Chances are you’re sitting at your work desk reading this article. If so, brace yourself for what I’m about to say.

The average workplace desk can be 100x less hygienic than your kitchen table, and 400x filthier than the average toilet seat! Gross, huh?

Shockingly, many workers admit that they don’t wash their hands regularly, even after using the toilet. Meanwhile, others choose to eat at their computer or use their desk for storing piles of unnecessary items that, in fact, belong in the trash bin.

No wonder work environments are breeding grounds for germs, with your keyboard harboring approximately 16 million microbes. Sadly, some of these unfriendly office “pets” are often the cause of sickness. And Workplace illness is one of the main causes of inefficiency and falling behind with your tasks.

All of this information is not meant to scare you, but rather to make sure you know the importance of constantly keeping your working space tidy and clean. You’ll also find some simple tips for making your desk look tip-top at the bottom of this article.

If you think we might be exaggerating, see these shocking facts about your office hygiene in this infographic by Cleaning Services Group!

There. Now you know it.

Know this too – people who work in a cluttered and untidy environment tend to have unrecognized stress and often feel overwhelmed by the piles of papers, documents, and random items on their desk. Another thing that causes inefficiency is a boring work area. Dull colors or bland spaces can decrease productivity and even happiness. Here’s how to turn your office space into a more healthy, happy and efficient environment.

A clean and well-organized workspace not only reduces the risk of getting sick but also improves your productivity, as well as your personal and professional image.

Follow this checklist to improve your workplace hygiene:

Remove the clutter and arrange the paperwork. Follow these 7 organizing tips to help you make this a pleasant and efficient activity.

When you’ve freed up space on your desk, wipe it several times with a wet cloth.

Use an office disinfectant to spray and wipe your desk, computer, mouse, smartphone, and literally every item or spot you touch often during the day.

To keep bacteria at bay, never eat at your desk. Not only food creates desk grime, smell, and overall uncleanliness – it also looks nasty to your colleagues.

Make cleaning a habit (e.g., straighten your desk at the end of each workday, wipe and disinfect your workspace every second day, vacuum your keyboard once a month, etc.).

We promise – once you go through this checklist, you’ll feel energized, inspired and your productivity levels will rise.

Curious to know what your office desk says about you? Check out this cool infographic and find out if you’re the Clutterer, the Minimalist, the Sickie or another type.

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