Findings published in The SME research, conducted by Opinium shows that owners of small businesses in the UK estimate that they collectively lose 63 million days a year through sickness – two thirds of which are during the winter cold and flu season. Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK are set to lose £3.4 billion over the next six months due to staff sickness froms illnesses such as cold and flu, according to research by office supplies company Viking.

The survey also revealed that 52% of all office workers are not aware that bacteria could be lurking on their keyboards, phones and screens. As part of the research, 300 workplace swabs were carried out. Analysis revealed Staphlyococcus, Bacillius and Micrococcus bacteria (indicating a poor level of hygiene) were frequently found on office keyboards. Viking’s hygiene expert Lisa Ackerley, a chartered environmental health practitioner said “This research has shown that there are some very unhygienic desks right now in the UK, which is very worrying. Those who work in open plan offices tend to start coming down with illnesses this time of year. Keeping equipment such as keyboards, phones and desks as germ free as possible is even more important during the cold and flu season”.

To read the article (published in HR Magazine – www.hrmagazine.co.uk) click here.

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