SCA Survey Identifies Americans' Everyday Sanctuary: Workplace Restrooms

Do you know what is happening in the workplace restroom stall next to you? A new consumer study recently released by global hygiene and forest products company, SCA, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, shows a surprising number of Americans have used their workplace restrooms for more than they were intended. Some of the oddest activities identified by the 2014 SCA Hygiene Matters Consumer Survey were eating (8%), exercising (7%), smoking (5%), and sleeping (5%)—all of which men are more likely to do than women.

 

One quarter of Americans say they have used their bathroom at work to text (25%) and nearly as many have gone there to talk on the phone (23%), according to the survey.

 

For many people, the workplace restroom is a personal sanctuary and safe place. Women are more likely than men to say they have gone there to deal with the frustration of everyday work life (23% vs 17%), whereas men are more likely to say they have used the space to spend a moment alone or get space from colleagues (21% vs 18%). An average of 10% of all adults has used the workplace bathroom to take a break to cry, including 6% of men and 14% of women. 

 

"SCA's product solutions focus on health and hygiene, which is why we're committed to raising hygiene standards and awareness worldwide," said Amy Bellcourt, VP of communications, SCA Americas. "This survey uncovers surprising behaviors in the American workplace. It proves the importance of maintaining clean and comfortable restrooms for employees' physical and mental health."

 

SCA regularly conducts its global Hygiene Matters Survey to gauge public awareness and concerns about hygiene standards around the world.

 

Additional findings from the survey relating to hygiene in U.S. workplaces include:

• When asked about poor hygiene in public places, 11% of adults believe the workplace exposes people to the greatest health risks
• Nearly half of Americans (42%) say they never wash their hands after arriving at work
• Some 10% of people only sometimes wash their hands after using the toilet, with 1% admitting they never do
• Just roughly 15% of people say they would tell a work colleague if they had poor personal hygiene..

Among all of the countries surveyed by SCA in the study, the U.S. has the most satisfied workers when it comes to workplace restrooms (87%). In fact, more than one in 10 Americans (13%) say they actually prefer using the restrooms at their work over the toilet in their own home. However, nearly one quarter of all Americans (24%) say they prefer not to use the restrooms where they work, and more than a third (36%) wish their employer would pay more attention to their facilities.

 

Countries topping the list of the most unsatisfied workers were China (25%) and Italy (23%), with the Chinese and Russians being the most likely to wish their employer would do more to improve restroom facilities in the workplace (84% and 63%, respectively). 

More information about hygiene in the workplace is available online.