This article originally appeared in FMJ, the official magazine of IFMA. Its inclusion on CMM’s website is part of a strategic partnership between ISSA, which owns the CMM brand, and IFMA. One might say that commercial restrooms are the unsung heroes of commercial buildings. They are indispensable, unique, one-of-a-kind public spaces that seem to get a bad rap more often than not. Yet they increasingly require facility management’s time, attention, and care. Every commercial building has a restroom—sometimes multiple facilities—that are used by almost every person who enters the building. As such, public restrooms are high-use and high-visibility, making them high-impact areas for all building occupants and stakeholders. Restrooms are distinctive in that they are tight enclosed spaces in which people use toilets, have many germy touchpoints (about 10 in a single visit), and contend with indoor air quality issues, including airborne pathogens as well as disagreeable odors. Additionally, restrooms utilize volumes of water, soap, and paper products that are costly and can potentially create mess, slips, and falls as well as breed bacteria. They also require facility staff’s time and energy for regular cleaning, restocking, and maintenance throughout the day. To a layperson, restroom maintenance may seem straightforward and a business no-brainer. However, limited budgets and facility staffing issues mean that companies are having to do more with less staff and resources. Today, over-stretched maintenance staff are on the lookout for restroom products, technologies, and features that improve maintenance, save time, cut costs, and make their jobs easier. Upgraded maintenance strategies Fortunately, new solutions are available to support restroom cleanliness, infection control, and reliable handwashing for building occupants while optimizing maintenance and driving efficiency. For example, restroom products with maintenance indicators, internet of things (IoT) connectivity, and alternating current (AC) power—rather than batteries—simplify maintenance capabilities. Sustainable product designs like all-in-one handwashing models and nonporous sink materials also help reduce germs and upkeep. Not only do maintenance indicators give facility staff advance notice when something needs to be refilled, restocked, or addressed in some way, this smart technology also gives building occupants confidence in knowing that the restrooms will be regularly stocked and cleaned. To further anticipate and enhance restroom maintenance, it is also important to recognize the current drivers of change that are impacting restrooms and the people who use them. Elevated expectations for restroom hygiene Today, the public’s expectations for clean restrooms are higher than ever. Increased demand stems from worldwide public infectious health concerns, such as the coronavirus pandemic and the spread of any germs that cause illness, whether it be a COVID-19 variant, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus, or influenza virus. People associate a hygienic restroom experience with health, safety, and well-being. While it has always been important for a restroom to look and smell clean, now it is an absolute necessity. There is also a strong relationship between a restroom’s cleanliness, maintenance, and functionality and a business’ or establishment’s overall image and even profitability. Research illustrates how customers place a high value on clean restrooms—and reward businesses that offer them. According to the 2023 Healthy Handwashing Survey™ conducted by Bradley Corp., 60% of Americans say they would willingly spend more money at a business with clean, well-maintained restrooms. Another 60% say when out running errands they take restroom breaks at a business they know has “good” restrooms. Conversely, “bad” restrooms have the opposite effect. More than half of respondents say an unclean or unpleasant public bathroom shows poor management and causes them to lower their opinion of the overall establishment. Slightly more than half (52%) also say a negative restroom experience causes them to vow not to return in the future or think twice about doing so. Identifying restroom user pain points and grievances Unfortunately, restrooms intrinsically carry a certain “ick factor” that impacts how people view and use these public facilities. In turn, these perceptions and behaviors affect—and inform—facility maintenance strategies. According to the survey, the most common restroom frustrations include clogged or unflushed toilets; an overall appearance that is old, dirty, or unkempt; unpleasant smells; and empty or jammed dispensers for soap, toilet paper, and hand towels. Another pet peeve uncovered by the survey is having to touch bathroom surfaces, which is not surprising as people continue to be in an elevated state of germ consciousness following the pandemic. Plus, no one wants to touch things after somebody else just touched them, especially right after using the toilet. The majority go out of their way in bathrooms to avoid any skin contact. 62% use a paper towel as a barrier to avoid touching flushers, faucets, and doors. Women are even more likely to rely on paper towels, with 67% taking this evasive measure. Others employ sheer physicality to steer clear of germs: 43% use their foot to flush toilets (much to the dismay of maintenance staff since flushing mechanisms can get stuck or break) 31% hover over the toilet seat 27% open and close doors with their backside in hopes of avoiding contact. Women are significantly more likely than men to employ these actions. Cleanliness routinely tops lists of restroom improvements users would like to see. Access to touchless fixtures and better stocking of supplies, such as toilet paper, soap, and paper towels, were other high requests. Touchless restroom fixtures With so much effort going into evading germs, it is no wonder that 82% of adults believe it is important to have touchless fixtures in a public restroom and 60% say they are more likely to return to a business that offers no-touch capabilities in its restrooms. It appears the days of handled and levered faucets in restrooms are numbered and touch-free technology is the new gold standard. In the U.S., the top touchless restroom features considered most important are faucets, flushers, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers. The good news for building staff and restroom users alike is that the mechanicals used in sensor technology have been improved over the past several years. Specifically, faucets incorporate highly sensitive sensors and options for
Smart restroom technology is no longer the future—it is the here and now—so accepting its role in day-to-day life is not optional. For facility managers, particularly those who do not consider themselves tech-savvy, this reality can be intimidating. Fortunately, a good technology partner will work with facility managers and do most of the heavy lifting needed for implementing smart technology. The partner will install and deploy the systems, and then properly train facility managers and custodial teams on using the system and leveraging the data. The partner will also provide ongoing support to help facility managers meet the organization’s goals related to cost, waste reduction, hygiene, and productivity. Despite the assistance from a technology partner, facility managers must still be knowledgeable about the design, installation, and deployment of smart restroom solutions to ensure a successful implementation. The following five tips can help them set their facility up for success. 1–Understand the basics In the simplest terms, smart restroom technology connects sensors inside restroom fixtures to an app on a phone, tablet, or computer using the Internet of Things (IoT). The sensors collect data in real time and send it, via wireless technology, to an app where facility managers, building services contractors (BSCs), and custodians can see it, analyze it, and act on it. Connected restroom fixtures can include soap, paper towel, and toilet tissue dispensers; faucets and flush valves; occupancy monitors; and more. The data collected reveals how frequently patrons use the restroom, how much product they use, and how much product is available. The data can also indicate water flow and consumption rates, the most and least frequently used stalls, and dispenser battery life. The insights gleaned from the data allow for informed cleaning and maintenance decision-making, as well as improved custodian workflows. In essence, smart restroom technology gives those responsible for restroom maintenance eyes on what requires attention and when, so they only need to enter the restroom when necessary. This type of traffic-based preventive maintenance frees staff to perform additional and potentially higher-value cleaning and maintenance tasks. It positively impacts productivity, sustainability, safety, tenant satisfaction, and return on investment. 2–Don’t skimp on research When it comes to pursuing a smart facility, there is no such thing as too much knowledge. The Internet provides access to resources that can help educate facility managers on the mechanisms, benefits, and implementation of smart restroom technology. The internet also puts the names of potential technology partners at facility managers’ fingertips. When relying on the internet, managers should look for technology providers whose solutions have been recognized with industry awards and who have experience in their category. Beyond the internet, facility managers can network with their industry peers for first-hand accounts about implementing smart restroom solutions. Their peers may disclose what they wished they had known going into the process, as well as the barriers they encountered, and rate the helpfulness of their technology partner. Knowing what their peers experienced and with whom can be a valuable source of information for facility managers considering a migration to smart restrooms. Industry associations can be another valuable source of information, as they have a primary goal of helping their members achieve business success. Through trade shows, webinars, and other engagement opportunities, these associations can guide facility managers on their smart technology journey. 3–Secure your organization’s support Facility managers bear much of the responsibility for recognizing the benefits of smart restroom technology and then leveraging that technology to achieve those benefits. To do so, they need to first identify their organization’s pain points and then determine the impact smart restroom technology can have on these problems. Typical pain points include companywide cost-cutting measures, poor productivity among the cleaning staff, or frequent restroom complaints from tenants. Facility priorities often focus on meeting sustainability goals, achieving higher tenant satisfaction ratings, or demonstrating a commitment to hygiene. Clarity in these areas will not only assist facility managers with the technology design and installation process, it will also help them sell the idea of investing in smart technology to company leadership. Imagine going through the time, effort, and resources to deploy a smart restroom solution only to discover that your organization’s leadership, information technology (IT), and human resources teams do not support the project or are uncooperative because they were not involved from the outset. Their support and hands-on involvement are vital to the success of the project, from the planning stage through the final setup. Installation timing is another key factor in ensuring the successful deployment of a smart restroom solution. Infrastructure upgrades are disruptive to building occupants as they could encounter a temporary lack of internet access, closed restrooms, or technicians in their workspace. To limit these disruptions, facility managers can collaborate with staff in human resources and other key departments to determine the best implementation timing possible. They should consider production windows, vacation schedules, off-seasons, or already-planned renovations when choosing a time to install restroom technology. While there might not be a perfect time to proceed with installation, there is likely a better time. 4–Familiarize yourself with the installation lingo While facility managers can place much of the implementation process in the hands of technology and building engineering managers, they are the ones who need to ensure the technology delivers on its promises. Therefore, they will benefit from understanding some of the implementation and deployment language. For example, the network infrastructure includes the hardware, software, services, and other components that allow connected devices to communicate with each other. Routers, LAN cards, and cables are examples of hardware. Operating systems and firewalls are examples of software. Wireless protocols, IP addressing, and cloud connectivity services are examples of services. Familiarity with these terms will empower facility managers to engage in more meaningful conversations with their technology partner and internal stakeholder. It will also allow them to participate proactively in the discovery and mapping processes to identify network access points and confirm restroom locations. 5–Remain committed to the technology After facility managers purchase a piece of equipment and leave
Summer break for K–12 students may be in full swing, but as those responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of education facilities know, now is the best time to begin preparing for the school year ahead. Proper cleaning in schools is crucial in creating a safe and healthy environment for youth to learn. Not only does it contribute to higher productivity and performance in students, but it also plays a significant role in better attendance rates. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), schools without a major maintenance backlog have a higher average daily attendance by an average of four to five students per 1,000, and a lower annual dropout rate by 10 to 13 students per 1,000. From classrooms to the cafeteria, many school areas should be prioritized for overall cleanliness, including the restrooms. Consider the following tips as you stock up and prepare your restroom cleaning strategy for the busy school year. Choose an inventory of cleaning solutions Having a well-rounded inventory of cleaning solutions is essential for effectively cleaning school restrooms. Stock up on all-purpose cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, hand soap, disinfectants, and glass cleaners. Along with the basics, don’t overlook the importance of choosing the best hand sanitizer. Look for a sanitizer that is safe to use in schools, like a benzalkonium chloride-based product that kills germs and is not flammable. Train your staff The right cleaning solutions can only take you so far. Staff training is imperative for the effective and safe use of each cleaning product. Take advantage of the summer break to provide thorough training sessions for your cleaning staff. Make sure they understand proper dilution ratios, application techniques, and safety protocols. Well-trained staff can help maintain a cleaner and healthier environment for students throughout the school year and prevent mishaps that can cause disruptions. You can develop and implement these training courses yourself or utilize a third party for your training. Combat restroom odor Restroom odor is a common problem in schools that can negatively impact the perception of a facility’s overall cleanliness. Fortunately, there are easy ways to combat this issue ahead of time. Stock up on air fresheners and/or neutralizers, deodorizing systems, urinal screens, commode clips, and mats. Practice regular drain maintenance to prevent unpleasant odors from building up. Look for a restroom disinfectant that not only kills germs but also includes odor counteracting additives. By addressing odor issues proactively, you can create a more pleasant and inviting restroom environment for students and staff. Promote hand hygiene Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy school environment. Use the summer months to repair and reinstall broken soap and sanitizer dispensers. To engage and educate students about the importance of hand hygiene, consider using signage that is appealing and easy to understand. Encouraging proper hand hygiene practices can help reduce the spread of illnesses within the school community—something that became of greater importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and is still emphasized now in the endemic stage. Maintain a consistent cleaning schedule Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining clean restrooms. Establish a consistent cleaning schedule that ensures all areas are regularly cleaned and restocked. This often-overlooked aspect can make life easier for all involved and help maintain a consistently clean environment. Consider using cloud- or app-based software programs that allow you to manage quality assurance, documentation, and inventory tracking from your mobile phone. These tools can streamline operations and provide valuable insights to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Use the summer wisely Summer flies by quickly, so take advantage of your school’s empty classrooms—and restrooms—to plan your cleaning strategy, train custodians, and stock up on supplies. Before you know it, school will be back in session, and custodians will be on the run to clean up messes. With preparations in place ahead of time, schools can start the year off on the right foot, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all.
WizKid Products provides the solutions to keep a restroom cleaner in between cleanings. WizKid Antimicrobial Mats protect floors in all areas of a facility from puddles, odors, and stains. The antimicrobial treatment breaks down odors for up to 30 days, the high-quality backing options keep the mats in place, and the carpet-like fibers air-dry like an entryway mat. The patented Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screens are the only urinal screens that extend up the back wall and are designed to stop splashback where guys aim. Available in two sizes to work in both full-size and compact wall mount urinals. How WizKid Products makes the restroom a cleaner, better-smelling place. When a facility manager or building service contractor uses WizKid Products in their restrooms, they stay cleaner between cleanings and make their world a cleaner, better-smelling place. How much splash does the Splash Hog prevent? This video demonstrates the excellent job the Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screen does at containing the liquid and keeping the floor below the urinal clean and dry. Does the Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screen from WizKid Products actually work? See how effective the Splash Hog Vertical Urinal Screen is at stopping splash back where guys actually aim.
The XLERATOR® Hand Dryer with HEPA Filtration System was recently tested by LMS Technologies and proven to remove 99.999% of viruses from the airstream, a crucial asset in the global fight against viral pandemics. It’s the only HEPA filtration system in the industry with a metal mesh washable pre-filter for reliable service and extended filter life. The HEPA filtration system is now available as an optional XLERATOR feature, or can easily be retrofitted into existing units. With its touchless, sensor-activated design, XLERATOR with HEPA filtration also eliminates the multiple touchpoints of contagion that come with using paper towels or traditional hand dryers. Packed with enhanced features, the XLERATOR® Hand Dryer with HEPA Filtration System is the ultimate hygienic restroom solution. *Based on testing performance by LMS Technologies, April 2020 www.exceldryer.com/hepa/
As families begin to revisit public places, it’s more important than ever that a facility’s child care accommodations are safe and sanitary. Koala Kare has created hygiene and maintenance guidelines for baby changing stations and high chairs to help you ensure your products are clean and in proper working order as your building gets ready to re-open. Visit koalabear.com/maintenance-matters for our maintenance checklists and safety reminders. www.koalabear.com/maintenance-matters
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule that alters the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. According to a DOL press release, updated rule includes two-tiered increases to the minimum salary threshold and the threshold for highly compensated employees (HCE) as well as automatic updates to both thresholds. The minimum salary threshold will be increased to US$43,888 on July 1 and then to $58,656 on January 1, 2025. This represents more than a 60% increase over the current threshold of $35,568. The HCE threshold will be raised to $132,964 on July 1 and then to $151,164 on January 1, 2025—a 71% increase from the current threshold of $107,432. The updated rule also implements automatic updates to both the minimum salary threshold and the HCE threshold, both of which will be increased every three years. “This rule will restore the promise to workers that if you work more than 40 hours in a week, you should be paid more for that time,” said Julie Su, Acting Secretary of Labor. “Too often, lower-paid salaried workers are doing the same job as their hourly counterparts but are spending more time away from their families for no additional pay. That is unacceptable. The Biden-Harris administration is following through on our promise to raise the bar for workers who help lay the foundation for our economic prosperity.” ISSA submitted comments to the DOL opposing the then proposed final ruling late last year. The association’s comments in opposition to the rulemaking were cited in the final rule. To learn more about this issue and ISSA advocacy, please contact ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued a final rule banning noncompete clauses. Under the FTC’s new rule, existing noncompetes for the vast majority of workers will no longer be enforceable after the rule’s effective date, which is 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register. Existing noncompetes for senior executives—less than 0.75% of workers—can remain in force under the FTC’s final rule, but employers are banned from entering into or attempting to enforce any new noncompetes. According to an FTC press release, estimated 30 million workers—nearly one in five Americans—are subject to a noncompete clause. In a February 2023 letter to Congress, ISSA opposed the FTC’s proposed rule to impose a nationwide ban on noncompete clauses because, according to the coalition letter, the FTC “lacks the constitutional or statutory authority to issue such a rule and, in attempting to do so, the agency is improperly usurping the role of Congress.” The FTC received more than 26,000 public comments in the months leading up to the vote, according to NPR. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has said it will sue the FTC to block the rule for what it views as the agency exceeding its administrative authority, CNN reported. To learn more about this issue and ISSA advocacy, please contact ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft.
Registration is now open for the 2024 Business Growth Strategies Conference. Hosted by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, this year’s conference takes place June 11-13, 2024, at ISSA’s headquarters in Rosemont, Ill. This exclusive three-day event is designed to help building service contractors, residential cleaning companies, and restoration companies become more efficient operationally, grow their business with new sales and marketing techniques, and take advantage the latest innovations. Nearly 20 cleaning industry thought leaders will be on hand to share their wealth of expertise on such topics as enhancing sales techniques, improving worker retention, optimizing performance practices, and other topics designed to boost attendees’ businesses. This special event is limited to the first 100 attendees and by design will be an intimate setting that allows participants to have the experience of learning from some of their most respected peers. “As our industry continues to face significant concerns such as a mounting labor shortage, supply-chain challenges, and increased customer demands, we wanted to offer solutions,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “This year’s Business Growth Strategies is poised to provide attendees with the tools and skills to operate more efficiently while leveraging new technology in an environment encouraging peer-to-peer networking.” This year’s distinguished keynote speakers collectively bring forth decades of invaluable experience in the cleaning industry. Hear real-world advice from such luminaries as Dean Mercado of Online Marketing Muscle; Ricky Regaldo, CEO and founder of Route; and Debbie Sardone of Debbie Sardone Consulting. The event features several panels on game-changing strategies helmed by professionals from across the cleaning industry supply chain. A complete schedule of speakers and sessions can be found at www.issa.com/BGSschedule. In addition to the unprecedented educational and training opportunities, Business Growth Strategies offers attendees the chance to share success stories with fellow business owners and managers. As part of the event, all attendees are invited to join a special Cleaning & Cocktails Networking Event on June 11. “We really have gone above and beyond with our educational offerings this year for Business Growth Strategies,” said ISSA Chief Global Education Officer Brant Insero. “The panels and presentations we have scheduled will help you supercharge your skillset and take your operations to the next level.” Thanks to the generosity of the Business Growth Strategies event sponsors, all attendees of Business Growth Strategies have access to two exclusive offers. Sunbelt Rentals will provide participants with a coupon to enjoy 15% off any rental (a savings of up to $500) and ThinkLite Air is offering a 30-day, complimentary trial on an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor. For more information on Business Growth Strategies and to register, visit www.issa.com/BGS.
According to NBC News, a significant increase in whooping cough cases has been observed in Europe, Asia, and parts of the United States, prompting health experts to recommend vaccinations. The United Kingdom and Europe have seen the largest surge in cases since 2012, and more than 15,000 cases were reported in China alone in January, a dramatic increase from the previous year. In the U.S., outbreaks have been noted in New York City and smaller clusters in California and Hawaii. Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, spreads through respiratory droplets. While vaccination has helped control the disease in the U.S., breakthrough cases still occur, especially in vaccinated individuals who may experience milder symptoms. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson Jasmine Reed, the number of cases in the U.S. remains lower than pre-pandemic averages, but local outbreaks are expected annually. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from whooping cough, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal. The CDC recorded 307 deaths from the illness between 2000 and 2017, with most victims being infants less than two months old. Dr. Thomas Murray from Yale School of Medicine emphasized the importance of preventing sick individuals from coming into contact with newborns and highlighted the necessity of monitoring for symptoms such as fever or breathing difficulties in babies. The CDC recommends starting the DTaP vaccine series at two months of age for infants, with further doses continuing into early childhood. For adults and older children, the Tdap booster is advised to maintain immunity. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also recommends that pregnant women receive a Tdap booster during the third trimester to protect newborns from pertussis. Although the bacterium Bordetella pertussis mutates slowly, concern is growing that these changes could potentially impact vaccine effectiveness. Nevertheless, health experts affirm that the current vaccines remain the best defense against the disease.