Survey Reveals Workplace Hand Washing Habits
Fifty-six percent of workers reported frequently or occasionally seeing work colleagues leave the restroom without washing their hands, according to Bradley Corporation’s annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey.
Fifty-six percent of workers reported frequently or occasionally seeing work colleagues leave the restroom without washing their hands, according to Bradley Corporation’s annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey. As flu season approaches, hand washing becomes more vital in the effort to ward off illness.
According to the survey, 63 percent of men frequently or occasionally see colleagues forgo washing their hands, with 49 percent of women reporting the same. Of all the respondents, 42 percent reported unpleasant workplace restroom experiences.
Bradley Corporation surveyed 1,035 American adults online in early 2018 about their hand washing habits in public and workplace restrooms, as well as their concerns about germs and flu season. The survey has taken place annually since 2009.
When asked about cold and flu season, 81 percent of respondents said they consciously avoid ill coworkers, and 61 percent said they wash their hands more frequently to remove germs and avoid potentially passing germs along. In addition, 56 percent of those surveyed said they stay home when ill and 50 percent sneeze into the crook of their elbow as opposed to their hands, etc.
As the beginning of cold and flu season approaches, handwashing is especially important. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a 5-step process for handwashing: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. The process should take at least 30 seconds, including 20 seconds of scrubbing to remove bacteria, dirt, and germs.