Impact of Return to the Office

With return-to-office mandates increasing across industries, previously unused office spaces will soon see greater occupancy, if not 100 percent, at least a significant increase compared to post-COVID years. As building occupants and visitors expect sanitary, clean restrooms, janitorial and sanitation professionals are observing a rapid adoption of advanced technology solutions by property owners and managers.

Modern Innovations in Restroom Technology

Sensor-activated soap and paper towel dispensers, touchless faucets, and automatic flush systems have become standard fixtures in public restrooms nationwide, reducing touchpoints and enhancing hygiene. The hospitality sector has been a forerunner in adopting these technologies, with over 5,400 hotel projects upgrading their restrooms in 2022 alone. As travel resumes, hotels, airports, and other high-traffic public spaces have implemented these touchless technologies, recognizing that a hands-free experience improves hygiene and streamlines cleaning efficiency.

The Role of IoT in Restroom Management

Building owners and facility cleaning managers are now examining their buildings in a new light, increasingly turning to IoT (Internet of Things) to enhance efficiency and cleanliness. Gone are the days when cleaning teams addressed restroom cleanliness solely based on a predetermined schedule. IoT smart systems allow teams to monitor product levels and usage patterns in real-time. This functionality enables cleaning staff to be deployed more efficiently, addressing issues proactively rather than following a fixed routine.

The advantages of these smart restroom systems also help tackle staffing challenges faced by building owners and cleaning service providers, optimizing cleaning routes and focusing resources on areas of greatest need.

Smart Feedback: The Future of Restroom Hygiene

The latest innovation in restrooms is the Wi-Fi-enabled “smart feedback” monitoring system, allowing users to rate their experience upon exiting. Cleaning staff receive alerts about problem areas via an app or text, allowing them to address issues, such as empty dispensers or dirty sinks, immediately. This technology is increasingly being adopted in airports, Class A office buildings, and other high-traffic venues. Many industry professionals anticipate a growing introduction of “smart feedback” technology over the next several years to enhance restroom hygiene and user satisfaction.

The Importance of Clean Restrooms

When considering the transformation of commercial restrooms, it’s noteworthy that there are eight public restrooms for every 100,000 people in the U.S. This statistic underscores the substantial amount of cleaning required. As more workers return to the office and bathroom foot traffic continues to rise, building owners and managers are increasingly leveraging technology to meet the expectations of their tenants and guests.

FAQ

1. What is driving the transformation of commercial restrooms?

The transformation is largely driven by the increased demand for cleanliness and sanitation following the COVID-19 pandemic and higher occupancy of commercial spaces.

2. What technologies are being adopted in restrooms?

Technologies such as sensor-activated soap and towel dispensers, touchless faucets, and automatic flush systems are becoming standard in public restrooms.

3. How does IoT improve restroom management?

IoT enables real-time monitoring of product levels and usage patterns, allowing cleaning staff to address issues proactively and deploy resources more effectively.

4. What is “smart feedback” technology?

It is a Wi-Fi-enabled system that allows restroom users to rate their experience, providing real-time feedback to cleaning staff for immediate issue resolution.

5. Why is restroom hygiene important for building owners?

Clean restrooms significantly affect tenant and visitor satisfaction, and maintaining high hygiene standards helps meet the expectations of building occupants.