Your home office: why hygiene should be a priority

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Having a clear and clean workspace is beneficial in more ways than one. No matter where you work, whether it’s at home or in an office, keeping the space clean and hygienic should be your top priority. Here’s how you can ensure maximum safety around your home office. 

Keep cables out of the way

Unkempt wires are one of the most common trip hazards in the office. Keep your office space free of tangled wires by only plugging in what needs to be used at any one time. Try investing in wire organizers to keep computer wires, chargers, and other hazardous wires all neatly together. 

Also remember not to overload sockets and regularly check your cables and their connections for any signs of damage such as exposed internal wires or worn plugs as these can become a fire hazard if not correctly cared for. 

Keep your desk tidy

A tidy, clean desk is not only more hygienic, but it allows you to focus on what is necessary without any nearby distractions. Remember to just have what is needed in sight and keep other things like desk decorations to a minimum as they can harbour bacteria, especially if you are sharing your desk space with others. 

Use a disinfecting spray or wipe regularly to clean the desk surface and keyboard, along with air dusters for those hard-to-reach places such as between the keys. 

Keep food and drink away from your workspace

By going elsewhere to eat your lunch or take a snack break you are limiting the amount of cross-contamination and chances of any food-related bacteria from going onto your keyboard or mouse. This also means the chances of spilling a drink or food onto your electronic devices is diminished and you’re less likely to be faced with a sticky situation – quite literally!

If you need a drink with you, try to using something (instead of a cup) that has a lid, such as a water bottle. Taking your lunch away from the computer also gives you time to take a proper break and not be tempted to work as you eat – this is good practice when working from home.

Try to make your home office a no child/pet zone

As wonderful as it is to have the company of a beloved pet or child with you, it can become a distraction and lead to longer workdays as you’ll spend most of the time tending to their needs. It also becomes hazardous for them as they are less likely to know of the dangerous that could be around them such as electricity. 

It’s not always possible, but if you are able to dedicate a room to your office space, you’re able to give your full attention and focus to the work at hand without causing any potential harm to anyone or anything around you.