Infection Control in the Workplace – Best Practices for 2025 and Beyond

11.11.24 01:39 PM By Ralph

In this blog, we’ll break down some practical, forward-thinking best practices that businesses can use to keep infections at bay in the workplace. From innovative tech solutions using AI to basic hygiene tweaks, there are so many ways to protect employees and boost productivity in 2025 and beyond.


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Let’s face it, infection control has always been important, but the past few years have made it clear that keeping employees healthy is key to running any successful business—whether it's a busy hospital, bustling factory, or office with all the come back to work initiatives. With 2025 on the horizon, businesses are rethinking their strategies to manage health risks. Sure, some practices like hand sanitizing stations are here to stay, but what else should companies focus on? More importantly, how can they stay one step ahead of illness in the workplace?


1. Proactive Health Screening with AI

We’ve all seen how traditional health screenings are, frankly, a bit outdated. Asking employees to self-report symptoms or manually checking temperatures just doesn’t cut it anymore—especially when people are often contagious whether or not they feel sick. That’s why more and more businesses are turning to AI-driven health screening to turn things up a notch.

Enter Wello AI. By using artificial intelligence to monitor temperature baselines, this tech tracks subtle changes in body temperature and includes things such as how they are affected by time of day and weather. Why does that matter? It lets you catch early signs of illness whether or not symptoms become obvious. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the spread of contagious diseases in the workplace, ensuring fewer sick days and a more reliable workforce.


2. Step Up Personal Hygiene Protocols

We all know about hand sanitizers and soap, but let’s be honest—some of the old hygiene protocols could use a refresh. Personal hygiene is one of the simplest ways to prevent infection, but we need to do more than just remind employees to wash their hands. In 2025, businesses should make hygiene effortless by installing touchless systems (from faucets to soap dispensers) and making sure air quality is top-notch.

Also, ventilation matters more than ever. Studies show that improving indoor air quality can significantly reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Whether it’s opening windows more often or installing better air purifiers, it’s all about making your workplace a safer environment for everyone.

Personal hygiene could even be increased for people who are deviating away from their baseline but are not at the clinical-level of a fever.


3. Emphasize Clear Sick Leave Policies

We all know it happens—employees come to work when they’re feeling under the weather because they don’t want to take a sick day. Maybe it’s financial concerns, or maybe it’s the fear of falling behind. But in 2025, sick leave policies need to be crystal clear. Employees need to feel empowered to stay home when they’re sick, without feeling like they’re being punished for it.

Whether it’s offering more paid sick days or reinforcing that their health comes first, businesses can reduce the likelihood of one sick employee infecting the whole team. Some companies are even using tools like Wello AI to help monitor employees’ health in real-time, so they know when someone’s starting to show early signs of illness—whether or not symptoms appear. It’s about creating a culture that supports wellness and prevention.


4. Encourage Health and Wellness Programs

A healthy workforce starts with strong wellness initiatives that go beyond traditional benefits. Encouraging employees to prioritize their physical and mental health reduces the likelihood of illness and infection. Providing wellness programs that promote regular exercise, stress management, and access to mental health resources can make a huge difference in overall workplace health.

Best Practice:

  • Wellness Programs: Offering activities like fitness challenges, mental health days, and stress management workshops creates a culture that supports overall well-being. Healthier employees mean fewer absences, better morale, and greater productivity.

5. Use Data to Make Informed Decisions

Infection control isn’t just about reacting to the present—it’s about predicting future outbreaks and making smart decisions before things get out of hand. This is where data comes into play. Using tools like Wello AI allows companies to collect real-time health data on their workforce, which can then be analyzed to spot patterns.

For example, if a few employees start showing temperature spikes, you can act fast—maybe by implementing temporary measures like mask-wearing or increasing cleaning protocols. Having data at your fingertips means you’re making informed decisions, not just hoping for the best. It’s a more efficient way to keep infection rates low and productivity high, without causing company-wide changes in policy on a seasonal basis. 

Wrapping It Up

Infection control will always be a critical issue for any workplace, but the strategies are evolving. In 2025 and beyond, companies need to move from reactive to proactive. By implementing AI-driven solutions like Wello AI, stepping up personal hygiene practices, improving sick leave policies, encouraging wellness programs, and leveraging real-time data, businesses can create a healthier, more productive environment. It’s not just about dealing with illness—it’s about preventing it before it spreads.

So, the question isn’t whether businesses should improve their infection control practices—it’s how they can do it in a way that protects both their employees and their bottom line..     

Wrapping It Up

Infection control will always be a critical issue for any workplace, but the strategies are evolving. In 2025 and beyond, companies need to move from reactive to proactive. By implementing AI-driven solutions like Wello AI, stepping up personal hygiene practices, improving sick leave policies, encouraging wellness programs, and leveraging real-time data, businesses can create a healthier, more productive environment. It’s not just about dealing with illness—it’s about preventing it before it spreads.

So, the question isn’t whether businesses should improve their infection control practices—it’s how they can do it in a way that protects both their employees and their bottom line..                        

Ralph