People spend s substantial amount of time at work. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the workplace features quite a few germs. According to a 2002 University of Arizona study, workplace computer mice may contain as many 1,676 germs, keyboards may have 3,295 germs, and phones can have an amazing 25,127 germs for each square inch. Workers, employers, and commercial cleaning services share the responsibility for keeping the workplace clean so everyone stays healthier.

People who use public transportation to get to and from work should use antibacterial hand wipes or a hand sanitizer following their daily commute. Workers should wash their hands upon arrival at the office, before and after eating and using the restroom, and following meetings. Almost everything workers contact can transmit germs so they should use disinfecting wipes or spray or a surface cleaner to wipe commonly touched items, including the telephone and desktop, on a daily basis.

Employers can encourage a clean workplace by providing cleaning sprays, wipes, disinfectants and other supplies. Signs should be posted that encourage frequent hand washing. According to a survey conducted in 2001, almost three-quarters of customer service facilities and offices did not post signs reminding employees to wash hands. Office managers can take things a step further by sending periodic emails that encourage hygienic practices at home and work to discourage workplace sickness.

Professional cleaners should wipe down doorknobs for offices, restrooms, lunchrooms, conference rooms, and entry and exit areas. After garbage cans are emptied, they should be treated with disinfectant spray. Kitchens and restrooms should have an ample supply of hand and surface cleaning products so workers can clean and disinfect these areas as necessary throughout the day. Waiting until cleaning workers arrive each night allows enough time for germs to spread throughout the office.

Regular office cleaning does more than remove dust, dirt, and debris. It gets rid of germs and other contaminants that may be lurking in carpets, on floors, in furniture, and on work surfaces. Professional cleaners are skilled in techniques that disinfect and sanitize workplace restrooms, kitchens, and other environments that are common breeding grounds for germs.

When everyone works together, the office becomes a healthier place for all who enter. Workers and visitors will be less likely to pick up germs, helping to prevent sickness. Cleaning companies play a large role in this because their workers know the best germ-fighting methods that also leave the workplace sparkling clean.