Is Your Workplace Actually Clean The Shocking Places Germs Hide

Using a simple office space as an example, here are just some of the locations that germs can hide and propagate in:

High touch areas (Door handles, light switches etc).

These areas are used constantly but are so small that they are often overlooked in daily, or even some extensive cleaning routines, whilst the general focus on larger surfaces like desks and floors.

Here is why these high touch areas pose a threat if left uncleaned:

• These areas are used by almost everybody. And in most cases, it is difficult to ensure everyone follows personal hygiene practices.
• These are the primary germ hotspots in the office. Surfaces like door handles can harbour significantly more bacteria than a toilet seat (up to 30 times more in one UK study). Neglecting them allows bacteria like E. coli and viruses like flu and norovirus to spread rapidly from person to person, leading to increased employee sickness and absenteeism.
• In areas like bathrooms and kitchens, unclean taps and handles can negate the effect of handwashing, leading to potential food borne illnesses.

2. Personal workstations (Keyboards, Phones, etc).

Employees often see these as their personal responsibility or believe they are clean enough. Once again, personal hygiene comes into play. Whilst one employee may use an antibacterial wipe at the start of every day at their workstation, others may not even dust off a surface on their desk. In addition, cleaning staff may avoid touching personal items.

• Keyboards, mice, and phones are rarely disinfected. The average desk can reportedly harbour up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, with phones and keyboards being prime breeding grounds for germs This constant exposure increases the risk of employees contracting illnesses.
• The undersides of desks and chairs collect dust, hair, and crumbs. As people move, this dust is constantly kicked up into the air they breathe. This can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues, leading to reduced concentration and decreased productivity.
• Dust and debris can build up in keyboards and computer vents can cause equipment to overheat or malfunction, leading to costly repairs and replacements. With intricate equipment like a computer, it may be a question of whose responsibility it is to keep it clean. Although an employer should provide maintenance for equipment, an employee should take precautions to prevent dust buildup. 

3. Staffroom appliances (Microwaves, coffee machines, fridges)

Cleaning staff may focus on tables, worktops and sinks, leaving the interiors and high-touch buttons of appliances for staff to clean, which rarely happens consistently, if at all.

• Appliances like microwaves collect food splatter, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, as well as door buttons can be highly contaminated. This leads to foul odours and cross-contamination.
• Coffee machines and kettles can harbour mould, limescale, and bacteria in reservoirs and on buttons, posing a risk of illness.
• Fridges with old, expired food are major sources of mould, bacteria, and strong odours, which can attract pests.

A dirty kitchen suggests a lack of care for employee welfare, which can lower morale and create an unpleasant environment.

4. Out of reach areas

These areas are out of immediate sight and reach, requiring ladders or specialist equipment. This can be the top of cabinets, underneath appliances and furniture, ventilation and more. 

• Vents, ducts, and the tops of high furniture collect thick, undisturbed dust. When air conditioning or heating systems are on, this dust, along with mould spores, is blown back into the office, dramatically increasing airborne allergens and dustiness. This can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, fatigue, and poor employee concentration and increased discomfort.
• Dust accumulation, particularly on electrical equipment, can act as an insulator, leading to overheating, which increases the risk of fire.
• Thick dust on blinds or cabinets gives a visible sign of neglect, creating a poor first impression for clients and visitors.

5. Areas under and behind bins

Cleaners typically empty the bin and replace the liner but do not lift the bin or clean the floor and wall space around it unless specified.

• Bacteria and pest attraction are an effect from not cleaning these areas. Leaky bags and accidental spills accumulate in these dark, moist corners. This residue creates a perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive, and the resulting musty smell is a sign of a hygiene failure. It can also attract unwanted pests.
• The build-up of spoiled liquids and food residue leads to a persistent, unpleasant smell that an air freshener cannot mask, negatively impacting the working environment.