More than a washroom?

According to a new study commissioned by SCA, employees use their workplace washrooms as a place to escape and let off steam, while half of all respondents want their employers to pay more attention to the quality of the washrooms where they work.

The SCA Hygiene Matters survey shows that washrooms are the only rooms at work that offer individual privacy, and they fill an important social function for employees.

According to the survey, workplace washrooms are a place for people to take time out on their own (15%) or to let go of frustration (11%). One in 10 respondents admits to having a private conversation in the toilets, while three per cent have taken a nap or exercised in the washrooms.

Charlotte Branwhite, SCA Product and Segment Manager, said: “A conclusion from the findings is how important washroom standards are for employees to feel comfortable at work, and how frequently people use them for other reasons rather than just using the toilet. As a global provider of hygiene solutions this is key to understanding end-users and their complex needs.”

And even though many employees are satisfied with the toilets at work, there are still opportunities for improvement. According to the survey half of all respondents want their employer to pay more attention to the quality of the washrooms where they work while a third of employees feel there are not enough toilets at their workplace.

Tork has been striving to raise public hygiene standards for many years. Award-winning Tork Elevation dispensers feature a hygienic design that is easy to clean, and all Tork systems are designed to naturally reduce consumption to prevent toilet tissue, hand towels and soaps running out between maintenance checks.

Charlotte added: “There are factors we cannot affect, such as availability of washrooms and the number of washrooms in a facility. But we can always help our customers - whether it’s a restaurant, an office facility or a public school, to make the most out of their existing facilities.”