Desk hygiene: Tips for workplace cleanliness

A tidy desk is better for your health and morale. We give you useful tips and an 8-step plan for a clean and organized workplace.

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22 August 2025Hygiene

Your essential guide to desk hygiene and workplace cleanliness

Perhaps you also have those employees who like to collect things on their desks: family photos, piles of paperwork, that nice mug they got for their birthday, or maybe a plant. But let's be honest: ultimately, it's not pleasant to work at a messy desk that isn't kept clean. And in shared office spaces, this is definitely not an option.
A clean, organized workplace is not only important for the appearance of your office, but also for the health and well-being of your employees. It reduces stress, increases productivity, and limits the spread of illness in the office. It’s very simple: a clean desk ensures that your employees feel good and perform better.

Common germs and diseases in the workplace

Did you know that desks are often dirtier than toilet seats? Shared workspaces and devices such as keyboards and phones are breeding grounds for bacteria. Common illnesses such as colds, flu, and stomach bugs spread quickly in the office. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, poor hygiene at work is one of the factors that really plays a role in absenteeism, which costs companies billions every year.

At CWS Hygiene, we are happy to help you with useful advice on workplace cleanliness. Below are some easily applicable tips to promote desk hygiene in your workplace.

Best practices for keeping your desk clean

Easy daily habits

Encourage everyone to quickly wipe down their workspace every day. Products like disinfection wipes or surface cleaner are handy and get the job done fast.
Make it easy for your employees to wash their hands frequently with good soap and provide proper hand drying options in the restrooms.

Keeping shared items germ-free

Put hand disinfection dispensers in common areas and near hot-desking setups so they're always within easy reach.
Place disinfectant wipes dispensers in strategical spots. For example near items that everyone uses, such as printers or conference tables, so that it is easy to keep them clean.

Those who are organized are tidy

What can you keep on your desk and what is better stored away? Make sure everyone knows how to handle paperwork and personal items so that things don't get messy: provide a clean desk policy.
Equip people with desk organizers or simple storage solutions so they can easily keep their workspace tidy.

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Creating a clean desk policy (that actually works) in 8 steps

It may be viewed with skepticism at first, but a clean desk policy doesn’t have to be strict. It can really improve life in the office. We will assist you in getting started, with these 8 steps:

1. Set clear rules:

Make it clear to your staff what a tidy desk should look like, for example, no food leftovers or dirty dishes, regularly cleaned surfaces, and organized papers. And in shared workspaces: personal items belong at home.

2. Do it together:

Involve your team in drawing up the policy for a tidy desk. Tell them what tidiness means for them and ask them to contribute ideas and suggestions. If they feel involved, they will be more likely to stick to the rules.

3. Make it easy for your employees:

Ensure that cleaning products, such as disinfectant wipes or surface cleaner dispensers, are easily accessible and send regular friendly reminders about what is expected.

4. Office organization for better hygiene:

In a well-organized environment, it is easier to keep things clean (think of a cluttered desk versus a tidy desk).

5. Make sure there is space to store things:

Let your employees use filing cabinets, shelves, and drawers to neatly store documents and other items and keep their desks tidy. There are also mobile storage units that you can place under your desk.

6. Desk accessories:

Simple organizers such as trays and trays keep everyday items within reach but out of sight.

7. Shared responsibility:

When hygiene is an integral part of the corporate culture, everyone will feel responsible for a clean and tidy workplace.

8. And last but not least (yup, we'll say it again):

Provide clean and accessible sanitary facilities. Make sure your employees can maintain good hand hygiene, because that is the basis for a hygienic and healthy office.

We would be happy to advise you on the best solutions for your business.
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