4 TIPS TO KEEP YOU, YOUR FAMILY & HOME OFFICE SAFE

A lot has evolved in recent months and at a rapid speed. It has become abundantly clear that we must always remain vigilant and practice good cleaning and hygiene, pandemic or not. We cannot afford a knowledge gap and must be open to new information and the adjustments we must make to adhere to new standards. One of these changes is in how we work.

Many of our customers have moved their people to work-from-home environments. And even though we know we will one day manage and navigate COVID more safely, working remotely may be here to stay. So how can you keep yourself, your family, and your home office clean and safe?

1. Establish a regular daily cleaning regimen before and after work.

Take time to ensure your work environment is clean. Take 5 minutes before you start working to organize your desk. It is always a good idea to have a small maintenance caddy by your desk with disinfectant wipes, disinfectant spray, microfiber cloths, and mini static dusters. Wipe down your keyboard, desk, monitor, etc. and wipe away all dust particles.

Avoid cluttering up your space. This will not only keep your area free of contaminants like dirt and germs, but being organized will help you be more productive at work. Take 5 minutes at the end of your workday to repeat this routine. We all know, repetition becomes a habit and this small effort will help you stay safe.

2. Understand the importance of good air quality.

The need for proper ventilation can’t be overemphasized. Since we’re all stuck indoors quite a lot, it’s important to properly air out our home workspaces.

A practical way to do this is by opening your window for an hour each day to let the indoor air circulate. If you live in a condo or apartment and don’t have a window, leave your door ajar slightly. Having good air circulation lowers your risk of infection from airborne pathogenic microorganisms, AND keeps your mind alert and improves focus.

3. Take a walk to get some exercise.

Sitting in front of a screen (or screens!) for hours has never been ideal for human beings. Lack of movement and proper exercise can have negative effects on our minds and bodies. Set a schedule to take a walk. Many people have found it useful to walk a pet for 30 minutes to 1 hour in between working sessions. It’s a surefire way to improve productivity and ensure overall health and mental wellbeing.

4. Wash your hands regularly.

Proper and regular hand washing helps eliminate any pathogenic microorganisms you may come into contact with while handling paper correspondence or mail. This is true for any packages or boxes you may receive into your home.

We all know that most communication happens digitally now but sometimes paperwork and courier packages are unavoidable so take proper precautions when handling these items. Washing your hands regularly limits the spread of bacteria from one item to another and is a good step towards keeping you, your workspace and family safe.