Survey Finds Facility Cleaning and Disinfecting Efforts Have Paid Off

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting efforts by retail shops, restaurants, and other public facilities have paid off in increased consumer confidence. A new survey conducted by GP PRO found that almost half (48%) of respondents increased their participation in away-from-home activities in the previous 60 days. Of that group, 32% listed the efforts businesses have taken to provide a safe and hygienic environment as one reason they are confident leaving home.

“Consumers are now taking to the streets with renewed confidence, and businesses deserve credit for making health and hygiene a priority and, as a result, playing a role in consumers re-engaging in the everyday activities they avoided for the better part of the past year,” said Michelle Auda, GP PRO senior director of insights.

The survey found:

• 61% of respondents are participating in away-from-home activities at the same level as they were before the pandemic.
• Among the 61%, 31% are taking virus-related safety precautions—such as wearing masks—if required, and 30% are taking such precautions whether required or not.

When asked which away-from-home activities they are participating in:

• 74% of those surveyed said in-store grocery shopping
• 61% said going to a drive-thru restaurant or coffee shop
• 56% stated in-store retail shopping
• 50% said socializing with close friends and family
• 46% said indoor dining at a restaurant
• 38% said they have gone to work in an office environment in the previous 60 days.

In a similar survey GP PRO conducted in February of 2021, only 9% of consumers were participating in away-from-home activities with no safety precautions, and 19% were engaging in such activities with precautions. The February survey found that 15% of consumers were avoided activities such as shopping, going to a salon, or socializing with friends and family, compared to 7% in the new survey.