Recently, we have completed quite a few commercial restroom renovations. More so than in previous years. Unsurprisingly, employees and customers appreciate clean, modern, well-designed facilities. What might be surprising is that 83% of workers believe that the condition of their workplace restrooms is an indicator of how a company values its employees.*
In addition, smart technology, sustainability, and inclusivity are driving the increase in restroom renovations. How do the restrooms at your company look? Is it time for a refresh?
If so, the commercial restroom innovations below are simple, affordable upgrades that can help attract and retain employees and impress customers.
Connected Restrooms
These days, everything is connected. So, why not restrooms? Smart sensors on soap and paper towel dispensers can alert custodians to restock supplies. Similarly, sensors on faucets and toilets can monitor usage and detect problems. A well-maintained restroom offers visitors a positive experience.
Touchless Fixtures
We’re already accustomed to sensor-activated faucets, soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, hand dryers, and auto-flush toilets. Touchless technology is now found on stall doors and restroom entrances, further optimizing surface hygiene.
Bobrick Klutch Mobile Device Holder
Single-User Stalls and Restrooms
The convergence of concerns about privacy, accessibility, and inclusivity is leading to a re-design of the narrow, semi-private toilet stalls of the past. Partition walls now extend from floor to ceiling to increase privacy and safety. Stalls now include storage for personal items and handwashing stations. These new self-contained restrooms and stalls are designed to welcome and accommodate everyone.
Scranton Products Aria Full Height Restroom Partitions
Environmentally Friendly Upgrades
In addition to using sustainable materials (bamboo, recycled glass, reclaimed wood or metals) when renovating restrooms, businesses are operating their facilities in a sustainable way. Low-flow urinals, toilets, and faucets reduce water consumption, which is important given that the EPA determined that commercial restrooms account for 37% of water use in office buildings. Energy-efficient hand dryers reduce energy consumption (and save money). Similarly, energy-efficient LED lights and motion-detecting lights conserve electricity.
Occupancy Lights
Equipped with thermal sensors occupancy lights let guests know which stalls are open (green light) and which are not (red light). In addition to helping guests avoid a potentially awkward situation, occupancy lights can be used to provide facility managers with valuable usage data that can help schedule servicing and maintenance.
Businesses are upgrading commercial restrooms and creating a more positive experience for guests by addressing their social, environmental, and hygienic concerns. Leveraging smart technology and design innovations, they are better able to meet the evolving needs of their employees and customers.
*Bradley Corporation research.
