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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Raj Dwivedi

Protect Yourself From COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus)?

COVID-19 is a viral disease that is spread by airborne droplets, similar to other viral diseases such as the common cold. Symptoms include respiratory issues such as coughing and sneezing, and for this reason many people look towards masks to prevent the spread of this disease. Whilst masks have their place in the treatment and management of respiratory illnesses in the healthcare setting, for the general public masks are of little use. Most members of the public use simple surgical masks, and these are not as effective as the approved N95 particulate respirators used by healthcare professionals.

THE PROBLEM WITH MASKS

Simple face-masks help prevent large droplets and particles from teaching your mouth and nose, particles that may contain viruses and bacteria. In surgery they prevent bodily fluids from being transmitted between patient and surgeon, such as blood. However their design does not block the very small particles that are transmitted by coughs and sneezes. Furthermore they are loose fitting and so particulates can still enter through the gaps between the mask and the skin.

N95 respirators on the other hand are specially designed to prevent very fine particulate matter from entering the users nose and mouth. However even these are not perfect as they are only rated to block 95% of all such matter. Their use also depends on having a tight seal around the face, and cannot be used with facial hair. Application of the mask must also be done in a particular manner without touching the mask to ensure it remains sterile. It needs to be replaced as soon as it is damp, and by only touching the straps behind your head. Before and after putting on the mask your hands should be cleaned with alcohol based gels, or with soap and water.

Because of the issues associated with masks, the WHO has released recommendations on when members of the public should use masks:

· If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.

· Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

· Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYGEINE

So if masks are not effective, what should you do? The simple answer is you should maintain good personal hygiene to minimise the risk of infection. Simple, frequent hand-washing with soap and water or with alcohol gel physically destroys the virus on your hands. This minimises any transmission risk to yourself and to other people. If sneezing, you should sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue, and dispose of this. After this you should once again clean your hands and dry them thoroughly. Washing your hands for 20 seconds is more effective at reducing the risk of infection than wearing a mask.

Antibiotics will not help in treating COVID-19 as this is a viral disease. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses because they are completely separate types of organisms, as different as a human is to a potato. Other drastic measures such as irradiating your body or using highly irritant cleaning products on the skin such as bleach can cause harm and create further medical problems. Using traditional or homemade medical therapies advocated on social media or by word-of-mouth are similarly not effective in destroying the virus. Some treatments can be harmful to your body as they are untested with no evidence to show they work, and unfortunately can provide you with a false sense of security. If you wish to obtain advice you should do so from a qualified health professional or from the World Health Organisation site on public advice. This can be found on https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public COVID-19.

www.secondmedic.com website

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Desk Plants Distribution Drive: Improving Mental Health and Workplace decor

Workplace wellness is no longer limited to health checkups and fitness programs. Modern organisations are recognising that mental wellbeing, emotional balance and the physical environment play an equally important role in employee health. One initiative that effectively addresses all three is the Desk Plants Distribution Drive.

Introducing greenery into everyday workspaces is a low-cost, high-impact strategy that improves mental health while enhancing office décor and employee satisfaction.

Why Mental Health Needs Everyday Support at Work

Employees today face:

prolonged screen exposure
high work pressure
sedentary routines
constant digital connectivity

According to World Health Organization and Indian workplace health data, chronic stress and burnout are rising across industries. Small environmental interventions can significantly reduce daily stress and mental fatigue.

What Is a Desk Plants Distribution Drive?

A Desk Plants Distribution Drive involves distributing small, easy-to-maintain plants to employees for placement on their desks or workstations.

These drives are typically:

organisation-wide
part of wellness or engagement programs
aligned with sustainability initiatives

Common desk plants include succulents, pothos, snake plants and peace lilies.

How Desk Plants Improve Mental Health

Stress Reduction

Natural elements have a calming effect on the brain. Studies in occupational psychology show that the presence of plants reduces stress hormone levels and promotes relaxation.

Employees surrounded by greenery report feeling calmer and less overwhelmed during the workday.

Improved Mood and Emotional Balance

Green environments stimulate positive emotional responses. Desk plants help:

reduce irritability
improve mood
create a sense of comfort and wellbeing

This supports emotional resilience at work.

Impact on Focus and Cognitive Performance

Mental fatigue is a major contributor to reduced productivity.

Desk plants help by:

improving concentration
reducing attention fatigue
enhancing creativity

Research published in workplace wellbeing studies indicates that even small amounts of greenery improve cognitive performance.

Enhancing Workplace Décor and Atmosphere

Visual Comfort

Plants soften rigid office interiors, making workspaces feel more welcoming and less clinical.

Personalised Workspaces

Desk plants allow employees to personalise their environment, increasing ownership and job satisfaction.

Improved Indoor Environment

Some plants help reduce indoor pollutants and contribute to a fresher workspace experience.

Desk Plants and Emotional Connection to Workspaces

Having a living element at the desk fosters:

mindfulness
responsibility
emotional attachment to the workspace

These subtle psychological effects support long-term engagement.

Why Desk Plant Drives Work Well in Corporate Wellness Programs

Desk plant initiatives are:

easy to implement
budget-friendly
scalable across teams
inclusive for all roles

They create visible, daily reminders of organisational commitment to employee wellbeing.

Sustainability and CSR Alignment

A Desk Plants Distribution Drive supports:

environmental responsibility
green workplace practices
sustainability goals

It reflects a balanced approach to people and planet wellbeing.

Choosing the Right Plants for Offices

Ideal desk plants should be:

low maintenance
tolerant of indoor lighting
compact and non-intrusive
safe for shared environments

Providing simple care guidelines ensures long-term success.

Employee Engagement Through Green Initiatives

These drives encourage:

shared participation
wellness conversations
positive social interaction

They strengthen workplace culture without disrupting work routines.

Measuring the Impact of Desk Plant Initiatives

Organisations can assess impact through:

employee feedback surveys
stress and engagement indicators
workspace satisfaction scores

According to EY-FICCI workplace wellness reports, environmental wellness initiatives contribute to sustained engagement.

Long-Term Benefits for Organisations

Consistent green initiatives are linked to:

reduced burnout
improved morale
better employee retention
stronger employer branding

Small environmental changes create long-lasting wellness benefits.

Desk Plants as a Gateway to Holistic Wellness

Desk plant drives often lead to:

increased interest in mental health programs
mindfulness and stress management initiatives
ergonomic and workspace improvements

They act as a foundation for broader wellness strategies.

Why Simplicity Matters in Wellness Programs

Complex programs often fail due to low participation.

Desk plant initiatives succeed because they:

integrate naturally into daily life
require minimal effort
deliver visible benefits

Simplicity ensures sustainability.

Conclusion

A Desk Plants Distribution Drive is a powerful yet simple workplace wellness initiative that improves mental health and enhances office décor. By introducing greenery into daily work environments, organisations create calmer, more engaging and emotionally supportive spaces. These initiatives demonstrate that employee wellbeing is influenced not only by policies and programs but also by the environments in which people work. Small green changes can make a meaningful difference to mental wellbeing, productivity and workplace culture.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Mental Health and Environmental Design
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Mental Health and Lifestyle Studies
Lancet – Nature Exposure and Psychological Wellbeing Research
NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Mental Health Reports
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Employee Engagement Studies
Statista – Workplace Wellness and Environmental Design Trends

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