Does a Dirty Office Cause Health Problems?

Does a Dirty Office Cause Health Problems?

A cluttered desk isn’t just an office joke. An untidy office space isn’t simply an eyesore. These seemingly innocuous irritations can have a profound impact on your employees’ health and well-being, not to mention your clients’ impression of your company.

While you may not question the concept—a dirty office definitely causes health problems—you might still want to ask the experts why and what can be done about it?

Understanding the Health Risks of a Dirty Office Space

Bacterial Hotspots

According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, office desks can harbor more than 400 times the amount of germs found on a typical toilet seat. Bacteria thrive on surfaces like keyboards, telephones, and desktops because our hands have oils that attract and trap harmful bacteria. And, our office equipment is not cleaned or disinfected frequently, if at all.

Elevated bacteria levels tax the immune systems of your employees, making them more susceptible to both bacterial and viral infections, which contributes to higher absenteeism and less productivity.

Allergens and Respiratory Concerns

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology highlights the impact of poor indoor air quality on respiratory health. Dust accumulation, which is made up primarily of dust mite feces (Eww!), can trigger allergies and exacerbate conditions like asthma and long Covid, or lingering post-Covid symptoms. These breathing difficulties can lead to serious respiratory issues, such as pneumonia, in infants, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Spread of Viral Illnesses

Research from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health emphasizes that communal office spaces—lobbies, breakrooms, restrooms—can facilitate the spread of illnesses. Common touchpoints like arm chairs, doorknobs, and handles, act as breeding grounds for viruses, leading to increased absenteeism due to sickness.

A more recent scenario that might go unnoticed is the shared individual workspace. With more employees working remotely, many offices have consolidated office spaces, requiring employees who choose to come to the office occasionally to use a desk, keyboard, and telephone that were used by another employee the day before. These shared individual workspaces are often the culprit when employees get sick one after another.

Strategies for a Healthier Workspace

Schedule Regular Cleaning Services

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), implementing regular cleaning schedules with effective, environmentally-friendly disinfectants significantly reduces the transmission of bacteria and viruses that can irritate allergies and cause infection.

High-touch zones in communal spaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and shared office equipment, should be disinfected at least twice a week—even more often during flu season or when known illnesses are making the rounds.

Shared individual workspaces, such as desks, keyboards, and telephones, should be disinfected daily.

All other surfaces can be routinely cleaned and disinfected once a week.

Promote Clean Habits

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that encouraging employees to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness in their work areas can significantly contribute to a healthier office environment. Making disinfectant wipes easily accessible can inspire employees to wipe down their own keyboards, telephones, and desktops, without ever saying a word.

Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inner elbow can also help stop the spread of germs. Regular reminders to wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing, after using the restroom, and before eating, can have a positive impact on your employees’ health and well-being.

A Dirty Office Does Cause Health Problems

The evidence is clear: a dirty office introduces health risks that can detrimentally impact employee health and productivity. Prioritize cleanliness by scheduling regular cubicle cleaning, office cleaning and promote healthy habits to mitigate these risks. You can create a healthier and more productive work environment for your employees and clients contact LM Cleaning for Commercial Office Cleaning.