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Office workers give germs the elbow, says survey
3rd of September 2015
Two in five office workers have used another part of their body to exit the toilets at work to avoid getting germs from colleagues on their hands, according to a survey commissioned by Kimberly–Clark Professional.
The findings from the research, which was conducted among 303 office workers across England, revealed that most people who use another body part to open the toilet door at work used their elbows (57 per cent), while using a single finger or a foot (both 29 per cent) were equally the second most used methods. Other respondents admitted using their bottoms, shoulders and knees.
The results reflect the fact that many office workers suspect their colleagues don’t wash their hands after using the toilet. In total, 56 per cent of respondents said they worried this was the case, and 72 per cent believed that if their colleagues didn’t wash their hands routinely at work, it could cause them harm. In addition, when asked where they thought germs were most likely to lurk in the workplace, 78 per cent cited the office toilets, with 69 per cent mentioning toilet door handles.
Suzanne Halley, segment marketing manager at Kimberly-Clark Professional said: “Our research shows the presence of germs in the workplace is a significant concern for office workers, and that many go to great lengths to avoid getting harmful bacteria on their hands. Fortunately there are some straightforward steps companies can take to create an environment in which people will be focusing on business rather than the risk of catching illnesses.”
She concluded: "Businesses that respond to employees’ concerns about germs and washroom standards, and implement the types of measures needed including educating staff on hand hygiene and providing the right hygiene products for people to use, will be rewarded with a happier, more engaged and more productive workforce.”
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