Small Business losing big profits over tiny terrorists
In an economy that fosters small business growth – entrepreneurs need to be aware of those tiny terrorists that eat away at their hard earned profits. Yes - it’s those microscopic pests – those unseen and often forgotten enemies - we call germs. And they may be more problematic than we think.
Invading and setting up camp in our keyboards, telephones, fax machines and desk tops (to name just a few of their favorite habitats) those pesky, microscopic menaces are taking a big bite out of profits.
“It really all boils down to educating business owners” says Monica Velt of No Germs – one of a handful of companies dedicated to keeping electronics and work areas from becoming areas of contamination. “People do not realize how many germs are passed from person to person through things like keyboards and telephones. And the common photo-copier is a great communal breeding ground for germs.”
We thought we knew better
Recent studies showing the transference of germs and inevitably sickness through human touch, has helped to educate the general public on the benefits of washing their hands regularly to cut down on the common cold and influenza virus from being passed from person to person in the office environment. We thought we had a handle on staying germ free.
But according to Dr. Audrey Karlinsky in an article published almost 10 years ago in Canadian Living – germs aren’t just passed from hand to hand – but remain alive for hours on doorknobs, elevator buttons and other common touch areas. (And you were worried about the washroom!)
“These are the areas that are not cleaned often enough” explains Velt as she wipes off my desktop. “We have the washrooms cleaned and sanitized, but because we don’t associate our desks or computers with waste – or washrooms - we never think about the other kind of virus that is growing in them. And that is the virus that can cost small businesses as much , or more, than the virus we generally associate with computers and those that computer software can take care of.”
In fact those tiny microbes can take a big bite out of the business budget due to absenteeism at work as a result of sickness. It affects all businesses but can severely affect small business productivity – and thus their profits.
In fact in 2003, the most recent statistics show that workplace absenteeism costs an average of $1,000 per employee per year. For small business with only 10 employees that can mean the difference between staying afloat or closing the doors due to losses.
“If employers and small business owners realized how cost effective it is to have their office equipment and desks cleaned regularly they would budget for it” Velt explains.
Even more crucial in a booming economy
In cities where there are booms in the economy, preventing absenteeism due to sickness is even more crucial. Major urban centres like
In fact, a pandemic, like those so greatly feared by larger businesses and governments, could wipe out a small business in a matter of days. Anywhere there is shared space, equipment or more than one employee can become a breeding ground for viruses sending employees home one by one. And don’t think that once they return to work they are now immune to the original virus. Viruses mutate and change daily as new bacteria are introduced – and common areas are perfect for their mutation.
Prevention is key
Cleaning those common areas may not be as tough as one would think. So before you throw up your hands in despair and start petitioning your boss to let you work from home – or worse yet become the dreaded germophobe – heed the advice of the experts.
“It does not take a huge effort to get things to a less contagious level” say Velt. “Let’s be realistic – you clean your carpets, your washrooms and empty the garbage cans, but cleaning keyboards and places people touch frequently gets missed. We can get things ship shape for you – and then it is just a matter of being proactive.”
Velt also offers the following tips:
- Never eat your lunch or snacks at your desk
- Wipe down your desk at the end of every day
- Wipe off your phone after you return from break or lunch
- Wash your hands frequently
- Try not to lean on your hands – or rub your face after using the computer, or coming from an elevator or the photo-copier
- Wipe off your mouse after breaks and lunch
- Carry antiseptic wipes with you
- Wipe off your writing utensils regularly.
About No Germs:
Monica Velt – founder and germ busting president - cleans and sanitizes office equipment in offices large and small. Please visit www.nogerms.ca for more information or call 780.488.3189.
