Offices are often home to a variety of germs that can cause illnesses and infections. Unfortunately, many of the places in the office that we come into contact with daily can harbor germs that are harmful to our health. In this article, we will explore the common places in the office where germs thrive and how to protect yourself from them.
- Desktops and Workstations
Desktops and workstations are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in the office. They can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms that can cause illness. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to wipe down your desk or workstation with a disinfectant wipe regularly. You can also use a cleaning solution that is safe for your computer, keyboard, and mouse to avoid damaging these electronics.
- Door Handles and Light Switches
Door handles and light switches are touched by almost everyone who enters and leaves the office. This means that they can quickly become a breeding ground for germs. To reduce the risk of infection, you should clean these surfaces regularly with a disinfectant wipe or spray.
- Breakroom Appliances
The breakroom is an area in the office where people gather to eat, drink, and socialize. It is also a place where germs can thrive on appliances like the refrigerator, microwave, and coffee machine. To reduce the risk of illness, you should wipe down these appliances regularly with a disinfectant solution.
- Restrooms
Restrooms are a common source of germs in the office. The most effective way to reduce the spread of germs in the restroom is to encourage employees to wash their hands regularly. Providing hand sanitizer and tissues can also help to reduce the spread of germs.
- Conference Room Tables and Chairs
Conference rooms are often used for meetings and presentations, and they can quickly become a breeding ground for germs. This is especially true if multiple people are using the same table and chairs. To reduce the spread of germs, you should clean the table and chairs after each use with a disinfectant solution.
- Water Fountains and Shared Cups
Water fountains and shared cups are often overlooked sources of germs in the office. To reduce the spread of germs, you should encourage employees to bring their own water bottles and avoid sharing cups.
- Elevator Buttons and Handrails
Elevator buttons and handrails are frequently touched surfaces in the office. They can harbor germs that can cause illness. To reduce the risk of infection, you should use a disinfectant wipe or spray to clean these surfaces regularly.
In conclusion, germs are a common problem in the office, and they can cause illnesses that can lead to absenteeism and lost productivity. By taking steps to reduce the spread of germs in the workplace, you can create a healthier environment for your employees. Regularly cleaning surfaces that are commonly touched by multiple people and promoting good hand hygiene are simple and effective ways to reduce the spread of germs in the office.