The author describes their office desk as almost bare, while their home desk is cluttered with work papers, bills, and trinkets. They mention feeling less compelled to keep a tidy workspace at home since it's only them who see it, suggesting a lack of social pressure to maintain cleanliness compared to an office setting. Assistant Professor Libby Sander from Bond University explains this phenomenon, noting that messy desks at work may create a perception of disorganization or being unsanitary.
The article underlines the findings of research indicating that office desks harbor a significant amount of bacteria, with more than 10 million bacteria residing on a typical desk, making it 400 times dirtier than a toilet seat. Specifically, the focus is on keyboards as breeding grounds for bacteria due to the accumulation of biological matter like skin cells and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Dr. Emma Harding, a virology researcher at UNSW, emphasizes the importance of cleaning keyboards, desks, and other commonly touched office items to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria that can lead to infections.
While bacteria are naturally present on our bodies and can have a symbiotic relationship with us, the experts stress the need for regular cleaning to avoid the spread of harmful microbes. Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake from the Australian National University explains that even with consistent cleaning, some bacteria will survive, as they play a role in our ecosystem. The article provides practical tips for cleaning home workspaces, such as regularly sterilizing keyboards, mice, headphones, phones, and desk surfaces with disinfectants or natural cleaners like white vinegar. Additionally, it suggests a deep clean after working at the desk while sick to prevent the spread of germs.