By Cassie Elias
Remote working in the United Kingdom hit a high of 38 percent in 2020 as more people have started to invest in creating a dedicated space for work to stay productive while they’re home.
All over the country, individuals are setting up home offices to block out distractions and get more work done while abiding social distancing rules. While it’s important to ensure that your workspace has everything that you need to do your job, keeping it clean is also a must to protect yourself and care for your wellbeing.
Here are a few simple ways to sanitise your workspace for a healthy work environment…
Disinfect hot spots
One of the benefits of working from home is being able to avoid contact with surfaces that are teeming with germs and sickness-causing bacteria. According to research, faucet handles, communal microwave handles, headsets, and keyboards are some of the most hazardous spots in the workplace, and though some people may be vigilant with their hygiene standards, germs can still spread due to the number of people using or touching these items.
Though your risks of getting the flu or other types of illness may have been reduced while remote working, it’s still important to clean and disinfect your home office hot spots to stay healthy. Start by giving your desk a wipedown using a disinfectant spray or wipes, then do the same with your keyboard and computer mouse, as well as frequently-used supplies such as pens and pencils. Don’t forget to wipe down door handles and keep a bottle of hand sanitiser on your desk to disinfect your hands.
Improve ventilation
Proper ventilation can help improve your home office’s air quality, reduce airborne contaminants, and control humidity. Since poor indoor air quality has been linked to headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, maintaining good airflow in your workspace can help you stay well while working at home.
To improve ventilation, open your windows to let some fresh air in, and use a ceiling or stand fan to keep air circulating. If you have an area rug or a carpet, make sure to clean and vacuum it regularly to clear it of contaminants and allergens. You should also empty your bin at the end of the day and ensure that you don’t leave bits of food or drinks in your workspace.
Purify the air
After improving ventilation, it’s time to purify your indoor air. Invest in an ionic air purifier, or place one or two live potted plants inside your home office. Choose air purifying plants such as English ivy, spider plant, or a dragon tree. To reduce unpleasant odours, use an oil diffuser to envelop your home office with a fresh scent, and use oils that can enhance productivity and focus, such as eucalyptus, basil, or lemon oil.
Keeping your home office clean and germ-free can reduce your risks of getting sick while working from home. Try these tips to sanitise your workspace and enjoy the benefits of having a healthy work environment.
