Research reveals UK employees’ washroom concerns and how to resolve them

New independent research has found that the majority of employees have concerns about using a workplace washroom and has revealed the washroom improvements that they would like their employers to make.

The YouGov, UK employee research, commissioned by national washroom service provider, Elis, found that 47 per cent of employees are concerned that the toilets will be dirty, 45 per cent that there will be insufficient toilet paper, 45 per cent that the washroom itself will be unhygienic or dirty and 44 per cent that the washroom will smell unpleasant. Also of concern are that there will be insufficient soap (30 per cent of employees), insufficient airflow to disperse germs and smells (28 per cent) unpleasant or overflowing sanitary bins (25 per cent) equipment that they will have to touch, as there will not be ‘no-touch’ options (21 per cent) and insufficient hand drying facilities (18 per cent).

Only 25 per cent of employees have no concerns about using a workplace washroom, with the under 35s more likely than any other age group to have concerns. Only 11 per cent of this age category have no concerns about using a workplace washroom, compared to 25 per cent of 35-44 year olds, 28 per cent of 45-54 year olds and 34 per cent of over 55s.

The research also revealed the improvements that employees would like made to their workplace washroom, with the introduction of no-touch soap dispensers being the change wanted by the highest number of respondents (29 per cent). The research also found that no-touch equipment is important to 60 per cent of employees.

The upgrade wanted by the second highest number of employees (21 per cent) is to have better fragrance in the washroom. The research also found that 53 per cent of employees thought that a pleasant smell, such as a fruity or floral smell, would make them think a washroom was clean and well looked after, compared to 38 per cent who thought a neutral smell would do the same.

Other improvements that employees would like include having hand sanitiser in the washroom and just outside the washroom (18 per cent of employees), having toilet sanitiser, so they can wipe the toilet seat before using it (18 per cent) and having better hand drying facilities (16 per cent).

Fifteen per cent of employees think their workplace washroom should be upgraded to try to reduce the spread of Covid and only 30 per cent say there are no improvements they would like to be made, with women less likely than men to be satisfied with their workplace washroom (only 27 per cent of women said there are no improvements needed, compared to 34 per cent of men). Under 35s are the most dissatisfied, with only 20 per cent saying there are no improvements required.

Nick Barton, Regional Director of UK-wide washroom service provider, Elis said: “This independent research provides valuable insights into the views of employees across the country, including how their views differ by age, gender and where they work. Elis works with employers, helping them to provide hygienic and well stocked washrooms and we hope this research will also help to build understanding of their employees’ views and expectations of the workplace washroom.”

Elis has produced a report on the research findings. Called ‘Employees’ Washroom Concerns and How to Resolve them’ it also includes advice on how businesses can improve their washrooms.

The report can be downloaded free by clicking here.