It’s that time of year when your team members may start dropping like flies. Coughing, sneezing, headaches, body aches, and congestion—the list of symptoms in the PTO requests may be endless. Revealing the truth behind these common cold and flu myths may help you run a full ship this season instead of surviving on a skeleton crew. At Yardi, we are thrilled to create software that boosts productivity and efficiency. But even the best real estate software on the market is less effective when clients work with a depleted staff. Keep your operations moving smoothly with these tested truths for a healthier workplace.   Fact or Fiction? After the First 3 Days of a Cold, Safely Return to Work: FICTION A publication by the University of California, Berkeley explains, “As a general rule, adults with a cold will be able to infect others one day before symptoms appear and up to five days or so after becoming sick. […] The precise number of days for transmission can vary from person to person.” It is in the best interest of everyone at the office when a sick person takes adequate time out to recover from an illness. This personal time off minimizes the spread of the illness and supports long-term productivity. If personal time off is not an option, self-imposed quarantining may actually prove effective. “If you’re around someone who is sick, stay at least six feet away—cold viruses can’t be propelled much farther than that before falling to the ground,” the publication states. Immediately clean any shared surfaces after use and frequently wash hands with soap and water.   Fact or Fiction? Hand Sanitizer Creates Resistant Germs: FACT Viruses and bacteria naturally evolve. Antimicrobials are not the sole catalysts for “super germs” but they are a...

Cold and flu season is a headache for companies around the nation. The Integrated Benefits Institute states that US companies lose $227 billion each year in lost productivity. Those losses are the results of illness-induced absenteeism and presenteeism (when illness prevents workers from fulfilling their potential). Cut your losses and protect your employees with a few creative housekeeping tips. These small investments could save you thousands—or more—in the long run. Equip Your Team for Cleanliness A study conducted by the University of Arizona reveals that it takes about four hours for traces of infectious viruses to spread to solid surfaces throughout your office. These viruses can thrive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Strategically place disinfecting wipes throughout the office. Employees can wipe down their workspaces throughout the day. You may be surprised by how many employees take advantage of the wipes! Some employees will want to avoid conventional antibacterial wipes. To promote cleanliness for all, consider supplying this simple, natural cleaner as well: one drop of lemon essential oil per four ounces of water in a spray bottle. High-quality lemon essential oils have proven antiseptic, antimicrobial, and bactericidal properties. It’s a natural alternative for employees who might not use conventional disinfectant wipes in their workspaces. Restock Your Break Room Wisely The traditional break room setup usually includes coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer. In fall and winter, consider adding a few fresh lemons and raw honey to the mix. Breathing in warm teas stimulates the cilia of the nose, helping to block out germs. Honey is a natural sweetener that doubles as an antibacterial agent. It’s also a beloved soothing agent for irritated throats. Lemon adds flavor to teas while helping to thin mucus, thus minimizing the irritation caused by postnasal drip. Stock...