Dirty desks can damage your health!
March 4th, 2009
Just because your desk is tidy doesn’t mean it isn’t a health risk, it’s the germs and microorganisms we can’t see with the naked eye that are getting us sick. A study has found that computer keyboards can contain 400 times more bacteria than your average toilet seat, just think about that while you’re typing away! Eating lunch at your desks is a no no, as it spreads particles perfect for bacteria to feast on. And women’s desks are often worse than men’s, as they apply cosmetics at their desks.
The main complaint when it comes to office lunches is the disappearance of food from the communal fridge. Now most of us will probably have fallen victim to this ‘lunch fairy’ who takes your lovingly prepared sandwich or salad from the fridge and secretly eats it, leaving nothing but a few crumbs and perhaps some packaging. It seems that no amount of labelling, threatening or note writing will get through to it. 
If your desk is covered in clutter, you may find it hard to locate important documents, organize your work or just find space to put your coffee mug! An in/out tray can help, plus you will be able to see how your doing on completing projects or correspondence. You need to ensure that your chair is at the correct height for you, and that you PC monitor is also at the correct eye level. A good lamp is also important. 
In these trying economic times, asking for a raise might seem like career kamikaze, however if you do your research and plan effectively you can find the best way to ask for one.
It’s almost impossible to get along with absolutely everybody you work with. There will always be someone who rubs you the wrong way, who is loud, argumentative or just plain irritating. What you need to remember is that you’re professional, and you can’t let personal problems with other people in the office get in the way of your work. How you deal with your co-workers reflects on you professionally, if your boss has to continually be sorting out -school yard- problems it won’t look good.
