Why Do Businesses See More Employee Sick Days in December?

December is one of the most challenging months for businesses in New Braunfels. Between holiday gatherings, colder weather, and people spending more time indoors, illness spreads faster than any other time of year.

At New Braunfels Janitorial, we see the same pattern every winter: increased sick days, short-staffed teams, and businesses scrambling to keep operations running. The good news? Many of these issues are preventable with the right cleaning and disinfection strategy.

Here’s what we’ve learned from years of hands-on experience cleaning New Braunfels workplaces during peak illness season.

Why December Is Prime Time for Illness Spread

Several factors come together in December to create the perfect environment for germs:

• More people indoors and in close contact

• Increased foot traffic from holiday shopping and events

• Shared surfaces used more frequently

• Colder weather reducing ventilation

• Busy schedules that push cleaning down the priority list

Viruses can live on high-touch surfaces like door handles, desks, checkout counters, and restroom fixtures for hours—or even days. Without frequent disinfection, germs move quickly from surface to surface, and from person to person.

The Hidden Cost of Sick Days

Many businesses think of cleaning as a maintenance expense. In reality, poor cleaning during illness season creates hidden costs:

• Lost productivity from employee absences

• Overtime pay for coverage

• Missed deadlines or reduced customer service

• Lower morale among healthy staff picking up the slack

• Increased stress for managers

We’ve worked with New Braunfels businesses that didn’t realize how much illness was costing them until they saw the difference a stronger cleaning plan made in January.

Why Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough in December

Standard nightly cleaning is important—but during illness season, it often isn’t enough. High-touch surfaces are used constantly throughout the day, meaning germs return long before the next cleaning visit.

That’s why New Braunfels Janitorial recommends enhanced disinfection during December, including:

• Increased focus on high-touch points

• Proper disinfectant dwell times

• Restroom sanitation multiple times per day

• Breakroom and shared space disinfection

• Optional day porter services for daytime support

This approach helps break the chain of transmission before it spreads across your team.

What Professional Disinfection Does Differently

Professional disinfection goes beyond wiping surfaces. It’s about using the right products, techniques, and timing to actually eliminate germs.

At New Braunfels Janitorial, our disinfection services in New Braunfels include:

• EPA-approved disinfectants proven to kill seasonal viruses

• Trained technicians who understand proper application methods

• Targeted plans based on your industry and traffic levels

• Safe products that balance effectiveness with employee comfort

We tailor every plan to the real conditions of your facility—not a generic checklist.

Industries Most Impacted by December Illness

From experience, we see the biggest benefits in:

• Offices and shared workspaces with hybrid schedules

• Retail stores handling heavy holiday traffic

• Medical and dental offices with vulnerable patients

• Schools and daycares before winter break

• Hospitality and service businesses with constant customer interaction

In each case, proactive cleaning reduces disruptions and helps businesses finish the year strong.

People Also Asked

Can professional cleaning really reduce employee sick days?

Yes. Regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces significantly reduces the spread of germs in shared environments.

How often should disinfection be done in December?

High-traffic areas benefit from daily disinfection, with some spaces needing attention multiple times per day.

Is disinfection safe for employees and customers?

When done correctly with approved products, professional disinfection is both effective and safe.

Should businesses increase cleaning before holiday parties or events?

Absolutely. Events increase surface contact and should be followed by enhanced cleaning.

Protect Your Team During the Busiest Month of the Year

December doesn’t have to mean constant call-outs and disruptions. With the right cleaning and disinfection plan, you can protect your team, support morale, and keep business running smoothly.

If you’re ready to reduce sick days and start the new year healthier, New Braunfels Janitorial is here with local expertise, proven strategies, and a team you can trust.

📞 Contact New Braunfels Janitorial today to schedule professional disinfection services in New Braunfels and prepare your business for a healthier winter.