In the busy workplace, germs are often the last thing on employees' minds.

But did you know that it takes just four hours for germs to spread to surfaces in a workplace when only one employee is sick? Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent illness and stop the spread of bacteria, but employees should also know about several key workplace areas where germs tend to lurk.  

Common areas in the office

Many offices have communal areas like break rooms, kitchens, and lounges. Throughout the course of a day, most employees visit these areas to eat lunch or step away from their desk for a few minutes. Surfaces that are frequently touched, but less regularly cleaned—such as light switches, chair handles, TV remote controls, refrigerator handles, and cabinet doors— are common places for germs to hide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold and flu viruses can live on these surfaces between five and six hours, and germs can be left behind even by those who aren't showing symptoms.