5 Ways to keep the office breakroom from making you sick

The office break room. Its unsuspecting enough but it is a breeding ground for illness causing bacteria and germs like e coli, flu and the common cold. The break room contains plenty of high touch surfaces. Think of how many times the handles to the microwave and refrigerator are touched during a work day. Add to this surfaces like counter tops, faucets and vending machines its almost impossible not to pick up more than your morning coffee or lunch when visiting the office break room.

At best, if your company uses a professional commercial cleaning service, the break room will be sanitized one time per day. That is if the commercial cleaning service contracted has an effective sanitation and disinfection program. But that once per day cleaning doesn't help you after the break room has been used by several employees during the day. So how can you decrease your chances of picking up something icky in the break room? A few easy tips can help keep you healthy.

Staying healthy at work starts with being conscience about how you use common areas.

A few simple actions can help  you use the office break room without getting sick. By following these five easy tips, you can protect your health and keep germs away.

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#1 Avoid using community cleaning tools such as sponges and dish towels. 
These items are notorious for hoarding bacteria even in a normal home setting. In an office setting with multiple people using them, its just not a good idea. The goal of washing out your coffee cup turns into more than cream and sugar floating in your coffee. Instead, clean your dishes with paper towels or a clean dish towel that you bring from home each day. Or, bring a clean set of utensils with you from home when packing your lunch.

#2 Use hand sanitizer after leaving the break room. 
Going to the break room to grab some coffee or a snack from the vending machine? Lather on some hand sanitizer before touching surfaces on your desk like the keyboard and phone and definitely before eating or drinking anything . This quick step will prevent germs picked up in the break room from being transferred to your desk. Better yet, wash your hands with soap and warm water. 

#3 Wipe surfaces with sanitizing wipes. 
If your office is willing to provide sanitizing wipes, use them to wipe down surfaces that you will touch. If your office does not provide these, keep a container of them on your desk and take a few sheets with you to the break room. Use them to wipe off the break room table before you sit down to eat your lunch. If you eat lunch at your desk, wipe your desk off before eating.

#4 Wash your hands. 
​The best way to prevent the spread of germs and decontaminate yourself is very low tech. Washing your hands frequently can dramatically reduce your chances of getting sick at work. Some key times to wash your hands are before eating, after a trip to the restroom and after leaving the break room. 

#5 Become your office's clean break room ambassador. 
The best strategy is to promote good break room hygiene in your office and encourage all employees to participate. Educate your co-workers on the importance of keeping the break room clean during the day. You can also post reminders of sanitary behaviors such washing hands and cleaning up messes after use. The entire office will benefit if everyone is committed to keeping an clean environment. 

A clean break room is not just pleasant to use, it is critical to the health your office. Maintaining a sanitary break room environment between cleanings by a professional commercial cleaning service, can prevent illness, absenteeism, and boost morale. Protecting yourself is a manageable task. Save a sick day for something else....not the office bug. ​

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About Quality Maintenance & Repair Service, Inc
Quality Maintenance & Repair Service, Inc is a full servicecommercial janitorial company servicing the Jacksonville Florida and surrounding areas. We provide expert, quality and affordable cleaning solutions for large and small properties. In addition to janitorial services we also provide maintenance services such as window washing, carpet cleaning , tile floor care and general building maintenance.

Office: 904-388-8790 Fax: 904-388-8799 Email: sales@qualitymaintenance.co
www.qualitymaintenance.co

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