You spend most of your day at the office, with 99% time spent on your office desk. And you either have a almost clean desk, a cluttered desk, a semi clean or a semi cluttered desk! But do you know that your desk can actually make you fall sick?
A researcher from the University of Arizona found out that an office desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat!
Let’s know how your desk can make you sick?
You must be wondering what things at your desk can be the breeding grounds for bacteria. But will be surprised to know that the regular things which you use in the office like keyboards, mouse, telephone or mobile can be the hidden places for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria and viruses which live on the unclean surfaces can multiply and can cause various illnesses, like- cold and flu. Your house keeping staff in office may clean all others things but will seldom clean your desk properly. It is you who have to be cautious about your desk hygiene and avoid the spread of bacteria as much as you can.
Listed below are few tips which will help you in keeping your office desk clean and you healthy:
Clean your desk: This doesn’t mean clearing the clutter! Clean your desk with a wet cloth or disinfectant every two days to minimize the horde of bacteria on your desk. This includes your desk floor, keyboard, telephone, telephone mouth piece and files which are common places where bacteria lives.
Don’t eat at your desk: If you are one of those who like to much on something as you work, you may also be inviting pests and germs at your desk. When you eat at your desk you can spill or drop something while eating which later becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid this, don’t eat at your desk or make it a point to clean your desk every time you eat. Also, when you eat don’t use the same hands to pick up the phone or keyboard, as this might cause the transfer of bacteria to you via your own hands! Keeping tissues handy in drawers can help you clean the desk whenever needed.
Minimize the clutter: Piles of files, pens strewn everywhere, cell phone ringing underneath the mess- if this how your desk looks on a regular day, this is for you. Having unnecessary things around creates dust piles, gives your desk a messy look and most of all clutters your mind! A clean clutter free desk not only reduces stress but also leads to an uncluttered mind which helps you perform better.
Use drawers: Using drawers will not only help in keeping your desk clean but also save your time in finding the files when required. Unwanted piles of papers and file at the corner of your desk attract lot of dust and bacteria making your desk untidy. Storing unwanted files and documents will not only give you make your desk look cleaner but will also minimize the chances of a bacterial hideout causing various illness.
Wash Hands: Wash your hands after regular intervals as much as you can to minimize the spread of bacteria. Make sure when you eat at your desk, start working again only after washing your hands. Also don’t share your hand towel with others as this will only help in passing germs. You can also use hand sanitizers to keep the bacteria at bay.
Tips to keep your desk clean:
- Don’t keep empty coffee mugs at desk
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Also remember to keep your dustbin clean every day.
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Lay waste paper sheet on the desk, while eating.
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Don’t keep eatables on the desk overnight.
A neat clean desk will not keep you healthy but also set a good example for your co worker to be organized at work!
