10 Germ Infested Items We Touch in the Workplace Every Day

We all know that toilet seats acquire their fair share of germs, but did you know that a single mobile phone can house up to 10x more bacteria? From mobile phones to doorknobs, today we deep dive into 10 surprisingly germ-infested items we touch in the workplace every day.

The importance of recognising germs in the workplace

So, why is it important to know the most germ-ridden touch points in your workplace?

Enclosed spaces, such as offices and care homes are at a much higher risk of germ transmission, meaning that without the correct cleaning measures in place, staff sickness could be at an all-time high. And whilst most germs won’t harm you thanks to your immune system, some are not so difficult to fight off, and may lead to an infection or disease.

Too many employee sick days can have a devastating effect on business and for UK organisations, the yearly cost of sickness absence is now almost £30 billion. So, if you’re keen to minimise the sickness of your staff, here are 10 of the most germ-infested items you need to consider when thinking about cleaning in the workplace.

10 germ hotspots you need to know

1. Computer keyboard

Whether you work in an office, at a reception desk or within another commercial building, you’re likely to work with computer keyboards. But, a keyboard can harbour dangerous germs and bacteria and one shocking study found that the average keyboard houses up to 3.5 million bacteria for every square inch! Therefore, to keep you and your staff safe and minimise spread germs, it’s time to pay more attention to the unassuming keyboard and be mindful that dust and dirt can quickly build up.

2. Door handles

With the average person’s hands carrying more than 3000 bacteria, it’s no surprise that door handles have made the list. Realistically, most people aren’t washing their hands every time they open and close a door, so this means that cleaning your door handles regularly must be a priority. A commonly neglected part of your cleaning routine that can result in serious illness, we recommend wiping down your commercial door handles a minimum of once a week to kill bacteria, prioritising those in high traffic spots such as the kitchen and toilets.

3. Light switches

Similarly to pushing a door handle, turning the lights on and off are components of our daily routines we don’t think twice about. However, the warmth of your light switches could be accelerating bacteria growth, making them a germ hotspot you need to have on your radar.

4. The phone

Despite the increase in mobile phone use in the workplace, rarely will you see an office without a traditional landline phone somewhere in the space. One of the most used pieces of equipment in any office, a phone is held directly against your face, meaning any germs or bacteria harboured on the handset are likely transferred onto your face. To avoid the transferal of germs, it’s vital that disinfecting the handset takes a fundamental role in your cleaning routine.

But what do you need to effectively do the job? Take a look at our commercial cleaning equipment checklist for a rundown of some of the common pieces of equipment your business may need.

5. Lift button

There’s no denying that hotel cleanliness has a significant impact on guest satisfaction. And what is one of the most common facilities nearly every guest will utilise? The lift.

Public lift buttons are a hidden source of bacteria and often an unrealised health hazard. Aside from encouraging correct, regular hand washing by guests and staff alike, you should also consider how effectively and regularly your lifts are being cleaned – with specific focus on the buttons.

Disinfecting wipes and microfiber cloths will usually do the trick, but it’s important to educate yourself on the correct health and safety procedures before doing so. Should lift doors be isolated? Does the power need to be switched off? Encourage positive hotel reviews and minimise guest sickness by tackling this high-traffic area in your workspace.

6. Refrigerators

Workplace fridges are notoriously dirty. We’ve all spotted (and smelt) someone’s 2-week-old leftovers, right?

Not only is a dirty fridge unpleasant for all who use it, but it can also pose significant health risks. Old food offers a fantastic growth medium for bacteria and may also encourage food borne illness. So, whether you work in a restaurant with several commercial refrigerators or simply utilise the one in your staff room, now’s the time to consider just how effectively it is being cleaned.

7. Microwave

The fridge isn’t the only hazardous, germ ridden item in the kitchen. Microwaves are a breeding ground for germs. Neglecting your microwave can lead to nasty odours (and some very unhappy customers and employees!) But, even more critically, the combination of moisture and warmth can cause germs that can pose serious harm if action isn’t taken. Regular cleaning is essential, and that doesn’t just mean the inside. 48% of microwave handles were found to be contaminated with bacteria for germ growth, making them equally as important to clean.

8. The printer

Whilst companies are beginning to understand the impact of paper wastage on the environment, many businesses still rely on the printer and photocopier for operations to run smoothly. However, this piece of equipment doesn’t just have environmental implications, it can also be harmful to humans. The average commercial printer is touched up to 300 times a day, making it a nesting ground for nasty bacteria. Touchless printing and swipe cards are a great way to stay safe while using the office printer, but where this isn’t possible, cleaning is the way forward, particularly if you are looking to reduce staff absenteeism and improve productivity.

9. Your desk

We’ve established the risks that your computer keyboard and desk phone can harbour – but what about the desk itself? That’s right, the area on your desk where your hands rest has around 10,000 bacteria.

Fortunately, with a little decluttering and a regular clean, there are easy ways to fight back against the germs. After all, tidy desk – tidy mind!

Keen to know how to improve your office space further? Take a look at our 5 tips for the perfect office spring clean.

10. Bathroom taps

And to round off the top 10 germ-infested items in the workplace, we have something which may come as a surprise – bathroom taps. Whilst it may be assumed taps are clean because they help us to wash our hands, they are actually a popular spot for bacteria to hide. Taps see a high-traffic of dirty hands over the course of each day, so naturally, bacteria grow. So, next time you’re cleaning the sinks, don’t forget to focus on the taps too!

Wave goodbye to germs with Jani-King

As you can see, the workplace isn’t short of germ-infested items. But, to keep them all clean, you need to invest time and money into the correct resources and people – often taking your employees away from what they do best.

Fortunately, there’s a solution. Jani-King is the UK’s number 1 commercial cleaning company, a global leader in commercial cleaning services. From office to construction cleaning, we have extensive experience in cleaning, working with a plethora of different industries to ensure your premises is left sparkling.

A clean work environment presents your business in the best light possible, whilst improving employee retention and customer satisfaction. Get in touch today to learn more about our commercial cleaning services, and how we can help you.