All of us can agree that nobody likes to think about germs and bacteria that cause illnesses, but it is always essential to prepare and know what to expect.

Research shows that at least 98% of workers are affected by different minor diseases every year that could be avoided if they took measures to control germs in their workplaces. Germs move fast, and it only takes about two hours for germs from one infected surface to spread to over 60% of office surfaces.

Technically, it means that if one sick person touches the door on their way in or out of office, the germs would have spread to most office surfaces by lunchtime. Knowing some of the germiest spots in the office can help you stay safe.

Here are the top five germiest places in the office that you need to know.

1.     The Breakroom

You might be surprised to learn that the germiest place in the office is not the restroom. In fact, this would be the last place you would imagine as the germiest because this is where you store and take your meals.

Unfortunately, the truth is that the refrigerator, countertops, tabletops, faucet handles, microwave, and sinks can all be filled with grime if they are not cleaned/wiped regularly.

Food particles and dirty surfaces are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and germs.

2.     Telephones

In many companies, office telephones are still being shared by multiple employees. However, these devices can be breeding grounds for germs that can easily spread to other office spaces.

Typically, an office phone handle can harbor more than 30,000 germs per square inch. Always be sure to wipe off handsets and keypads with sanitizing wipes before and after use to help manage the spread of germs in the office.

3.     Elevator Buttons

How many individuals do you think press the elevator button all day? There are so many, which means these spots also have more germs than other places.

Are you wondering how you can avoid the germs in these spots? Well, you can decide to choose your floor with your elbow, but you may end up receiving some funny looks from the other users.

Alternatively, make sure you get a quick hand wash with an alcohol-based sanitizer immediately after your ride.

4.     Door Handles

Everyone uses the door handles to get around the office.  This means that the more people touch the door handles, the large the variety of germs that can easily be transferred from one person to another with the handle serving as the transmission point.

Hiring a Montreal commercial cleaning company to take care of your office cleaning can help minimize germs on door handles because the experts clean the doors every day.

You should also develop a habit of washing your hands with water and soap for at least two seconds after touching a door handle to help minimize the spread of germs.

5.     Vending Machines

Fingers, money, and food provide a great combination for harboring lots of germs at the workplace. Neither the vendor filling the machine nor the cleaning staff pays attention to the cleanliness of this germy beast.

To control germ spread from vending machines, consider putting a hand sanitizer in the breakroom and encourage your employees to use it. You should also talk to your cleaning staff and instruct them to be disinfecting the vending machine as part of their regular cleaning routine.