Inclusive hygiene matters
Inclusive hygiene practices go beyond simply complying with the rules. When done right, they can have a major positive impact on improving employee well-being, productivity, and satisfaction. But of course, this doesn't just apply to workplaces. In schools, public spaces and in healthcare, for example, you see a wide variety of people with different needs, and it's important to provide inclusive washrooms in these places as well.
Creating truly inclusive toilet facilities means taking into account a wide range of needs, including gender identity, menstruation, cultural practices, and personal hygiene preferences. Below is a comprehensive guide to making the toilets in your workplace welcoming for everyone. You will also find our handy checklist, to go through everything step by step!
The importance of inclusive sanitary facilities
Inclusive washrooms and toilets are essential for the comfort, safety, and accessibility of all employees, regardless of their gender identity, cultural background, or personal hygiene needs. According to a study by the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly 60% of transgender people have avoided public toilets out of fear or discomfort. In addition, inclusive facilities accommodate different cultural and personal hygiene practices, promoting overall employee satisfaction and well-being. So it's time to take a closer look and see what you can do about it.
Practical steps for setting-up inclusive toilets
1. Assess your current facilities and adjust where necessary
Evaluate the layout of existing toilets. Single-person toilets can easily be made inclusive by adjusting signage and ensuring privacy. Also ask your staff or other visitors to the toilets how they experience their visit.
2. Inclusive and clear signage
Use neutral, clear signage, such as “Inclusive toilet” or “Gender-neutral toilet,” with functional symbols (a toilet or sink) instead of gender-specific symbols.
3. Maximize privacy
The cubicles should be completely closed off with walls and doors that extend from the floor to the ceiling, so that all users have the necessary privacy.
4. Menstrual hygiene facilities
Provide each cubicle with menstrual hygiene waste bins so that all menstruating toilet users can use them. Ensure that the waste bins are discreet, hygienic, and emptied regularly.
Tip: use a Hygiene Bin service; the bins are collected regularly and exchanged for clean ones. This means you don't have to worry about it yourself.
5. Compliance with accessibility requirements
Ensure that the toilets are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Also check whether there are accessibility guidelines in your country.
6 Cultural awareness
Consider installing bidets or providing toilet paper foam dispensers. In many cultures, cleaning with water is preferred, and providing toilet paper in foam form is a practical solution that takes different personal hygiene habits into account.
7. Effective communication
Communicate the changes you make clearly and also explain to your employees and/or visitors why these adjustments are necessary, so that they are understood and accepted.
Checklist for inclusive toilet facilities
Take this practical downloadable checklist as a guide for everyone involved in providing or managing sanitary facilities, whether in workplaces, schools, healthcare settings, or public spaces.
Innovative products for greater inclusivity
To achieve full inclusivity, consider using these innovative hygiene products in your restrooms:
- Tampon and sanitary pad dispensers: essential for menstruating restroom users, ensuring that necessary hygiene products are always available.
- Toilet paper foam dispensers: offer a soft, hygienic alternative to dry toilet paper and respects different cultural preferences for cleaning with water.
- Non-touch hygiene products: Touchless soap and disinfectant dispensers reduce the risk of contamination and increase user comfort.
- Toilet seat cleaner: For easy and hygienic cleaning of the toilet seat by visitors themselves, between regular cleaning intervals.
- Fragrance dispensers: The right air fresheners eliminate unpleasant odors and ensure a pleasant environment for everyone.
- Smart monitoring systems (IoT): Real-time monitoring ensures timely maintenance and consistently high hygiene standards.
Make inclusivity the standard
Inclusive toilet facilities are no longer just progressive, or a luxury. Inclusivity is a necessary part of modern (work) culture, greatly improving people's morale, productivity, and well-being. By integrating practical measures and inclusive hygiene products in a thoughtful way, you can ensure that your facilities are welcoming and respectful for everyone.
Now you're ready to improve inclusivity in your restrooms, right? Download our handy checklist to help you get started.
Would you like us to advise you? Our team is here to help!
