Ways to Keep Your Workspace Clean

If you’re one of the thousands of people heading back to work, it’s natural to be concerned about how to keep your office areas clean and germ-free. It doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple ideas are easy and effective.

Most offices keep disinfectants on hand, but it can’t hurt to bring a few of your own supplies. Disinfectant wipes that can kill cold, flu and the coronavirus are convenient and easy to use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at least once a day.

In your immediate area, those surfaces include:

• Door handles
• Breakroom faucets
• Keyboards, mice and work surfaces
• Light switches
• Phones (office and cell)
• Printer buttons
• Refrigerator door handle

Of course, the less you touch, the better. Try to limit the number of surfaces you touch with your hands. Push doors open with your foot or shoulder, use your elbow to turn lights off/on and break the habit of shaking hands.

It’s as important as ever to keep your hands clean. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after touching common surfaces such as elevator buttons, escalator handrails, conference room tables and chair arms. If soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol works in a pinch.

Stay Healthy

Beyond keeping your hands scrubbed and your work area sanitized, continuing to follow the guidelines put in place during the coronavirus pandemic is one of the best ways to keep yourself and your coworkers healthy.

Stay home if you’re sick. If you go to work when you’re sick, you risk spreading the illness to others. Social distance whenever possible, and wear a mask when you are in open, public areas. Those steps really do help prevent the spread of illness.