As collaborative and co-working spaces continue to grow in popularity, the constant flow of people and close working conditions dramatically heighten the risk of infectious illnesses spreading through shared desks and communal surfaces. In these high-traffic environments, prioritizing robust germ control measures isn’t just beneficial—it’s critical. Property owners and managers must take decisive action to implement effective strategies that safeguard the health, productivity, and well-being of everyone who uses these dynamic workspaces.
Frequent contact with shared surfaces throughout the day increases the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses that cause colds, flu, and more serious infections. People with allergies or respiratory issues may also react to allergens that can be more present in shared work environments.
High-touch areas—including door handles, elevator buttons, desks, chairs, and shared equipment like headsets, keyboards, and printers—are hotspots for cross-contamination. Washrooms, conference rooms, and break rooms—used frequently by workers and visitors—are also high-risk zones. The following guide outlines key methods that can help reduce the spread of allergens and contagious pathogens in co-working and collaborative settings.
KEY STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING GERM TRANSMISSION IN COLLABORATIVE WORK ZONES
Adopt High-Standard Cleaning Protocols
The most effective way to maintain a clean and healthy shared workplace is to partner with a professional commercial cleaning company to provide regularly scheduled cleaning and sanitizing services. A reputable provider will have the expertise, equipment, and resources to perform effective cleaning and disinfection protocols that will help ensure a safe and healthy co-working environment.
Employing high-standard, professional commercial cleaning services will also help your facility meet regulatory and contractual requirements and ensure the use of cleaning products and protocols approved to be effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Look for companies that are experienced and able to create a customized cleaning plan for your particular location, schedule, and budget.
Typical cleaning and sanitizing routines offered by professional commercial cleaning providers for collaborative workplaces may include:
Daily Cleaning
Daily cleaning routines focus on cleaning and sanitizing all high-touch surfaces—such as door handles, elevator buttons, desks, chairs, keyboards, appliances, and other shared equipment—as well as removing trash and performing daily floor and carpet cleaning.
Weekly Thorough Cleaning
Weekly cleaning provides deeper, beyond-surface-level cleaning of all areas, especially those overlooked during daily routines. This can include disinfecting trash receptacles, addressing hard-to-reach spots, thoroughly sanitizing washroom fixtures and kitchen appliances in break areas, and restocking cleaning and sanitary supplies.
Monthly/Quarterly Deep Cleaning
Scheduled monthly deep cleaning services focus on cleaning and sanitizing areas that are not addressed during daily or weekly routines, such as carpets, flooring, upholstery, workstation dividers, air vents and windows.
Workspace Layout and Design
Increase Space Between Workstations
Maintaining adequate distance between personal work areas can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination of viruses, bacterial infections, and other contagions among individuals in the workplace. Place at least three to six feet between personal workstations to limit airborne respiratory particle transfer between co-workers or work team members.
Improve Ventilation
Enhance airflow by adjusting HVAC systems and using portable HEPA purifiers to reduce airborne pathogens.
Redesign Traffic Flow
Create wider walkways and one-way paths to minimize close physical contact points between individuals.
Encourage Personal Hygiene Practices
Encourage Hand Hygiene
Promote regular handwashing and locate easy-to-use, hand-sanitizing stations with alcohol-based products and wipes at accessible points throughout your facility including at entry points and other common-use areas.
Implement Technology
- Implement no-touch technology wherever practical and feasible, such as automatic doors and touchless payment systems to reduce contact with shared surfaces.
- Incorporate germ-resistant, antimicrobial surfaces in high-touch areas to inhibit germ growth.
By integrating these fundamental germ-control strategies into collaborative environments, facility owners and managers can significantly reduce the transmission of contagious illnesses, and in doing so enhance the reputation of their company as a safe, healthy, and more productive workplace for all occupants.
ServiceMaster Clean delivers exceptional commercial cleaning and maintenance solutions for businesses and commercial spaces across Canada. Their advanced equipment and industry expertise ensure clean and healthy workplace environments.