Many Not Comfortable Using Public Restrooms

Research recently released by hygiene product company Tork, an Essity brand, highlights new global findings on the public restroom experience. The data shows that many individuals are not comfortable using a public restroom, which negatively impacts their well-being. This keeps them from participating in social activities, including enjoying food and drink in public, staying at a job, and feeling safe.

 Highlights of the research include:

• People feel anxious when they must use a public restroom—44% feel anxious when having to use the restroom outside of their home.
• When people are unable to wash their hands, they don’t feel safe—73% of respondents feel unsafe if they can’t wash their hands.
• Poor restrooms are a reason people quit their jobs—17% said they left a job because of a poor restroom.
• People avoid eating or drinking to limit their use of public restrooms (38% of all respondents), and those with children or walking aids are more likely to do so—Nearly 50% of parents who need to bring a baby carrier or child in arms to use the public restroom have avoided eating or drinking to avoid visiting public restroom. More than half (51%) of respondents with walking aids are likely to avoid eating or drinking to avoid having to visit public restrooms.
• Respondents consider access to public restrooms when planning social events or travel—More than a quarter (26%) of respondents avoided a social event because of concerns about access to public restrooms; that number rises to 39% for those who report a phobia or fear of viruses or bacteria. Additionally, 44% of all respondents plan their travel routes to ensure they have access to restrooms.

 “This research reaffirms that access to public restrooms isn’t just about convenience, it’s a pervasive public health challenge,” said Amie Kromis, Essity DEI Director. “Restrooms are the busiest room in a facility, and they often aren’t equipped to accommodate the constantly changing needs and capabilities of the population at large. This influences an individual’s ability to participate effectively at work, at social gatherings, their inclination to buy food or drink or dine at a restaurant and even what routes they choose to travel. Ultimately, providing better hygiene in public restrooms is good for a business and their visitors, customers, and employees.”

Additionally, last month at an inclusive hygiene-focused roundtable in Washington, D.C., Tork—in partnership with the Global Handwashing Partnership—gathered experts who represent both public and private organizations, to review the data, share expertise, and work toward a greater understanding of the issues. Participants from government, healthcare, academia, policy, and advocacy shared perspectives on barriers to inclusive hygiene in public restrooms, showcased their work, and started to build a roadmap toward solutions.

“The shared passion around improving comfortable and hygienic access to public restrooms was inspiring,” said Amy Bellcourt, Essity vice president of communications and moderator of the day-long discussion. “Everyone brought a unique perspective and through that diversity, we better understood that it’s the built environment—not the individual—that creates the barriers to being able to use the restroom with comfort and ease. With the event learnings, we’re now equipped with even more powerful understanding, data, experiences, and a growing network of experts to join us on the journey for change.”

The Tork brand first announced its commitment to advancing inclusive hygiene in the public restroom earlier this year. To join Tork on the journey and learn more, visit torkusa.com/about-us/paper-towel-plea.