Modernizing Your Office Restroom Design

by Julia Kicinski

If your company has been transitioning remote workers back to the office, you probably have a whole list of improvements you want to make to fully prepare the office space for your returning employees. Staying on top of the latest office trends is a great way to ensure that you're offering your employees the newest technology, the best furniture, and the most modern decor. But do your plans include revamping the restroom?

Unfortunately, the areas of the office that are not front and center often get forgotten in the excitement of new updates. The restroom, however, really should be high on the list of priorities because this is a common area that every employee will frequent multiple times each day. If the space is not appealing, the prospect of working in the office won't be, either. Here are some ideas for modernizing your restroom space to match the trendy, comfortable design of the rest of the office.

Cleanliness

We can all recall an uncomfortable restroom experience we wouldn't care to repeat; your office restroom should never be on that list! Hire a professional to clean your restroom regularly to keep it fresh and sanitary for employees. If your office isn't large enough to warrant a daily professional cleaning, ask your employees to help out with a simple cleaning rotation to ensure that basic tasks like removing trash, wiping down the counter, and sanitizing toilets are maintained in between deep cleans. Post a checklist to track the cleaning schedule, plus health and wellness signs to remind employees to wash their hands, clean up after themselves, and generally respect the restroom space. This will help maintain a tidy area and cut down on unpleasant odors. To replace the often overpowering smell of cleaners, try installing automatic air fresheners that add a welcoming scent to the room.

Privacy

A recent Jobera survey found that one reason many employees do not want to return to the office for work is because they miss having personal restroom space. Although it is rarely feasible to offer private restrooms for your employees, you can still take steps to maximize privacy in a shared space. Try installing taller partitions between stalls and make sure that there are no large gaps in the frames. Single-stall restrooms can also offer greater privacy options. Just make sure that all restroom doors, regardless of layout, have working locks. Set your employees' minds at ease that accidentally walking in on another person or getting locked in a stall will not be regular occurrences in your office restroom.

Comfort

Why not bring some of the comforts of home into the work restroom? Start with simply budgeting enough space for necessary fixtures so employees can maneuver in the area without feeling cramped or bumping into each other. A set of narrow stalls or a sink shoved into a nook may be economical choices, but won't necessarily be comfortable. Choose warm lighting to promote a more inviting atmosphere and make sure the acoustics don't make visitors feel like they're entering an echo chamber. You can also add tasteful decorations like plaques with short messages or even a small plant if you have extra shelf or counter space.

Amenities and Accessories

Little things can go a long way toward making an office restroom more comfortable for your staff. Keep your accessories well stocked so nothing ever runs out. Refill soap and hand sanitizer dispensers and check your paper towel supply regularly. A double toilet paper dispenser ensures that one full roll can always be kept on reserve, and it won't hurt to spring for a higher quality brand so your employees aren't getting a travel restroom vibe from the thin toilet paper we all know and would rather forget about. Many employees will also appreciate the availability of disposable seat covers. Invest in quality mirrors and sanitary garbage cans (no lids with push tops, please!). Consider adding a cleanup/hygiene station supplied with amenities like lotion, wipes, feminine hygiene products, and emergency cleaners in case somebody spills lunch all over their nice office shirt.

Availability and Accessibility

According to standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), reasonable restroom accommodations must be made for all employees. Provide restrooms within a convenient distance of all work stations and make sure there is enough availability so nobody has an unreasonable wait time. For all your restrooms, be sure to fix any out-of-order areas as quickly as possible. At least one stall should be handicap accessible (this can also be a single-stall restroom) and, per Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, identified with a handicap symbol. Handicap accessible restrooms should come equipped with handrails, navigable doors, and accessories that can be easily reached. Keep in mind that you should also post signage that clearly identifies restrooms, but the customization options to express your office's personality with these signs are limitless!

Safety

Safety precautions are just as important in the restroom as in other areas of the office. After all, there are few more embarrassing places to dispatch emergency personnel in the case of an accident! Seriously, though, install quality non-slip tiles in your office restroom to prevent falls if water ever gets splashed on the floor. As an extra safety measure, equip each restroom with "wet floor" signs to warn of any spills or freshly mopped floors. Prevent tripping hazards and unnecessary germ exposure from belongings set on the floor by adding small shelves in and outside of stalls for temporary storage locations. And, speaking of germs, stock the restroom with disinfectant wipes and spray to help prevent the spread of sickness.

Modernization

The best part about a modernized restroom is that it not only matches your office's trending theme, but also offers much more convenient and sanitary options. Install motion-activated toilets and sinks, as well as dispensers for soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels to avoid direct contact with these amenities. Consider replacing paper towels with a motion-activated hand dryer; this update will both accentuate your modern look and reflect sustainability practices by eliminating paper towel waste. Additionally, try installing an automatic door or add ways for it to be opened with an elbow or a foot.

Updating and maintaining your office restroom is a great way to improve the in-office work experience for your employees and add to your trendy look. Make sure that anybody entering your restroom space—employee or visitor—knows that you care about accommodating your staff in all areas of the workplace.