It is amazing to think that there are 3.5 million bacteria living on each square inch of your keyboard. Of course, a keyboard is just of the many things you touch daily, with additional germ houses including mice, kitchen worktops, bathroom countertops, and more. In many ways, your office workspace is a battlefield, and it sometimes feels like “every person is for themselves” when it comes to keeping individual workspaces clean. Of course, many common areas are beyond your control. No matter how many sanitary wipes you bring to your desk, germs abound in many unexpected corners, some of which belong to colleagues and other of which are communal zones.
Desktops and Workstations
Office desks and workstations typically harbour about 10 million bacteria, a statistic 400 times greater than the average toilet seat. One of the most commonly found germs is the pseudomonas aeruginosa which can infect people with weaker immune systems and cause can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), or other parts of the body. Staphylococcus aureus is another predominant germ found anywhere where there is contact with skin. It can lead to soft tissue infections such as furuncles and abscesses.
Germ-Infested Telephones
Telephone hygiene should also be taken seriously since over 25,000 germs are found per square inch of this device—which is used by about 65% of the workforce. The most frequently found bacteria on work phones include E-coli, streptococcus, enterococcus faecalis and MRSA, with streptococcus being the most dangerous, potentially causing rheumatic fever, kidney diseases, pharyngitis, and skin infections.
Keyboards and Mice
Keyboards house an average of over 3.5 million bacteria, including germs like E-coli, salmonella, klebsiella pneumoniae, and staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria put you at risk of cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, stomach cramps, and skin infections. A simple solution for this issue involves office equipment cleaning, which should be undertaken by a professional. This is because wet wipes can simply spread germs instead of eliminating them. What’s more, some germs require specific equipment and materials if you wish to eliminate them for good.
Communal Areas
Communal areas such as kitchens and break areas are breeding grounds for bacteria. Break rooms include some of the dirtiest equipment in an office—including faucet handles, refrigerators, and microwaves. These devices are shared by all (or nearly all) members of staff daily, facilitating the transmission of numerous bacteria and viruses. The simple act of eating or drinking provides direct contact to your body through the mouth, with zero protection.
Personal Precautions
Office hygiene is not completely out of your control. There are several precautions that you can take in order to protect yourself and others from various illnesses. In order to prevent the transmission of airborne germs, you can choose to wear a face mask if you or someone else has a cold or flu. You can additionally avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and make sure to wash your hands as frequently as possible. If you have to touch a surface used by other people, use disinfectant wipes to eliminate all germs.
In the battle against office germs, knowledge is power. By uncovering the shocking truth behind germ hotspots like keyboards, telephones, and communal areas, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your health. From regular cleaning of office equipment to practising personal hygiene measures like handwashing and avoiding face-touching, you have the ability to create a healthier workspace for yourself and your colleagues. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and make your workplace a fortress against harmful bacteria and viruses. Your health is worth the fight.
The Urban Woman Magazine Editorial Team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for all things urban. We strive to create fresh, original content that appeals to the modern woman. Our mission is to provide a platform for women to share their stories, experiences and opinions on various issues affecting their lives.
