools & Shared Spaces

When the school buses roll out in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, it’s not just kids heading back to class. Germs are back in session too — and unfortunately, they don’t stop at the classroom door.

From office breakrooms to property lobbies, this time of year brings a perfect storm: cooler weather, more people indoors, and back-to-school bugs hitching rides on employees’ kids. For facility managers, office managers, and business owners, the question isn’t if germs will show up — it’s how ready your workplace is to handle them.

Here’s some important questions this blog article will answer for you:

1. Why do germs spread more quickly in workplaces during back-to-school season in New England?
   
2. Which high-touch surfaces in offices, schools, and shared spaces should be disinfected daily?
   
3. How can HVAC systems and air quality impact the spread of illness in the fall?
   
4. What steps should facility managers include in a fall cleaning checklist to prevent sick days?
   
5. How does partnering with a professional cleaning service like System4 help businesses reduce absenteeism and improve employee morale?

Why Germ Season Hits Hard in the Fall

• Back-to-school germs = workplace germs: When kids catch colds, flu, or strep, it’s only a matter of time before parents and coworkers start calling out.
• Close quarters indoors: Fall in New England means doors and windows shut tight, less fresh air, and more germ circulation.
• High-touch hotspots: Shared spaces like elevators, breakrooms, and conference rooms become germ superhighways.
  
  

“Last September, our office lost nearly 15% of workdays to sick leave in just two weeks. Partnering with a professional cleaning service has cut that number in half.”
— Debbie, Manager, Providence, RI

Pro Cleaning Strategies to Stay Ahead

Here’s how to keep your workplace cleaner, healthier, and less disrupted this fall:

• Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Daily
  Door handles, elevator buttons, copier screens, and shared desks need more than a quick wipe — they need consistent disinfection.
  
  
• Deep Clean the Breakroom
  Coffee pots, microwaves, and fridge handles are germ magnets. A pro team will sanitize them daily to stop cross-contamination.
  
  
• Prioritize Restrooms
  Stocked, spotless restrooms aren’t just about appearances. They’re where good hand hygiene starts — and that’s critical during back-to-school flu and cold season.
  
  
• Improve Air Quality
  Replace HVAC filters regularly and consider duct cleaning. Cleaner air = fewer airborne illnesses.
  
  
• Schedule a Seasonal Deep Clean
  Back-to-school is the perfect time for a reset: carpets, upholstery, and flooring need attention to clear out summer’s dust, pollen, and allergens.
• Add Hand Hygiene Stations 
  Place sanitizer near entrances, breakrooms, and meeting spaces. Pro tip: employees are far more likely to use them if they are visible and convenient. 
  
  

Facility Manager’s Fall Cleaning Checklist

✔️ Schedule a professional deep clean before flu season ramps up
✔️ Increase disinfection of high-touch surfaces
✔️ Restock hand soap, sanitizer, and paper goods weekly
✔️ Check HVAC systems and replace filters
✔️ Communicate cleaning protocols so staff feel confident

Why This Matters for Your Business

• Fewer Sick Days = Higher Productivity: A clean workplace reduces absenteeism, keeping operations on track.
  
  
• Better Employee Experience: Staff notice when their environment is cared for. Clean spaces boost morale and retention.
  
  
• Stronger Reputation: For property managers: tenants and visitors equate cleanliness with professionalism and safety.
  

Partnering with the Pros

Managing a facility is a full-time job — and cleaning should make your life easier, not harder. A trusted partner like System4 of Southern New England can customize a plan that keeps your workplace ahead of germ season.

From daily janitorial services to seasonal deep cleans, we help facility managers, property owners, and business leaders across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts protect their people and their properties.

Ready to Stay Ahead of Germ Season?

Let’s make sure your workplace is ready for the back-to-school germ wave.
📞 Contact System4 IPS today to schedule your fall cleaning plan.

Schedule your free consultation today or call us at 800-674-9412 to discuss your specific needs.

Don't wait until cubicle outbreaks become big productivity pitfalls—let's keep your facility clean, safe, and comfortable this autumn.

Lacking janitorial staffing?

Concerned about a staffing shortage or whether you are using the right cleaning service for your workplace? It's not too late to find the perfect janitorial team that will keep your facility clean and safe. Look for solid custodian referrals and consult with System4 IPS. 

Which custodian or janitorial team is best for you? System4IPS specializes in creating customized janitorial programs  that meet the unique need of businesses like yours!

If your workplace experiences a flu or virus outbreak, call System4 IPS and schedule your disinfection service today. Our professional team listens to your needs, requirements, and timing. See our many satisfied customer testimonials and public Google ratings.