Is your desk less hygienic than a toilet?

If you’re currently eating, you might want to put it down and pick up the anti-bacterial wipes. If you eat at your desk it could have 400 times more bacteria on it than a toilet seat.

A new survey from Tork indicates that 47% of adults eat at their desks, unaware that they’d be better off eating it in the bathroom. The survey also found a serious gap in hygiene when it comes to people’s understanding of when and why they should wash their hands. Most people wash them after going to the bathroom, but should you be washing them after using everyday work tools?

“We don't wash our hands after using the most germ-infested items we touch each day,” the report said. “Less than half of Americans wash their hands after using gym equipment, handling money or taking public transportation. Why does this matter? Because countless items - such as microwave door handles, elevator buttons and restaurant menus - are more germ-infested than restrooms.”

Want to reduce the germ count in your office, and maybe reduce spreading sickness, too? Consider offering hand sanitizer around the workplace, and have anti-bacterial wipes or spray available. 

Make sure the common breeding grounds for germs are included on the list of areas for cleaning crews to wipe down, and educate workers about the importance of regular hand washing.