New research reveals the truth about hand washing and drying at work

New independent research has found that the majority of employees do not wash and dry their hands properly at work, despite both washing and drying being important to help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, including Covid.

The YouGov research, commissioned by national washroom service provider, Elis, found that 55 per cent of employees say they wash their hands for less than the recommended 20 seconds when they are at work, with 27 per cent washing their hands for ten seconds or less. Only 37 per cent said they wash their hands for 20 seconds or more, with those over 55 (45 per cent) more likely to, compared to other age groups.

The research also found that 57 per cent say they leave the workplace washroom with damp hands because the drying equipment is not good enough or fast enough, with those working in London (60 per cent) and the under 35s (65 per cent) the most likely to say this. Only 31 per cent of employees say they always leave their workplace washroom with dry hands, compared to 66 per cent who say their hands are dry when they leave a bathroom at home.

Nick Barton, Regional Director of UK-wide washroom service provider, Elis said: “We know that we should be washing our hands properly, but research has also shown that damp hands can spread more bacteria and viruses than dry hands, so it is important to dry hands properly too. The fact that employees are twice as likely to leave the workplace washroom with damp hands, compared to their bathroom at home, and that a majority blame the drying equipment, means there is an opportunity for employers to improve hand hygiene by providing better equipment.”

The Elis-commissioned research also uncovered which drying equipment employees believe is responsible for their hands being left damp. It revealed employee preferences when it comes to hand washing and drying equipment and which hand drying options employees believe are the most hygienic.

Elis has produced a report on the research findings. Called ‘The truth about hand washing and drying at work’, it also includes advice on how businesses can improve their hand washing and drying facilities. The report can be downloaded free here.