When Going To Work Makes You Sick
Turn That Sick Frown Into A Healthy Smile
With the long hours most of us put in at the office these days, spending more time at your desk means a greater chance of germ build-up–and illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cold season typically lasts anywhere from late December through March, but peaks in February. We’ve heard plenty of antibacterial products promising to keep our homes and offices cleaner. But do they really work? Just how effective are these products in preventing the spread of germs, and ultimately, illness?
Entrepreneur Magazine consulted with Dr. Charles P. Gerba from the University of Arizona at Tucson to get the truth about germs in the workplace. Gerba has learned that many factors go into creating a germy office–from office location to gender to occupation. From his studies, Gerba has discovered that in most work environments, offices and cubicles have higher bacteria levels than surfaces in common areas. What spot in your office space is friendliest to germs? Telephones topped the charts in most offices across the United States, followed by desks and computer keyboards.
Here’s the average number of bacteria per surface:
Phone: 25,127
Desk: 20,961
Keyboard: 3,295
Mouse: 1,676
Fax Machine: 301
Copy Machine: 69
Men’s Toilet Seat: 49
According to Gerba, East Coast offices win the germiest title, hands-down. “The dirtiest offices are on the East Coast since people are in larger buildings and tend to bring food to their desks more often,” Gerba says. “East Coasters also tend to spend more time indoors due to the bad weather.” Which Eastern city tops the charts as being the best environment for bacteria to grow? Gerba says that New York is Germ City, with Chicago coming in a close second. On the other hand, the cleanest offices can be found in San Francisco and Tucson, Arizona.
Interesting Facts:
- Women’s offices were nearly three times higher than in men’s offices.
- Men’s wallets were the single germiest item in any office
How To Keep Yourself From Catching Anything
- Wipe down your desk and surrounding items with a disinfecting wipe once a week.
- Keep a hand sanitizer at your desk and use it throughout the day.
- If you tend to eat at your desk on a regular basis, think again–this behavior is inviting bacteria to grow at your fingertips.
- Wash coffee mugs and glasses on a regular basis.
- If you’re sick, don’t go to work.
