It seems our office desks might be harbouring more secrets than just lost pens and forgotten Post-it notes.
A revealing survey of over 650 office workers across the UK has shined a light on a rather grimy issue: a startling number of our most-used items are not just untidy but downright dirty.
Here’s the dirt: 28% of telephones, 31% of keyboards, and 36% of computer mice are collecting more than work hours—they’re collecting harmful bacteria.
We’re talking about the likes of Heterotrophic bacteria, E. coli, and even Staphylococcus aureus. It’s not just gross; it’s a potential health hazard.
But not everyone’s turning a blind eye. About 32% of people are taking matters into their own hands, bringing personal items to work to sidestep the communal cesspool.
More concerning, though, is that nearly a quarter of employees are actually footing the bill for cleaning supplies to try to keep the office up to snuff.
On a brighter note, some spots are getting their due diligence. Communal areas like toilets and kitchens are seeing some love, with satisfaction scores hovering around 38-39%. Not bad, but we can certainly do better.
Dr Arun Thiyagarajan from Bupa UK cuts to the chase: “Surfaces and equipment can harbour dirt, viruses, and bacteria that can remain active for months.
Regular cleaning and good personal hygiene are your best bets against these invisible threats.”
Claire Maclean of GCC Facilities Management weighs in with a rallying cry for cleanliness: “Desk hygiene is too often overlooked, despite its clear link to health and business outcomes.
We need to boost awareness and take definitive steps to ensure everyone’s working in a space that doesn’t just look clean but truly is clean.”
GCC Facilities Management is leading the charge to keep our work environments not just tidy but genuinely healthy.
Because at the end of the day, a clean office is more than just a nice place to work; it’s a safer, healthier place too.