by Shane Henson — September 23, 2011—Facilities personnel know firsthand that office spaces are breeding grounds for the flu virus and other germs, and a recent survey undertaken by Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples Inc., shows that the bad habits of many employees are often to blame.
This year’s flu and germ survey, which polled more than 150 U.S. office workers, revealed some of the workforce’s cleaning and health habits at the office. For example:
- While nearly one-third of respondents’ companies have sick day policies, more than 60% of employees felt compelled to go into work because there was “too much going on” or felt the need to “tough it out.”
- People are more consumed with cleaning their e-mail inbox than their physical workspace. Nearly half of all workers clean their inboxes at least once a day, whereas only 15% clean their physical workplace at least once a day.
The survey also reveals people’s perceptions of the dirtiest office items.
- Nearly one-third of respondents believe their keyboard and phone are the dirtiest items in their office, yet less than 10% clean these items often.
- About 15% think the breakroom dish sponge is the dirtiest item in the office. Half of respondents also noted that colleagues leave dirty dishes in the kitchen.
- Less than 10% say they clean desk surfaces very often with disinfectants or sanitizing products, a concerning habit since nine out of 10 respondents also said many employees at their company eat meals at their desks.
- About 15% think the breakroom dish sponge is the dirtiest item in the office. Half of respondents also noted that colleagues leave dirty dishes in the kitchen.
Considering that nearly 100% of survey respondents noted they are concerned with catching a virus at work, but less than 40% have taken additional preventative measures to keep germs at bay, all employees might benefit from taking note of Staples Advantage’s tips on how to prevent the spread of germs in the office.
- Focus on the simple solution: Proper hand washing is the most important technique that many people ignore. Ensure proper hand washing by providing self-foaming soap, touch-free fixtures and motion-sensor dispensers in bathrooms.
- Be prepared: Some important products to have on hand, just-in-case, include latex gloves, masks, sanitizing wipes and disinfecting cleaning chemicals. Also, clean common touch surfaces such as bathroom doors, elevator buttons and ATM machines more frequently.
- Utilize technology as much as possible: Technology and home office solutions can help encourage employees to stay home when sick to prevent the spread of germs and the flu. Whenever possible, promote telecommuting as an option for employees when they are feeling ill.
- Be prepared: Some important products to have on hand, just-in-case, include latex gloves, masks, sanitizing wipes and disinfecting cleaning chemicals. Also, clean common touch surfaces such as bathroom doors, elevator buttons and ATM machines more frequently.
Facilities managers’ intent on making their buildings as germ-free as possible may suggest company employees attend the Webinar titled “A Healthy Dose of Expert Advice for Flu Season” on September 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
