by A clean desk does make you feel great and let me explain. We all spend a lot of time at our desks from first thing in the morning right through to the end of the working day. Some even have their breaks and lunch at the desk with food getting in between the computer keys and it is not easy to get cleaned after that. Germs actually multiply at an incredible rate on our desks and some desks have actually more bacteria than the toilet seat in offices.
The telephone can have a lot of bacteria especially if you are eating and drinking whilst speaking on the phone. Other areas which have bacteria are photocopiers, printers, door handles and push buttons. Other areas which have bacteria are photocopiers, printers, door handles and push buttons.
We cannot get infections (or extremely rare) from a toilet seat but we can from our desk which does seem unbelievable. Toilets and wash hand basins usually get cleaned at least once a day and maybe more often.
How often does your desk get cleaned?
In many offices, the cleaner does not touch a desk especially if there is a lot of papers etc on it. However, if you have a clear desk policy, then it can be cleaned on a regular basis.
The other option is to clean it yourself. I have anti-bacterial wipes in a drawer in my desk and use that from time to time as it is cleaned at least weekly by our regular cleaner which is great.
Other areas which have bacteria are photocopiers, printers, door handles and push buttons.
Have a cleaning routine
It is good to have a packet of disinfectant wipes and give a clean to your handset and the base of the phone daily or at least weekly. At the same time give your computer and if you use a mouse a clean with a different wipe. It is good to aim to clean on a regular basis. Make sure these are cleaned on a regular basis and this can be part of a health and wellbeing initiative within your workplace.
This in turn will lead to you being healthier and those around having a cleaner and healthier environment. It makes you feel good or even great when you have a clean and a tidy desk.
