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Accessibility and unity: one in two individuals encounter hidden obstacles

Overcoming unseen obstacles in public restrooms: Boost accessibility, improve brand reputation, and foster business growth through inclusive sanitation facilities.

Unspoken hurdles in hygiene and acceptance: half of the population encounters unseen obstacles
Unspoken hurdles in hygiene and acceptance: half of the population encounters unseen obstacles

Accessibility and unity: one in two individuals encounter hidden obstacles

In public buildings, sanitary facilities are the most frequently used spaces, yet they often fall short of meeting the expectations of users. A recent survey reveals that poor hygiene is the most common reason for people avoiding washrooms, with 28% of respondents feeling disgusted and 22% feeling frustrated when cleanliness standards are not met.

The survey, which polled a significant number of individuals, found that 77% of respondents without restrictions have significant hygiene concerns in public washrooms. People with conditions like germophobia or other anxieties have higher values of hygiene concerns, and it's not surprising that many needs of people with physical or cognitive impairments are not adequately considered in the design of washrooms.

The survey also uncovered that nearly one in five (18%) do not return after leaving an event due to the state of the washroom, and 26% have left an event earlier for the same reason. Long queues and insufficient privacy are other reasons for people avoiding washrooms, causing inconvenience and potentially driving customers away.

Half of the respondents face invisible barriers to hygiene in public washrooms due to design not suiting their individual abilities. Concerns about cleanliness, anxiety disorders, sound sensitivity, smells, or paruresis (a form of bladder anxiety) are reasons for these invisible barriers.

Addressing these concerns is essential for businesses, as providing toilet facilities that cater to as many people's needs as possible can positively influence business success. The company named saniComplete has funded work on barrier-free toilet facilities for public buildings and has a significant presence in Germany, specializing in innovative and sustainable sanitary solutions focused on accessibility and hygiene.

Kristian Grennfelt, Global Brand Innovation Director, Professional Hygiene at Essity, has made a commitment to making public hygiene accessible to a broad majority of people. By prioritizing hygiene and accessibility, businesses can ensure that their washrooms are welcoming and comfortable for all customers, enhancing their overall customer experience.

In conclusion, the state of public washrooms significantly impacts the customer experience and can have a direct effect on business success. By addressing hygiene concerns and making washrooms accessible to all, businesses can create a more positive and inclusive environment for their customers.

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