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December 15, 2021

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workplace hygiene

‘Majority of employees have concerns about using a workplace washroom’, YouGov study finds

New YouGov UK employee research, commissioned by national washroom service provider, Elis, has found that the majority of employees have concerns about using a workplace washroom.

patient safety hand washThe study concludes that:

Only 25% 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% of this age category have no concerns about using a workplace washroom, compared to 25% of 35-44 year olds, 28% of 45-54 year olds and 34% 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%).

The upgrade wanted by the second highest number of employees (21%) is to have better fragrance in the washroom. The research also found that 53% 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% 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% of employees), having toilet sanitiser, so they can wipe the toilet seat before using it (18%) and having better hand drying facilities (16%).

Recycling company fined for poor health and safety management

Recycling company fined for poor health and safety management

15% of employees think their workplace washroom should be upgraded to try to reduce the spread of COVID, and only 30% 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% of women said there are no improvements needed, compared to 34% of men). Under 35s are the most dissatisfied, with only 20% 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.”

In September, SHP reported how a waste and recycling company was been fined £200k, after HSE inspectors discovered widespread poor management of health and safety risks.

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Stuart Robertson CMIOSH
Stuart Robertson CMIOSH
2 years ago

Welfare should be the number 1 focus for any company, if the welfare is top dollar I’m sure the workforce outputs will be the same.
When you have a rotten egg that’s spoiling the welfare you have to employ a janitor to the job of keeping a presence around welfare facilities to stop vandalising perpetrators.