In today’s fast-paced work culture, many of us spend the majority of our days in an office setting. But have you ever stopped to think about just how dirty that office space may be? From common areas like desks and keyboards to shared spaces like break rooms and conference rooms, the average office can harbor a surprising amount of germs and bacteria.
Let’s start with one of the most commonly used items in an office: the desk. On average, a desk can contain up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! And when you factor in the number of hands that touch it throughout the day, it’s no wonder that our desks can become breeding grounds for germs. In fact, research has shown that keyboard keys can contain up to 20,000 microbes per square inch, making them one of the dirtiest surfaces in an office.
But it’s not just personal workspaces that can be dirty in an office. Shared spaces like break rooms and conference rooms can also harbor their fair share of germs. Coffee pots, microwave handles, and refrigerator door handles are all high-touch areas that can quickly accumulate bacteria. And let’s not forget about the communal sponge or dish towel in the break room – these items can actually be some of the dirtiest things in the entire office!
So how do we combat this level of dirtiness in our offices? One simple solution is to regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Using disinfectant wipes on your keyboard and phone can greatly reduce the amount of bacteria present. Encouraging co-workers to regularly wash their hands can also help prevent the spread of germs.
Another important step is to establish clear guidelines for cleaning and hygiene in shared spaces. This could include assigning specific people to clean certain areas on a rotating basis or providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the office.
So next time you sit down at your desk or head to the break room for a cup of coffee, remember to take a few extra minutes to clean up and prevent the spread of germs in your office.