Five Ways to Stay Sick-Free at Work

Germ transmission happens rapidly in the workplace, whether it’s carried over from home, public transportation, or even the grocery store. Offices have the potential to become breeding grounds for bacteria and the coronavirus, but there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of infection. Don’t wait until you start feeling ill to take precautions! Office H2O has put together this practical guide with five effective strategies to help you stay healthy at work.

Stay Home When Sick

The simplest yet most impactful way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home when you’re not feeling well. This protects both your colleagues and helps you recover more quickly. If you notice a co-worker frequently sneezing or coughing, kindly suggest they take a sick day. If remote work is an option for your role, consider discussing the possibility of working from home to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

Dr. Laren Tan, a pulmonologist and director of the Loma Linda University Comprehensive Program for Obstructive Airway Diseases, emphasizes that prioritizing your health is crucial. He notes, “It’s not worth jeopardizing the well-being of others, especially those with weaker immune systems like children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic conditions.” Remind your management that having a healthy workforce is more beneficial in the long run, as productivity suffers when employees come to work sick.

Maintain Social Distancing

Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, conducted a study examining how germs spread in the workplace. His findings revealed that sharing office items is a major contributor to virus transmission: “When we introduced harmless viruses to participants’ hands in an office setting, they spread to half of the other workers within four hours, contaminating both hands and surfaces alike.” Therefore, if you must be in the office, always maintain social distance and avoid close contact with others. Dr. Tan adds, “Limiting interactions with sick individuals significantly reduces your own risk of getting sick.” If a colleague is symptomatic, consider moving your desk away or avoiding shared equipment entirely.

Avoid Touching Your Face

COVID-19 spreads when respiratory droplets enter your body via your mouth or nose. These droplets can linger on surfaces for hours, so touching contaminated objects (like phones, doorknobs, or kitchen appliances) and then touching your face can lead to infection. Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing to avoid spreading germs.

Sanitize Regularly

Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to combat the spread of the virus. Throughout the day, you’ll likely encounter surfaces that could harbor germs—door handles, elevator buttons, phones, and even microwaves. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after sneezing or blowing your nose is critical. Additionally, keep hand sanitizer nearby to clean your hands whenever you interact with shared items.

“Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, such as Purell, are highly effective at killing the flu virus,” says Dr. David Reiman, Medical Director at the American University Student Health Center. Having hand sanitizer readily available can complement regular handwashing routines.

Clean Your Workspace

Your desk and workstation can accumulate a surprising amount of bacteria, even more than a toilet seat. Phones, keyboards, and mice often serve as germ hubs. To stay safe, keep disinfectant wipes handy and clean your workspace daily, focusing on high-touch areas like your desk, keyboard, mouse, and phone. If you eat at your desk, make sure to wipe it down before and after meals to prevent bacterial buildup.

Hydration Matters Too

While hydration alone isn’t proven to prevent COVID-19, it plays a vital role in supporting overall immune function. Drinking enough water strengthens your body’s defenses against common illnesses like colds and flu. Staying hydrated also improves digestion and energy levels, making it easier to focus throughout the day.

To ensure convenient access to clean water, consider upgrading to a bottleless water cooler from Office H2O. Our units feature advanced filtration systems, self-cleaning tanks, and a touch-free design to minimize contact with germy surfaces. With stylish foot pedals allowing hands-free dispensing, you can enjoy purified water effortlessly.

Explore our range of products today and discover the perfect solution for your office needs. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions—we’re here to assist you!

Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash