The most filthy items in the office that require daily cleaning

Maintaining hygiene in the workplace is crucial, especially considering the amount of time we spend in the office. While many of us strive to keep our homes clean, office environments can be breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, often in places we least expect.

According to research highlighted by Hassle and reported by the Daily Mail, some of the dirtiest items and areas in the office extend beyond the commonly known keyboard and mouse. Surprisingly, the toilet seat is not among the dirtiest areas. Here are some office items that require daily cleaning to ensure a hygienic work environment:

Keyboards are one of the most filthy items in the office

Keyboards can harbour a significant amount of bacteria, especially since they are touched frequently and often not cleaned regularly. Food crumbs, dust, and skin particles can easily get trapped between the keys.

Mice

Computer mice are used constantly throughout the day and can become a hotspot for germs, particularly the buttons and the scroll wheel.

Phones

Whether they are personal mobile phones or shared office phones, these devices are in close contact with our hands and faces, accumulating germs rapidly.

Desk Surfaces

Desks can accumulate dust, food particles, and germs from various items placed on them throughout the day including personal items and work materials.

Door Handles

Frequently touched touched by almost everyone in the office, door handles can easily transfer germs from one person to another, making them one of the dirtiest spots.

Shared Office Equipment

Shared office equipment like printers and copiers are used by many employees, making their buttons and touch screens potential hotspots for germs.

Chair Arms

Often overlooked, the armrests on office chairs can collect dirt, sweat, and bacteria from frequent contact with hands and arms.

Light Switches

Light switches are touched by almost everyone who enters a room, making them another common germ hotspot.

Coffee Maker and Vending Machine Buttons

These are frequently used by multiple employees and can accumulate germs and grime.

Fridge Handles and Microwave Buttons

The office kitchen is a high-traffic area where germs can easily spread, especially on commonly touched surfaces like fridge handles and microwave buttons.

Water Dispensers

Frequently used and often neglected in cleaning routines, water dispensers can harbour a significant amount of bacteria, particularly around the spouts and buttons.

Several reasons not to eat at the desk in the office

There are several compelling reasons to avoid eating at your desk in the office. Beyond the potential for annoying co-workers with food smells, eating at your desk can negatively impact your productivity, health, and overall office hygiene. Here are some key points:

Negative Impact on Productivity

• Distracting Odours: According to a British study reported by the Daily Mail, the smell of food in the office can reduce productivity. Strong odours from foods like oily fish, cheese, and eggs are often deemed "antisocial" by co-workers and can be particularly distracting.

• Mental Breaks: Taking a break away from your desk to eat can improve focus and productivity when you return to work. Staying at your desk means missing out on a mental break that could rejuvenate you for the tasks ahead.

Health Concerns

• Mindless Eating: Eating at your desk can lead to mindless eating, where you are less aware of how much you are consuming. Psychologists from Surrey University note that this can cause people to "forget" what they have eaten, leading to overeating and potential weight gain.

• Hygiene Issues: Desks, keyboards, and other office surfaces can harbour millions of bacteria. Eating in such an environment increases the risk of ingesting harmful germs, which can lead to health problems.

Social Etiquette

• Antisocial Behaviour: Bringing strong-smelling foods like fish, cheese, and eggs can be considered antisocial, as these smells often linger and affect the entire office environment. According to a survey of 1,000 people, the smell of fish is the worst, followed by cheese and eggs.

• Pleasant Smells: While some smells like toasted bread with butter, pastries, and bacon sandwiches are more pleasant, it is still courteous to consider the preferences and comfort of your co-workers.

Encourages Breaks and Movement

• Physical Activity: Taking a break from your desk to eat encourages movement, which is beneficial for physical health. It can help reduce the risk of conditions associated with prolonged sitting, such as back pain and poor posture.

• Social Interaction: Eating in communal areas can foster better social interactions with co-workers, contributing to a more collaborative and friendly office atmosphere.

Maintaining Cleanliness

• Reduced Clutter and Spills: Eating at your desk increases the likelihood of spills and crumbs, which can attract pests and contribute to an untidy workspace. Regularly eating away from your desk helps keep your personal workspace cleaner and more organised.

• Daily Cleaning: As office spaces are already prone to bacteria build-up, maintaining a clean desk is crucial. Avoiding meals at your desk can minimise the accumulation of food particles and reduce the need for constant cleaning.

Conclusion

Eating at your desk can be detrimental in multiple ways—from reducing productivity and increasing health risks to being socially inconsiderate and contributing to a less hygienic work environment. It is beneficial for both personal well-being and office harmony to take breaks away from your desk for meals. Regular cleaning and respecting shared office spaces help maintain a healthier and more pleasant workplace for everyone.