How clean is your desk? I’m not just referring to the usual paper files and clutter on your desk - I’m talking about food crumbs, paper cups and the dreaded flu bug. Having a “clean” desk is just as important as having a well organized desk. Here are some important tips in helping you keep your work surface spic and span:
- Don’t eat at your desk! It’s much more beneficial for both you and your desk if you actually take a break and eat lunch outside the office or in a lunch room. This saves your keyboard from crumbs and your papers from spilled drinks, and it also gives you a chance to relax without interruptions from the phone or computer.
- Wash your hands. It’s on the back-to-school list and it should also be on your desk - hand sanitizer. It’s well documented that clean hands prevent germs from spreading between people, so if you interact frequently with colleagues or clients, make sure to make a trip to the sink or use hand sanitizer.
- Keep cleaning supplies handy at your desk. A small bottle of spray cleaner and paper towels at close proximity will make it easier to wipe down your phone and desk at the end of the day. (When someone is infected with a cold or flu virus, the surfaces they touch become germ transfer points, and they can survive up to 72 hours!)
- Do you have enough light? You can’t keep your desk clean if you don’t have adequate lighting. A well-lit work area is important for your eyes and for seeing what’s on your desk.
