The “work from home” government guidance is officially over, which for many people means it’s time to get back to the office. While some are truly eager to leave their home desk, others are feeling anxious. And rightly so. Life must go on with the virus on the scene, however, everyone has the responsibility to continue protecting themselves and others by undertaking certain measures. A clean surrounding environment is one of them. So, no matter how you feel about getting back to the office, you should know what are the most common places where germs are likely to hide and thrive.
The Staff Kitchen
Most offices in the city have a staff kitchen. That’s great for employees who like home cooked meals and prefer bringing them to work, rather than eating out during their lunch break. It’s also often the social hub for office teams. That’s exactly what makes the kitchen one of the biggest germ breeders in the workplace. The microwave, the countertops, the cupboard handles and even the fridge are all hot points that need regular cleaning to ensure they are safe for everyone who comes in contact with them.
The Toilets
Surely, this comes as no surprise, but the toilets at the office can be very dangerous for employees’ health if hygiene is not at a good standard. Professional office cleaning pays special attention to this area and disinfection after cleaning is absolutely mandatory.
When you use the staff toilets, make sure you always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, do not forget to dry them afterwards and preferably use hand sanitiser as extra protection.
The Desk
Just sitting at your desk all day long is not safe either. There are tons of germs that are hiding right there, in almost anything you touch. The computer keyboard, the mouse, the phone handle, the headset, the chair armrests – they are all buzzing with microorganisms that can be harmful to your or another colleague’s health. Especially if you happen to share your desk.
The Air Vents
The air vents in the office could be one of the biggest contributors or accelerators of infection spread. This is why regular cleaning and sanitisation of the air vents is essential in any commercial space. Furthermore, when they are in good condition the air quality improves significantly and that helps staff perform better.
The Carpet
The office carpet is probably the dirtiest part of the entire premises even when it doesn’t appear that way. It traps the dirt and bacteria brought by everyone who works there. Unless the carpet is professionally cleaned, all these tiny buggers can be inhaled. Steam cleaning is highly recommended for office carpets because it significantly reduces the risk of allergies and adds more oxygen to the air.
Are you going back to the office soon? How do you feel about it? Perhaps this article will help you be more careful around the premises in order to protect your health.