ResearchSanitation in the workplace: New survey says office cleanliness is neglected – putting health at risk

UK office workers risk illness as study shows over one third of desk items are never cleaned.
Content Team5 years ago4 min

An investigation into the office cleanliness reveals a staggering level of ‘neglect’ in terms of cleaning management.

 

A recent survey of over 650 UK office employees indicates that the items touched the most are neglected during cleaning.

28% of telephones, 31% of keyboards and 36% of computer mice are not cleaned at all within the workspace.

Undertaken by GCC Facilities Management – a provider of facilities management across the UK – the survey revealed 28% of telephones, 31% of keyboards and 36% of computer mice are not cleaned at all within the workspace. This can come with the risk of carrying Heterotrophic bacteria, E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The company says it wants to highlight the importance of maintaining a clean environment for all staff to ensure mental and physical health is looked after.

Turning a blind eye

Although it may appear many members of staff are turning a blind eye to office hygiene, a very similar percentage of employees are suffering the consequences of poor cleaning management.

23% said they have used their own personal funds to supply cleaning equipment for the sole purpose of the office.

32% of survey respondents stated, due to poor cleanliness, they are using their own personal items to avoid communal chattels. This ranged from mugs, Tupperware and bowls.

Worryingly, almost one quarter of employees are suffering financially due to inadequate sanitation in the workplace. 23% said they have used their own personal funds to supply cleaning equipment for the sole purpose of the office.

Communal areas received the highest praise from those surveyed. 39% were satisfied with the condition of the toilets while only 16% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.

The kitchen scored a satisfaction rate of 38% and the communal fridge was just behind at 37%. As not just a social hub, but the space in which food is prepared and consumed, there is still a concerning 13% who were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with its’ cleanliness.

GCC Dirty Office Cleaning Statistics

Read the report in full here.

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Content Team

Work in Mind is a content platform designed to give a voice to thinkers, businesses, journalists and regulatory bodies in the field of healthy buildings.

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