It’s another busy day at work. Everyone is trying to beat the deadline. With tasks looming, hard-working employees tend to find ways to maximize their time at work. One way is to work through the lunch hours or coffee breaks and eat at your desk.
Eating at your desk saves time and energy. Employees can bring food to work or order delivery. They do not need to brave the crowds in the work cafeteria or café nearby. Plus, they can do some work while having their fill.
However, it is known to have its pros and cons. You have to consider its effect on the overall cleanliness of your office. As a business owner or manager, knowing these pros and cons can help you maximize workers’ productivity and boost workplace cleanliness.
One clear advantage of eating at the desk is that it saves time. Going to the pantry, workplace cafeteria, or a restaurant nearby all take time. Eating while working can help workers catch up on their tasks, especially with looming deadlines.
It is easier to focus on work when you do not feel famished. The right food can boost your productivity. Whether having coffee, snacks, or lunch, you will be more energized and ready to take on more tasks. Instead of chatting at the pantry, you can actually catch up on your emails while sipping coffee. Doing so can help increase employee output for the day.
Employees who feel famished can have an earlier lunch since they do not have to leave their desks. It helps workers who work on irregular shifts or across different time zones.
While allowing employees to eat at their desks has benefits, it also comes with disadvantages and risks. It can affect the overall hygiene and cleanliness of the office.
Food spills and crumbs cannot be avoided. These messes can attract pests like ants or cockroaches. Over time, keyboards, phones, and mousepads can become sticky or stained. If not cleaned properly, it will make workstations look unkempt, and you will also find equipment damaged too soon.
Eating at the desk creates an environment where bacteria can thrive and spread quickly. In fact, studies show that there are more bacteria on a desk than on a toilet seat. Another study found that unless the desks are cleaned with disinfectants every day, bacteria levels multiply. And these levels peak after lunchtime.
Some foods have strong smells that can spread across the office. It can disturb other workers or, worse, trigger an allergic reaction. Bins with leftover food can also create foul odors if they are not cleaned completely and properly. The office’s indoor quality suffers, and everyone’s health and comfort are compromised.
Nothing attracts pests more than food waste. Crumbs and leftovers are magnets for ants, mice, cockroaches, and other insects. It can be hard to eliminate them once these pests enter the office premises. It will make your cleaning costs much more expensive when you have to deal with pests.
A clean workspace sets the tone for your business. It looks professional and makes your business look good to clients. It also affects the productivity of your workers since they will not be exposed to more illness-causing bacteria.
This makes cleaning services an important investment for your business. Commercial cleaning professionals are trained to clean workstations without damaging work equipment. They can help ensure that the office is healthy, safe, and comfortable for everyone.
You can set guidelines on where employees are allowed to eat. It helps ensure that your shared workspaces are clean and that the equipment remains safe.
If you do not allow eating at desks, ensure you provide your employees ample and clean eating areas such as lunchrooms and break areas. Make sure that the areas are clean and comfortable. When they enjoy the eating areas, they will likely have their meals there again.
Keeping the office clean will be a breeze if the employees themselves are committed to keeping it sanitary. Encourage them to wipe their workstations clean and educate them about the health effects of dirty desks.
Include deep cleaning in your office maintenance schedule. Focus on desks, phones, keyboards, and other high-touch areas.
Make it easy for everyone to dispose of their food waste. Install sealed waste bins and empty them at least every day. Do not let food leftovers sit overnight in waste bins.
Eating at your desk may seem harmless, but it comes with health and cleanliness concerns. While it offers some time-saving benefits, it can also lead to mess, bacteria, and pest problems. The key for business owners and office managers is to find a balance.
Prestige Property Services offers comprehensive and full-service commercial cleaning services in Orange County. Call us today to book an appointment.
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