There are approximately 21,000 germs per square inch on typical office desks, chairs, and keyboards, so chances are, your office isn’t as clean as you might think. Offices contain microbiomes (communities of bacteria) similar to those in homes and aircraft cabinets. These communities include genera such as Propionibacterium, Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus (oral).
Just one of these genera, Staphylococcus, is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections like pneumonia and bone and joint disorders. Meanwhile, Streptococcus oralis can cause many diseases, including bacterial endocarditis and other conditions. Therefore, cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene are critical to protecting your employees. What office areas are the dirtiest, why is cleaning vital, and what cleaning methods can decrease bacteria?
Bacteria Gatherers
Some areas that attract bacteria include office kitchens, desks, and bathrooms. Office desks are more dangerous since many employees eat at (and drop food on) their desks. In addition, only 20% of staff clean their workspace before lunch.
Bathrooms can also house hidden bacteria, including fecal, Streptococcus, Salmonella, and E.coli. They can also be the site where employees can catch virtual infections (including a disease caused by the influenza virus).
Finally, the bathroom toilet, sink, light switch, and floor harbor germs and microbes. Cleaning your office equipment and floors is vital. Hire professional cleaners, as they have the equipment, materials, and experience to do the required job.
A knowledgeable team will go beyond surface cleaning, looking for and targeting problems such as mold, which can cause respiratory issues. They can also use pressure washing for outdoor areas, which employees use to relax, enjoy a break, or have lunch.
Cleanliness and Productivity Are Linked
Studies have shown that untidy, unclean environments are linked to lower productivity. One found that clutter can cause people to procrastinate on tasks. Another showed that it could trigger stress, anxiety, and depression. Influenza and other infections can additionally lead to many missed work days.
One review (Keech & Beardsworth, 2008) found that the mean number of working days lost due to the flu ranges between 1.5 and 4.9 days. Absenteeism and working at a reduced capacity also cause a loss of productivity even after employees return to the office.
Individual Efforts Should Be Encouraged
In addition to having surfaces and floors cleaned regularly, managers should encourage workers to adopt hygiene routines that reduce their chances of infection. They should be asked, for instance, to use bacterial wipes on their desk before eating there.
In addition, every staff member can make it a point to clean their items (including their keyboard and mouse) daily before starting work. They should also report any spills and the presence of mold and dirt to a designated person so that extra attention can be given to the required areas during the cleaning process.
Offices can house a host of dangerous bacteria. A few linked to disease and missed work days include the influenza virus, fecal bacteria, and Streptococcus. Therefore, offices should hire a reputable cleaning company for cleaning and sanitation purposes. In addition, staff should be taught to carry out daily hygiene practices to reduce their (and others’) chances of infection.