The impact that COVID-19 has had on hygiene can be clearly seen from how the public responds, and the recent results from Cascades PRO’s October 2021 consumer snap poll offer valuable end-user insights for the cleaning and maintenance industry moving forward.
The survey focused on numerous key indicators, including hand hygiene, surface cleaning, and public sentiments moving forward.
Hand washing
In particular, 74 per cent of respondents said that they wash their hands more often now than they did before the pandemic, but 70 per cent indicated they wash their hands for 20 seconds or less, contrary to the CDC’s recommendation.
Over the next three years, 88 per cent suggested that they will continue to wash their hands more often than before the pandemic.
Hand drying
The impact of COVID-19 towards hand drying in public washrooms nearly split the respondents. 50 per cent indicated they now give more thought to hand drying versus 42 per cent who indicated that their thoughts have not changed.
In addition, 64 per cent of respondents said they prefer the use of paper towels from a
touchless dispenser.
Nearly half of respondents indicated that their use of paper towels has not changed as a result of COVID-19, but 36 per cent said they are using paper towels to dry their hands more than pre-pandemic.
Workplace cleaning
Unsurprisingly, respondents indicated that COVID-19 has impacted how often they clean surfaces at their workspace. Over half (56 per cent) said they are cleaning surfaces more often now than before the pandemic.
More than three-quarters (78 per cent) expressed some level of concern about hygiene
in the workplace, with only 22 per cent saying they were not concerned.
When asked what respondents expected to do more at work now, more than half replied with periodically wiping down their workstations (57 per cent) and using hand sanitizer after moving around the office (51 per cent).
Ultimately, nearly three in four respondents (73 per cent) said they are satisfied with their employer’s hygiene protocols in the workplace.
The importance of sustainability
Sustainability appears to be a key factor for many people, with 85 per cent of respondents saying that it is important that their workplace implements up-to-date sustainability innovations and practices such as recycled paper products and dispensers that limit the number of paper towels dispensed.
Restroom cleanliness is vital
As often noted in surveys of this type, restroom cleanliness is important.
61 per cent of people said that dirty toilets negatively impacts their perception of a public building and would deter them from visiting the building in the future. Meanwhile, 59 per cent and 46 per cent said the same about a lack of toilet paper and insufficient methods of drying hands, respectively.
Looking to the future
Respondents were also asked which behaviours they were most likely to continue permanently beyond the pandemic. Increased awareness of their proximity to other people was the top answer with 64 per cent, closely followed by increased awareness of surfaces touched (61 per cent) and more frequently washing hands (60 per cent).
