There were very few positives to be found in the nationwide lockdown that gripped the UK for much of the summer. One exception was the necessity for more people to work from home. A less than ideal scenario for some, but research suggests that given the choice, many people would prefer to work from home permanently.
As a second lockdown looks increasingly likely, more home working looks like a reality for millions of former office workers. Once chained to their desks on a 9-5 basis and forced to face the daily commute, freedom and flexibility have become the everyday norm for vast majority of the working population.
But here’s the thing – working from home doesn’t inherently protect you from all possible health and safety risks. You’re statistically less likely to pick up COVID-19 at home, but this doesn’t mean it’s the time to let your guard down.
Basic cleanliness and hygiene hold the key to staying safe during these difficult times. With this in mind, here’s a brief rundown of just a few basic tips and guidelines to improve hygiene in your home office space:
Make a habit of hand washing
Evidence suggests that we’re not nearly as inclined to wash our hands as frequently at home as we do in a shared office environment. Granted, it’s not as if you share your home with dozens or even hundreds of other workers with their own ‘unique’ hygiene habits. No less, it’s just as important to get into the habit of washing your hands on a regular basis at home as it is anywhere else.
Also ensure everyone else in your household is getting into this good habit, especially children who may forget when not under your direct supervision.
Cleaning contact hotspots
Studies carried out on the average office space have shown just how unsanitary certain ‘hotspots’ can be. This includes door handles, computer mice and keyboards, mobile phones – pretty much any hard surface you come into contact with on a regular basis.
These are the home office areas you should focus on most of all. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is fine in some places, but these are the spots you need to thoroughly and hygienically clean to keep yourself safe.
Keep sanitation nearby
The easier it is to keep things clean and sanitary, the more likely you are to adhere to these good practices. Keeping a pack of antibacterial wipes within arm’s reach and having a bottle of hand sanitiser on your desk are simple, effective ways of making life easier for yourself.
Specialist cleaning wipes for keyboards, mice, touchscreen and electronic devices in particular are essential. The volume of dirt, grime and bacteria these objects accumulate in the average day is quite remarkable.
Declutter your office
How can decluttering your office make it a more hygienic environment? The less unnecessary detritus around the place, the easier it is for you to keep it clean and sanitary. There’s something satisfying about decluttering once you get started. Think about getting rid of anything that isn’t absolutely necessary and this will make for a more hygienic, more productive environment.
Invest in an air filter
The benefits of breathing clean, fresh and safe air are obvious. But what most fail to realise is that unventilated air in the home has the potential to be 500% more polluted than outdoor air.
The more time you spend in your home, the less likely the quality of the air is doing you any favours. Thankfully, this is something that can be quickly fixed with an investment in a decent air filter, as discussed in our previous post “Do I need an air purifier?”.
For more home office cleaning information or to discuss our services in more detail, contact Hardyclean today.
