Washroom Hygiene in the Workplace

“The toilets were grubby and there was nowhere to dry my hands.”

Sound familiar? A shopping centre, café or beauty salon might look the part out front, but a quick trip to the poorly maintained washroom could mean you choose to go elsewhere next time.

Washroom hygiene isn’t the most exciting topic on the workplace agenda but it’s one that can’t be ignored. More often than not it can be the fly in the ointment when it comes to staff and customer satisfaction.

A recent survey by Tork, global leader in professional hygiene practices, revealed that a massive 83% of end users surveyed in the UK are concerned about cleanliness in public washrooms.

The research, involving 11,500 people across 11 countries, showed that only 20% of all respondents believed washrooms deliver moderate or high levels of hygiene.

Poor Washroom Experience

For venues and workplaces in the UK, the survey revealed that a poor washroom experience can trigger powerful emotions amongst users, such as ‘disappointed’ (30%), ‘disgusted’ (30%),‘uncomfortable’ (27%) and ‘frustrated’ (26%) – all of which have a negative impact on professional reputation.

• 30% have spent less time at a venue because of the state of the washroom
• 17% have avoided eating and drinking at a venue
• 10% have told their friends to avoid the location and 7% have left a poor online review
• 18% of people have made a complaint to staff or workplace management about poor washroom experiences
• 15% worked from home more than they otherwise would, because of poor washrooms at work, hindering compliance with return to office policies

So if you wish to protect staff health, keep customers happy and maintain a professional image, it could all fall apart if the toilets are not up to scratch.

As outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers are legally required to provide clean and adequately equipped toilet and washing facilities for employees. These facilities should be supplied with soap, drying options and toilet paper. They should also be kept in a hygienic condition at all times.

It goes without saying that regular cleaning of toilets and wash basins is essential to maintaining washroom cleanliness, but changing toilet rolls and paper hand drying towels is also of utmost importance.

Paper Hand Towels and Toilet Rolls

Selecting appropriate hand drying methods is a key element of washroom hygiene. According to official guidelines, paper hand towels are the top recommendation for hand drying, as they efficiently remove moisture and help limit the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Their disposable nature also reduces the risk of cross-contamination and when recycled, supports eco-friendly practices.

Providing jumbo toilet rolls is also recommended for workplaces and venues with higher footfall. Larger rolls mean less maintenance time and reduces the likelihood of running out of toilet paper. This ensures facilities remain well-stocked throughout the day, helping guarantee ongoing hygiene and comfort for all users.

Dispensers

For optimal use of paper towels and toilet rolls, we recommend installing wall mounted dispensers. These will protect products from moisture and contamination, consistently providing users with clean, dry towels and toilet paper. Moreover, they help regulate dispensing, preventing unnecessary waste and supporting workplace cost management.

Integrating quality paper hand towels, jumbo toilet rolls and wall mounted dispensers – aligned with gov.uk and HSE recommendations – forms the backbone of washroom hygiene in the workplace. These measures safeguard employee wellbeing, demonstrate legal compliance, promote sustainability and ensure efficient management, making them essential for any modern setting.

Make sure you’re the talk of the town for great toilet facilities – NOT grubby ones!