It doesn’t matter what season it is, there are always going to be colds, ‘flus, viruses, and general illness which attempt to do the rounds in an office space. It’s the same situation you would get in a school; one person sneezes, doesn’t cover their nose, and the germs are airborne, ready for anyone to catch. It doesn’t matter whether you utilise the latest office furniture design or an old fashioned option, germs are always going to be there!
In addition, it’s important to know that there are countless germs on your keyboard, and if you don’t regularly clean it, these can spread and cause illness too! Yes, the office is a hotbed of illness possibilities if certain unsaid rules aren’t followed.
Check out this video for a quick take on how easily germs spread in an office environment.
Hygiene is the most important thing to bear in mind. Whether you have second hand office furniture or brand new, all furniture, telephones and keyboards need to be cleaned on a regular basis, preferably using anti-bacterial wipes.
You might think white office furniture is best because it shows dirt, but there are invisible germs you need to be on the lookout for!
Other areas to bear in mind are:
- Having appropriate washing facilities in place
- Encouraging people to use tissues and throw them away
- Asking staff not to share cups and cutlery
- Ensuring there is adequate ventilation and that air con and heating machines are cleaned regularly
- Have an infection control policy in place
Can you think of any other ways to stop the spread of illness?