Five Ways to Stay Sick-Free at Work

Since the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, numerous aspects of our daily lives have undergone significant changes. Wearing masks has become a norm, online shopping and food delivery have surged, and remote work has become increasingly common. However, for those who still need to commute to the office, the close proximity of workstations and cubicles can provoke considerable anxiety regarding the risk of contracting the virus while at work.

Germs can spread rapidly in the workplace, whether they are introduced from home, public transportation, or even grocery stores. Your office could potentially become a breeding ground for bacteria and the virus. Fortunately, there are several preventive steps you can take to minimize the spread of the virus. Don't wait until you start feeling ill to take action! Office H2O has put together a practical guide with five strategies to help you stay healthy at work and stay ahead of the virus.

Stay Home

If you're feeling unwell, staying home is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the office. This not only protects your colleagues but also helps you recover more quickly. If you notice a coworker frequently sneezing or coughing at work, kindly ask them to take a sick day. If possible, consider negotiating a work-from-home arrangement to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

"It's not worth risking the health of others, especially those with weaker immune systems like children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic conditions," says Dr. Laren Tan, a pulmonologist and director of Loma Linda University's Comprehensive Program for Obstructive Airway Diseases. Remind your management team that a healthy workforce is more productive in the long run. Employees who take sick days are ultimately more valuable to the company than those who come to work while ill.

Maintain Social Distancing

Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of Microbiology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arizona, conducted a study on germ transmission in the workplace. His findings revealed that viruses spread most effectively and swiftly when shared workplace items are involved: "We placed harmless viruses on some participants' hands in an office setting. Within four hours, they had spread to half of the other workers' hands and half of the commonly touched surfaces...the virus can easily move throughout the building." If you must go into the office, always maintain social distancing by avoiding close contact with coworkers. If a colleague shows symptoms, consider relocating your workstation. Avoid sharing devices or office supplies; if necessary, ensure they are sanitized between uses.

Avoid Touching Your Face

COVID-19 can be transmitted when germs enter your body through your mouth or nose and travel down to your lungs. These germs spread via droplets released when people sneeze, cough, or even speak. These droplets can survive on surfaces for up to eight hours, meaning if you inadvertently touch contaminated surfaces—such as phones, doorknobs, or appliances—and then touch your face, the virus can easily infiltrate your respiratory system. Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your inner elbow when sneezing or coughing to prevent spreading droplets onto shared surfaces.

Carry Hand Sanitizer and Wash Hands Regularly

While it might feel juvenile to be reminded to wash your hands, it remains the simplest and most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Throughout the day, you likely interact with various surfaces in the office where the virus might linger—door handles, elevator buttons, phones, and even the microwave door in the break room. Washing your hands with soap and warm water before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after sneezing or blowing your nose is crucial for maintaining your and your colleagues' health.

Having hand sanitizer readily available at your desk can also help keep your hands clean. Use it every time you handle shared office equipment or appliances. "Alcohol-based hand sanitizers like Purell are highly effective at killing the influenza virus..." explains Dr. David Reiman, Medical Director at the American University Student Health Center.

Clean Your Workspace Regularly

Office desks and cubicles pose a significant risk for virus transmission. On average, a desk contains 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! Desk phones are also notorious germ hotspots. To protect yourself from COVID-19, keep disinfecting wipes nearby and regularly clean your workspace, including your desk, keyboard, mouse, and phone. If you eat at your desk, make sure to wipe it down before and after meals, as food and drink residues can attract bacteria.

Stay Hydrated with Office H2O!

For an extra tip, while it's uncertain whether hydration directly prevents the spread of COVID-19, studies suggest that drinking plenty of fluids can boost your immune system and reduce the likelihood of catching colds and flu. Research indicates that adequate hydration may enhance your body's ability to combat viruses. Making water easily accessible in your office can make staying hydrated effortless. That's where our bottleless water coolers come in!

Our bottleless water coolers are particularly important during the pandemic due to their touch-free feature. At Office H2O, we prioritize cleanliness. Our self-sanitizing tanks and multi-stage filtration systems ensure safe drinking water. Additionally, we offer touch-free bottleless water coolers with a stylish foot pedal for hands-free access to purified water.

Explore our selection to find the ideal system for your office! Contact Office H2O with any questions—we'd love to assist you!

Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash