Despite keeping work spaces clean and tidy, it’s a fact that office workers can still get sick in the workplace. If you find yourself coughing or sneezing repeatedly, or if you suspect that something in the office is causing your upset stomach, it’s likely that you’re a victim of all the nasty bacteria that lingers in certain items in your building.
Certain things in your office are perfect magnets for sickness-causing germs, and while you can’t eliminate these items from your workplace, there are ways to avoid getting sick from these things.
Here are the items in your office that are making you sick.
Your keyboard
There’s a good chance that your keyboard and computer are teeming with bacteria, as you use it throughout your day. Dust, skin cells, sweat, and bits of food can live in that space, so to avoid getting sick, run a keyboard brush on top of the keyboard and along the tiny spaces in between the keys, then shake off the debris.
Next, spray a disinfecting cleanser on a damp cloth and wipe your computer and keyboard. Make it a habit to do this at least three times a week to avoid sickness.
The water cooler
According to Alpine Valley, mold, HPC bacteria, algae, and dust all live in the office water cooler. The spigot is also a bacteria magnet, so opt to bring your own water to the office.
Your desk
If you eat at your desk, then it’s guaranteed that there’s bacteria on it. Clean your desk with disinfecting wipes after every meal, and make sure to keep it tidy and clutter free, as knick knacks tend to attract dust.
The copier
Everyone touches the copier, and chances are, one of your co-workers has a cold or the flu. Before using the copier, wipe the touchpad with a disinfecting wipe.
The microwave
It’s likely that the shared microwave does not get a thorough cleaning each day, and germs can spread onto food each time someone uses it to heat a meal. Check to see if the microwave is clean before heating your lunch. If you see spatters inside the device, give it a quick wipe down before using.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on the things that you should have in the office when you’re sick.
