If we’re in the work force, we spend the majority of our waking hours in the office. And just like with schools, colds and viruses spread quickly around an office environment, especially if cleaning and janitorial services aren’t active in keeping the office clean. For example, did you know that the average desk harbors around 10 million bacteria? We all wash our hands after using the bathroom — but we might want to start washing them after getting up from our desks too! Work desks have up to 400 times more germs than the office toilets, on average. Retaining good commercial cleaning services can go a long way in keeping our offices in a more sanitary condition, can cut back on sick days and lost productivity, and produce a better work environment. No one wants to work in filth, after all!
How Dirty Is Our Work Space Anyway?
Even if our keyboards, chairs, computer mouse, and work area look clean, that doesn’t mean they are. The average combination of a keyboard, chair, and computer mouse host around 21,000 germs per square inch and office phones have a little over 25,000 germs per square inch on average. The elevator button has millions of germs — and that’s not an exaggeration. It’s likely that we don’t even think about touching our faces, rubbing our eyes, or eating food after touching any number of these objects over the course of the day, thereby spreading more germs.
On average, one out of three people will end up at work even when they’re sick — which means they’re probably spreading their germs around the office. And flu viruses can live on hard surfaces for as long as two days, so even if Bob was sick just a couple of days ago, his germs could still be living on the office coffeepot.
How Can Commercial Cleaning Services Help?
Commercial cleaning services can make sure that things are properly sanitized, clean, and orderly at the end of the day — or even at the end of a work week. Proper cleaning can ensure that there are fewer missed days because of illness. The National Health Interview Survey showed that just the flu causes 200 million days of reduced productivity and around 75 million days of missed work. And that’s just the flu!
Professional commercial cleaning services also come equipped with the right tools — and cleaning supplies — to make sure that the job is done right and effectively. If there’s a big spill or stain, they’ll most likely be able to get it out far quicker than you could, and you won’t run the risk of ruining furniture or carpeting.
Plus, it can help boost morale and save time. Chances are, your employees don’t want to be spending their time cleaning their work space and let’s face it, you’re not paying them to clean. Investing in commercial cleaning services shows that you value their time and their health, which can make a big difference to them.
What Are Good Office Cleaning Tips Employees Can Utilize?
Even if you hire commercial cleaning services, establishing some ground rules for cleanliness in the office can still be a good idea. Keeping wastepaper bins and recycling bins close to everyone’s desk can reduce the amount of clutter that piles up. Stocking antibacterial wipes and encouraging people to run them over their keyboards and computer mouse at least once a day can also make a difference. If you eat at your desk, be mindful of crumbs and spills, which can attract pests, or easily get ground into the carpet.
Keyboard spray, screen wipes, and keeping a broom and dustpan handy can also be helpful in keeping the office clean. If everyone cleans up after their own mess and is conscious of stopping the spread of germs, your office will be a cleaner and safer place to work.
It doesn’t take very much to create a healthier and safer work environment. Hiring commercial cleaning services and encouraging your co-workers or employees to be more mindful is a great way to start.