No one wants to work in a messy, unhealthy environment.  A messy and disorganized desk is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. These unwanted guests may result in you suffering from coughs and colds or other ailments.  There are many ways that we can prevent our office workspace from becoming a proverbial pigsty. Here are some tips which are easy to follow and will help you keep your desk clean and your office healthier.

1. Have organizers for your work.  Get file folders, in-out trays for urgent projects, CD boxes to store your digital documents and a stationary holder to keep your desk clutter free. Prioritize what you have by keeping the items that you use on a regular basis within reach. Items that are occasionally used should be stored away in cabinets, drawers or even separate shelves near your desk.

2. One photo frame is enough.  Limit the number of decorative items on your desk, as they are a magnet for dust and vie for the limited desktop space that you have.

3. Have anti-bacterial wipes and tissues on hand.  It’s important to routinely wipe down the phone, keyboard and surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes to prevent the spread of germs.  If you do have a cold, take precautions to prevent your fellow employees from contracting the virus from you.  Always keep a box of tissues (or a wad of spare Starbucks napkins) handy to curb the spread of germs and for the occasional spill or mishap.

4. Open the windows to air out the room if possible.  Having a fresh breeze now and then prevents the accumulation of stale office air.  Turning off the air-conditioner once in a while can help reduce the spread of germs.

5. Add plants to your workspace.  A touch of greenery can help to improve the air quality in the office and make it a more pleasant place to work.

6. Do not store food in your office drawers or on/at your workstation.  This one may be a bit tough, considering our busy schedules, but if you have food around, you will be tempted to munch while busily typing at the keyboard. Unnoticed to you, there may be a trove of food crumbs in your office chair or in the carpet which may lead to the increase in pests, germs and the chances of spilling the contents of your lunch all over your keyboard.

7. Have a five minute clean up routine.  End each working day by filing away and putting away the items on your desk, so you can arrive to a clean desk the following day. Bear in mind how often you wipe down your workspace at home, therefore wipe down your workspace at the office to keep your area dust-free, because let’s face it, if not for you, who else is going to do it?