The Hidden Health & Financial Costs of Neglecting Winter Facility Maintenance

Oct 31, 2023

Winter is just around the corner, and this year, businesses are eyeing the hidden costs that come with the Cold and Flu Season

With temperatures plummeting in the New York Metropolitan Area seemingly as swiftly as the autumn leaves, businesses are looking for ways to maintain a healthier workforce throughout the impending cold and flu season.

At North Hills Facility Services, we advocate for the development of a robust cleaning and disinfecting strategy. This ensures that even if employees come to work displaying symptoms of illness, your facility doesn’t turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.

Here’s an insight into some hidden health and financial burdens that can be avoided with a comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting plan this cold and flu season.

Health Risks in the Cold Season

The winter months are notoriously known for a spike in health issues. Relaxed attitudes towards regular cleaning and disinfecting routines can quickly turn work environments into thriving hubs for bacteria and viruses. This heightened exposure not only escalates the incidence of illness among employees and visitors but also deteriorates the indoor air quality, posing health risks to all present.

The Snowball Effect of Neglect

Infrequent cleaning throughout the winter doesn’t just compromise immediate health, it initiates a domino effect. Heating systems, burdened beyond their usual capacity, can distribute greater amounts of dust, allergens, and pathogens. Without consistent cleaning, these contaminants burden systems, hastening their wear and tear, inflating the likelihood of costly repairs, and heightening the risk of complete system breakdowns.

The Financial Downside of Cutting Corners

While businesses may perceive a cutback in maintenance as a fiscal shortcut, it’s a path paved with hidden pitfalls. The financial liabilities linked with increased sick days, a slump in productivity, and steep equipment repair expenditures due to neglect can rapidly mount up, nullifying any initial savings gained from skimping on maintenance.

Preserving Facility Integrity

In addition to the direct costs, the persistent disregard for maintenance can have an enduring detrimental effect on the facility’s infrastructure and materials. Winter weather is unrelenting, and in the absence of regular maintenance, the longevity of essential assets is under threat.

How to Invest in Health and Safety with North Hills Facility Services

North Hills Facility Services champions a forward-thinking approach to winter facility maintenance. Upholding a regular cleaning and disinfecting regimen, being cognizant of the additional pressures winter places on your infrastructure, and pledging to maintain a health-conscious space for all are prudent investments.

Appropriate winter maintenance shouldn’t be deemed an extraneous cost, but rather a strategic safeguard to fend off larger expenses and guarantee a secure, efficient business environment throughout the rigorous winter season.