09 Jan Office Germs
The winter months spread cold and flu viruses more easily because of the cold and dry air and people staying indoors, in closer contact with one another. We think of germs being spread through the air by coughs or sneezes and through physical touch with someone or something that has been contaminated. Have you thought about the germs in your office space? Research done in the UK (Independent) in recent years revealed that a workplace desk has 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat. There are also large amounts of germs found on workplace phones, keyboards, mouse, coffee pots, kitchen sinks etc. These places are often cleaned less with antibacterial cleaners and maybe not be done as often as they should be. Also, many of us spend 40 or more hours each week in these spaces and therefore we have a lot of physical contact with our desk and workspace. Another area of germ exposure in the office, is the breakroom. With everyone from the office coming and going, it is a breeding ground for germs. Consider the communal kitchen sink, coffee pot, sponges and countertops as areas for germs to live.
Although your office may be cleaned regularly by staff, you can help reduce the spread of germs by cleaning yourself. You can combat office germs by spending an extra minute each day wiping down your desk space with an antibacterial cleaner. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and especially before consuming any food. After washing your hands, turn off the faucet with a paper towel. Help reduce the spread of germs in your office today and help yourself and those around you stay healthy this winter season!