The dirtiest spots within an office may differ, influenced by the daily workforce, the office’s design, and the nature of tasks performed. The office environment, a hub for numerous individuals to collaborate, becomes a hotbed for the transmission of microbes, bacteria, and viruses. Often, the grimiest parts are those we interact with daily without much thought. It’s startling to learn that 98% of workers are impacted by ailments due to unsanitary conditions, with 60% of work absences caused by infections from staph and other bacteria on office equipment. Additionally, the annual cost of missed work and lost productivity due to illness is $16 billion across Canada.
Certain areas in your commercial space are particularly prone to gathering dirt, germs, and bacteria, leading to sickness and increased absences.
IDENTIFY THE PRIMARY CONTAMINATED ZONES IN YOUR OFFICE:
1. Restrooms:
Unsurprisingly, these areas are rife with bacteria and germs, particularly on toilet seats, door knobs, and faucets. In fact, faucet handles in office bathrooms are major vectors for germ transmission, including the toilet flush handle.
Bonus: Anago franchisees offer touchless dispensers for soap and paper towels to avoid contact with these surfaces in office bathrooms.
It might be unexpected, but pathogenic E. coli can flourish in bathroom drains and sinks. Stagnant water serves as a breeding site for bacteria such as E. coli, staph, and Salmonella. Without regular cleaning and disinfection, these bacteria can persist and spread. Thus, cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms, drains, and adjacent areas frequently is crucial to prevent the proliferation of dangerous bacteria.
2. Carpets and upholstery:
These can become repositories for dust, dirt, and other pollutants over time if not cleaned on a regular basis.
Due to the release of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and their role as a reservoir for bacteria and mold, carpets can significantly impact indoor air quality. Movements such as rolling chairs or walking can disperse mold spores and bacteria into the air, leading to asthma, allergies, and other health issues. Commercial cleaning professionals, like Anago franchisees, utilize hot water extraction methods to deep clean carpets, effectively removing stubborn particles and eradicating germs.
Opting for professional carpet cleaning services is an effective strategy to mitigate natural deterioration and achieve cost savings over time.
3. Kitchens and break rooms:
Places where food is prepared and consumed are likely to become hotspots for germ and bacteria growth, particularly if food remnants are not cleaned up. Kitchen faucets, sinks, and countertops, similar to bathroom faucets, can become contaminated with harmful bacteria. Commonly used items like coffee pot handles, and fridge and microwave doors, are notably unsanitary. Additionally, the office water cooler is a potential germ breeding ground, especially if not regularly sanitized.
4. Desks and workstations:
It may be surprising, but desks can harbor more germs than one might expect, being over 400 times filthier than a toilet seat and hosting more bacteria than a kitchen table.
Items such as keyboards, mice, and telephones, constantly touched, become major sites for bacterial buildup. Research indicates keyboards may house up to 20,000 bacteria per square inch, and desk phones up to 25,000 germs per square inch.
P.S. Remember the elevator buttons!
Anago franchisees also offer eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are effective without causing harm, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment with minimal environmental footprint.
5. Reception, waiting areas, and meeting rooms:
These spaces, frequented by visitors and employees alike, can introduce additional bacteria and germs. Upholstery in waiting areas and lobbies, including sofas and chairs, accumulate skin cells, sweat, and bacteria, necessitating specialized cleaning techniques and products. Overlooking the maintenance of these assets can lead to a worn and unappealing appearance. Engaging a skilled cleaning service ensures thorough cleaning of your facility, safeguarding your physical assets and brand reputation.
Given that viruses like the flu can linger in an office for up to three days, awareness and cleanliness of these highly contaminated areas are paramount. Implementing rotational cleaning services can help curb the spread of germs, maintaining a healthy and pleasant office environment.
A well-maintained and sanitized office space is vital for a wholesome commercial setting. Maintain a Cleaning Checklist in your office as a reminder of the significance of cleanliness for a safe and healthy workplace. Investing in your business and employees by hiring a professional cleaning service for your office needs is a wise decision.