Survey finds only 1 in 5 washrooms meet hygiene cleanliness expectations in the UK

Tork, an Essity brand and a global leader in professional hygiene, has revealed the findings of a global Insight Survey of end users and cleaning staff that explored attitudes toward hygiene in washrooms.

Significant societal shifts have taken place with regards to awareness and accommodation of individual physical circumstances and conditions in washrooms in public spaces and the workplace. Changing places are more commonly seen in shopping centres and disabled toilet cubicles are incorporated into the design of public washrooms, signposted by the wheelchair sign. However, globally 95 per cent of people who report physical or cognitive conditions are not in a wheelchair.

The global Tork Insight Survey reveals that many needs remain unrecognised in washroom design and maintenance. In fact, globally, one in two people are likely to face barriers to hygiene in washrooms meaning there is a disconnect between their capabilities or needs and the washroom environment. Thirty-three per cent of those who report a physical or cognitive condition have skin sensitivity, 29 per cent have anxiety and 22 per cent have rheumatism. Such sensory sensitivities, cognitive conditions or paruresis (shy bladder) can result in people refraining from using washrooms or being able to fully meet their needs in the washroom.

In the UK, 17 per cent of those who report a physical condition suffer from a skin sensitivity such as eczema, which can be aggravated by harsh soaps, and 12 per cent are challenged by arthritis or suffer from chronic pain, which can make using toilet paper and accessing soap from dispensers difficult. Drawing similarities with the global view that one in five washrooms do not meet hygiene cleanliness expectations, 24 per cent of people surveyed in the UK cite ‘unhygienic’ as a reason for never using or having avoided a washroom, and 50 per cent say they have not used a washroom at a venue even though they needed to. Overall, in line with disappointing global survey stats, 83 per cent of end users surveyed in the UK are concerned about hygiene in public washrooms.

Olivia Slater, Commercial Director at Essity Professional Hygiene said: “Eight out of 10 people globally have concerns about washroom rooms – a figure that’s even higher for those with certain physical or cognitive conditions. When a washroom fails to meet these diverse needs, it directly impacts a business’s reputation and revenue. This is one reason why ‘Hygiene for all’ is a core pillar of our sustainability strategy. By focusing on inclusive hygiene, we help organisations create better experiences that serve as many people as possible, including the cleaning staff who maintain these vital spaces.”

The research, which surveyed 11,500 people across 11 countries, shows there are high expectations for hygiene and cleanliness in the washroom. Seventy-four per cent expect moderate or high levels of hygiene. Yet, only 20 per cent of washrooms deliver on those expectations. Forty per cent of the general population is ‘very concerned’ with hygiene and cleanliness of public spaces and that number jumps to 60 per cent for people with conditions like germaphobia.

What does this mean for venues and the workplace in the UK?

A poor washroom experience can trigger powerful emotions amongst users, such as ‘disappointed’ (30 per cent), ‘disgusted (30 per cent),‘uncomfortable’ (27 per cent) and ‘frustrated’ (26 per cent) which have a negative impact on venue or workplace reputation.

• 30 per cent have spent less time at a venue because of the state of the washroom
• 17 per cent have avoided eating and drinking at a venue
• 10 per cent have told their friends to avoid the location and seven per cent have left a poor online review
• 18 per cent of people have made a complaint to staff or workplace management about poor washroom experiences
• 15 per cent worked from home more than they otherwise would, because of poor washrooms at work, hindering compliance with return to office policies

Tork will be on stand B8 at Facilities & Estates Management live where they will be showcasing their most impactful washroom solutions and latest service innovations. Their team will be on hand to offer tailored advice and insights for facilities of all sizes.