5 work habits that are making you sick during flu season

Many employees think their workspace is dirty. They're right.

Are you prepared for flu and cold season? A recent survey of more than 150 office workers revealed that many have habits that increase their chances of getting sick. Here are a few takeaways from the survey by Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc.

Dallas Morning News

Clean your keyboard. It's for your own good.

1. Few offices promote flu and germ awareness and ramp up their supply of antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizers, soaps, tissues in time for flu season, says Lisa Hamblet of Staples Advantage. Employers can do their part by planning ahead.

2. Employees think their workspace is dirty -- but they eat there anyway. While less than 10 percent of survey respondents say they clean desk surfaces with disinfectants or sanitizing products regularly, nine out of 10 said they often eat meals in their cubicle.

3. Few offices clean shared surfaces, such as doorknobs and elevator buttons. Common areas like office kitchens can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Beware of the shared sponge and of putting your lunch down on countertops that are rarely (if ever!) washed.

4. Nearly one-third of survey respondents said they think their keyboards and phones are the dirtiest items in the office, yet less than 10 percent clean those items often.

5. Nearly 70 percent of employees admitted going to work even when feeling under the weather. Too busy to take a sick day? Consider talking to your boss about working from home.

Quick fixes will make you and your coworkers healthier.