We all know just how important cleanliness is, especially for our mental health. One of the places it’s most important is in you work space. If where you like to get things done is filled with clutter, it will also cause you to have mental clutter! And sure, it may look spick and span, but is it really as clean as you think?
Where the danger lies
As you’d probably expect, it is the everyday items we use frequently that can harbour the most clutter, germs and grime. Things like keyboards, telephones, taps and desks are all common items, but you might be surprised to find out just how dirty these things can be. We spend so much time creating a healthier lifestyle for our minds and bodies, it’s crazy to see the results if we don’t clean our space:
Office desks – Just in the area where you lay your hands there is thought to be around 10,000 bacteria.
Many desks are 400 times dirtier than the average loo seat!
Keyboards – As if the office desk isn’t bad enough, the equipment that it holds isn’t much better.
Keyboards are thought to contain 70% more bacteria than that toilet seat too!
Telephones – The phone that sits atop your desk is another culprit. The average office phone plays home to around 25,000 germs per square inch. Time to clean yours up – or buy a smaller phone!
Other surfaces – Viruses and the common cold can live happily on hard surfaces for anywhere up to 18 hours. On top of this, surfaces that aren’t cleaned regularly can accumulate 31% more bacteria each and every day that they are not cleaned with disinfectant.
Taps – Tap handles are another menace of the office when it comes to carrying unwanted germs. 75% of all office taps are thought to be a major cause of illness spreading throughout the workplace.
What you can do to keep things germ free
What can everyone in your office do to make your workspace a more effective environment for both your physical and mental health? Get cleaning and Feng Shui up your space!
Designated break area – Have a spot where workers can take their lunch. Eating while sat in front of the computer at your desk is not hygienic and should be discouraged. This is also good for mental health. Creating a space to eat away from working actually makes you feel like you’re taking a break.
Throw it away – Anything that is not essential, or no longer needed, should be thrown in the trash or sent for recycling. Letting things build up on your desk will prevent thorough cleaning and help those bugs to thrive and your mental clutter to grow.
Get wiping – Although cleaners will make the area look smart, many will not wipe down your keyboards, telephones or screens. Get into the habit of doing this yourself.
Improve washroom facilities – Making sure that there is always soap and proper hand drying equipment will help to stop germs from spreading through your office. For superior washroom products visit www.cannonhygiene.com.
Take responsibility – If you happen to spill a drink or notice something on the floor that shouldn’t be there, act. Don’t automatically expect that someone else will do your cleaning for you. Showing others in the office that you are prepared to do what it takes to keep the environment clean so you can all work more effectively!
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