Offices are high-touch, shared environments — which makes them one of the easiest places for bacteria and viruses to spread. Keeping your workspace consistently germ-free isn't just about comfort; it directly affects team health and business performance.
The Germ Hotspots in Every Office
Research has found that certain surfaces carry far more bacteria than people realise:
- Keyboards and mice — among the most contaminated surfaces
- Phone handsets
- Door handles and push plates
- Lift buttons
- Kitchen surfaces, taps, and the inside of microwaves
- Meeting room tables and shared stationery
Daily Habits That Help
- Encourage staff to wipe down their own workstation daily
- Provide disinfectant wipes or spray at desks and in shared areas
- Empty bins daily to prevent bacteria from food waste
- Keep kitchen surfaces clear and wipe down after every use
- Ensure hand sanitiser is available at entrances and key areas
What Professional Cleaning Covers
Daily or regular professional cleaning should include:
- Sanitising all high-touch surfaces including handles, switches, and shared equipment
- Thorough toilet and washroom cleaning
- Kitchen and breakroom sanitisation
- Vacuuming and mopping all floor areas
- Emptying all bins and replacing bin liners
Seasonal Deep Cleans
At least twice a year, schedule a full office deep clean that goes beyond the daily routine. This should include carpet cleaning, window cleaning, cleaning behind and beneath furniture, and sanitising air vents and filters.
The Flu Season Factor
During autumn and winter, increase the frequency of disinfection on high-touch surfaces. This simple step has been shown to significantly reduce illness-related absences during peak cold and flu season.
Maintaining a germ-free office is an ongoing commitment, not a one-off task. A combination of good staff habits, regular professional cleaning, and seasonal deep cleans creates an environment where your team can do their best work — without the constant risk of passing illness around.
Office
How to Keep Your Office Germ-Free Year Round
Feb 14, 2025•Office
Offices are high-touch, shared environments — which makes them one of the easiest places for bacteria and viruses to spread. Keeping your workspace consistently germ-free isn't just about comfort; it directly affects team health and business performance.
The Germ Hotspots in Every Office
Research has found that certain surfaces carry far more bacteria than people realise:
- Keyboards and mice — among the most contaminated surfaces
- Phone handsets
- Door handles and push plates
- Lift buttons
- Kitchen surfaces, taps, and the inside of microwaves
- Meeting room tables and shared stationery
Daily Habits That Help
- Encourage staff to wipe down their own workstation daily
- Provide disinfectant wipes or spray at desks and in shared areas
- Empty bins daily to prevent bacteria from food waste
- Keep kitchen surfaces clear and wipe down after every use
- Ensure hand sanitiser is available at entrances and key areas
What Professional Cleaning Covers
Daily or regular professional cleaning should include:
- Sanitising all high-touch surfaces including handles, switches, and shared equipment
- Thorough toilet and washroom cleaning
- Kitchen and breakroom sanitisation
- Vacuuming and mopping all floor areas
- Emptying all bins and replacing bin liners
Seasonal Deep Cleans
At least twice a year, schedule a full office deep clean that goes beyond the daily routine. This should include carpet cleaning, window cleaning, cleaning behind and beneath furniture, and sanitising air vents and filters.
The Flu Season Factor
During autumn and winter, increase the frequency of disinfection on high-touch surfaces. This simple step has been shown to significantly reduce illness-related absences during peak cold and flu season.
Maintaining a germ-free office is an ongoing commitment, not a one-off task. A combination of good staff habits, regular professional cleaning, and seasonal deep cleans creates an environment where your team can do their best work — without the constant risk of passing illness around.