Reduce staff sick days with a cleaner workplace this winter
When people think of hygiene hazards, office desks don’t usually come to mind. Yet in reality, desks, phones, keyboards, and other shared surfaces are often the biggest offenders when it comes to spreading germs throughout the workplace.
University of Arizona microbiologist Dr Charles Gerba has led numerous studies showing that office equipment can carry 10 to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. It’s no wonder that desks rank among the most contaminated areas in any work environment.
Often referred to as the “germ guru,” Dr Gerba coined the term “Bacteria Cafeteria” to describe office desks and other shared surfaces where germs love to gather and multiply. Just like a cafeteria, these areas provide plenty of “food” for bacteria to thrive (think crumbs, skin cells and dirt). Since so many people touch these surfaces throughout the day, they become hotspots for germs to spread easily from person to person.
“For bacteria, a desk is really the lap of luxury,” he says.
This isn’t just an unsettling fact, it’s a real concern during the colder months. As people spend more time indoors and ventilation decreases, bacteria and viruses have the perfect conditions to circulate. Some can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours, meaning a single sick employee can unknowingly leave a trail of infection across multiple touch points.
Without regular and thorough cleaning, germs can quickly spread between staff, leading to more cases of colds and flu, and a noticeable spike in sick days.
It’s even worse with the proliferation of meeting rooms, ’hot desks’ and shared spaces, as these facilities are frequented by different users throughout the day.
“Without cleaning, a small area on your desk or phone can sustain millions of bacteria that could potentially cause illness,” says Dr. Gerba.
That’s why keeping the workplace clean and hygienic is a smart strategy for winter. By reducing the places where germs can thrive, you help protect your team’s wellbeing and keep sick days to a minimum. But delivering that level of cleanliness takes more than just a quick wipe-down. It needs a thoughtful, end-to-end approach. Our cleaning teams follow step-by-step processes to make sure their cleaning is of the highest hygiene standard, every time.
Using colour-coded microfibre cloths, our teams make sure pathogens don’t travel between bathrooms, kitchens, and office areas. Combined with cleaners like HyperClean®, we make sure all surfaces get a deep clean, removing biofilm and knocking out germs.
HyperClean® is a powerful hydrogen peroxide cleaner that oxidises on contact with soiled surfaces, providing an aggressive cleaning action. It breaks down into water and oxygen, so it’s safe for users and the environment.
It’s all about stopping germs in their tracks so your staff can stay healthy and productive.
For high-touch surfaces like door handles, desks, light switches, and shared equipment, targeted sanitising is a must. Our Anti-Viral Sanitiser adds an extra layer of protection, making it an essential part of a comprehensive winter cleaning programme.
Keeping a clean workplace isn’t just about looking good, it’s about protecting your people.
As winter rolls on, don’t let germs take control of your workplace. A clean and hygienic environment is one of the best ways to keep your team healthy and to reduce absenteeism.
