Did you know the keyboard and your office mouse are the most bacteria-infested spot in your workplace? These equipment can carry 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat! But have you ever wondered, where are the most germs on your body found that cause illness? The answer might surprise you — your hands!
As you interact with surfaces like office desks, and communal areas, you unknowingly spread germs and bacteria throughout your office space. Moreover, these harmful pathogens enter your body whenever you touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth. It increases your chances of getting sick which leads to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and poor employee well-being.
Therefore, addressing these hotspots requires thorough cleaning services. The cleaning services offer deep cleaning services, which helps you maintain a hygienic work environment that protects the health of everyone in the office.
Let's explore the top 10 germ hotspots in the office and how you can create a healthier and more hygienic workspace for everyone.
Negative Impact of Excessive Germs Hotspots in Your Office
Germs and bacteria in an office environment impact employee well-being and overall business performance. The key consequences of germ hotspots in your office are:
- Outbreaks of infectious diseases like the flu, the common cold, or even more serious conditions.
- Increased employee illness, which results in decreased productivity and higher absenteeism rates. Absence of an employee due to sickness results in a loss of 30.4 productivity days.
- Doesn't leave a lasting impression on clients and lets prospective clients opt for other competitors with a cleaner and healthier environment.
- Polluted air, caused by dust, mold, and bacteria circulating through HVAC systems or air vents, affects the air quality in your office.
- Delayed decisions due to workspace clutter.
Learn more about keeping your home healthy with our tips: 16 Untapped House Cleaning Techniques to Protect Your Home from Cold and Flu Today.
Top Germ Hotspots in Your Office Environment
Is the kitchen sink the dirtiest place in the office? The answer might just be yes. Let's take a closer look and discover the top germ hotspots where the most bacteria is found in an office.
1) Computer Keyboards and Mouse
Multiple people in the offices frequently touch the same computer keyboards and mouse. It causes germs to easily transfer and you catch infections like colds, flu, etc. Make sure to disinfect these keyboards and mouse regularly and tell your employees to use hand sanitizers or wash their hands frequently to prevent germ transmission in the workplace.
2) Collaborative Workstations
Multiple employees share collaborative workstations, such as meeting tables and desks, throughout the day. These high-traffic areas accumulate germs quickly. Therefore, you should thoroughly clean and disinfect these areas to reduce the buildup of germs in the office environment.
3) Phone Handsets
Phone handsets are also one of the major hub spots of germs. These equipment come in contact with multiple employees and easily spread germs, resulting in skin or even ear infections. Make sure to clean these handsets regularly or assign different to each employee to prevent the spread of viruses.
4) Water Dispensers and Coffee Stations
Water dispensers and coffee stations are the most frequently used appliances. People regularly touch the handles and buttons of these machines, accumulating germs and pathogens that are often overlooked in regular cleaning routines.
These machines require deep cleaning after frequent time periods to remove stubborn stains from inside and outside. If not cleaned properly, they can be the top reason for your employees to get sick.
5) Elevator Buttons
Elevator buttons are the high contact surfaces that harbor a lot of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You should regularly clean the buttons and place sanitizers near the elevators, encouraging employees to clean their hands after using them.
6) Door Handles and Light Switches
Door handles and light switches are exposed to countless hands every day. These handles and switches accumulate germs, viruses, and more, causing employees flu, cold, and other diseases. You should clean or sanitize these handles and light switches regularly and utilize automatic or sensor-operated handles and switches so no germs thrive on them.
7) Office Chairs
The armrests, seat cushions, and backs of office chairs collect dust and bacteria as they are used constantly throughout the day. These chairs often spread harmful bacteria to the employees, contributing to illness. Deep clean and disinfect office chair fabric or leather surfaces, armrests, and seat cushions regularly to ensure that your cleaning routine targets all parts of the chair. It will maintain a healthier office environment.
8) Air Conditioning Vents and Ducts
Air conditioning vents and ducts collect dust, mold, and bacteria, which spreads throughout the office when the HVAC system is turned on. It impacts air quality negatively and contributes to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. Therefore, you should maintain your air vents and ducts or replace filters periodically to reduce the buildup of dust and allergens.
Discover effective tips for a fresher home: Top 7 Hacks to Make Your Indoor Air Fresh During the Winter.
9) Breakroom Sink Faucets
Breakroom sinks and faucets are often contaminated with germs, food particles, and debris. These become a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. So, you should disinfect these sinks and faucets regularly.
10) Employee Personal Belongings
Employees' personal belongings like bags, coats, and phones carry germs from the outside to the office. The germs are transferred then to the surfaces like desks and keyboards. You should encourage employees to store coats and bags in designated areas to prevent germ contamination in the workspace.
Measurement of Germ Hotspots In Relative Light Units
How to Tackle Germ Hotspots in Your Office?
Actinobacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and more are the most common office bacteria that multiply on surfaces and cause severe infections. Thus, hiring a reliable cleaning company is the best option to tackle the germs hotspots in your office space. Other involve:
- Hire Professional Cleaning Services: Around 80% of infectious diseases spread through direct contact. So, professional cleaning companies offer solutions that often prioritize deep cleaning of high-touch surfaces like desks, keyboards, phones, doorknobs, and more. The cleaners clean and disinfect these hotspots to prevent germ breeding.
- Regularly Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas Surfaces: Clean hard-to-reach areas like air vents, behind office furniture, and under desks to maintain a hygienic environment.
- Utilizes Expert Cleaning Equipment and Eco-friendly Supplies: The cleaning company uses expert cleaning equipment and eco-friendly cleaning supplies to ensure that employees are not exposed to harmful chemicals.
- Improve Ventilation: Clean and maintain air conditioning units and vents to prevent the circulation of dust and germs indoors. You should consider changing filters regularly for better air quality at your office.
Conclusion
Where are germs found the most in the office? Most common office bacteria are found in frequently touched areas like office desks, keyboards, and more. These are often overlooked in regular cleaning routines. So, you should hire a cleaning company like Fresh Tech Maid with a proven track record for deep cleaning solutions ensuring all the prime hotspots are properly sanitized. It will prevent the spread of bacteria and promote a healthier and more productive workplace.