As flu season draws near, nearly 70 percent of employees admit to coming into work while sick, a habit that may increase the spread of this common virus at the office.

Even with increased preventative measures at businesses around the world, this finding from a recent survey by Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., confirms that office workers continue to stick with old habits.

Staples Advantage offers simple tips to help businesses and employees fight the flu virus at the office.

— Focus on the simple remedy: Proper hand washing may be the most important technique that many people ignore. Ensure proper hand washing by providing self-foaming soap, touch-free fixtures along with motion-sensor dispensers in bathrooms.

— Be prepared: Some important items to have on hand, just-in-case, include latex gloves, face masks, sanitizing wipes and disinfecting cleaning agents.

— Utilize technology whenever you can: Whenever possible, encourage telecommuting as an option for your staff when they are feeling ill.