Workers Apprehensive About Returning to Germy Offices Post-Pandemic

Survey finds employees fear high-touch surfaces such as restroom door handles

April 29, 2020

As states end their shelter-at-home orders and employees return to their offices, they most likely will be concerned about the cleanliness of their workplaces. Georgia-Pacific Professional released the results of a survey detailing office workers’ heightened concerns related to workplace hygiene after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a survey of more than 500 employees who worked in an office prior to the pandemic, 73% said they will be somewhat or very concerned about illnesses spreading in their workplaces. Almost half (47%) were somewhat or very concerned that their workplace would not take adequate steps to ensure a hygienic building.

Amid survey respondent concerns about high-touch surfaces:

  • 64% stated that post COVID-19, they are more concerned about touching restroom door handles than they were before the outbreak
  • 51% stated that post-COVID-19, they are more worried about touching restroom soap dispensers than they were before the outbreak.

When asked what would make them feel their workplaces were more committed to hygiene:

  • 88% of survey respondents said they would feel safer if there were hand sanitizer near the main entrance, yet only 59% said their offices offered it prior to the pandemic
  • 72% said they would feel safer if there were facial tissue at each desk, yet only 40% said their offices offered it prior to the pandemic.

Set your building occupants’ minds at ease by following best practices for cleaning high-touch surfaces in offices and other facilities. Check out other results from the survey below. 

GP Pro Office Cleaning Survey

GP Pro Cleaning Survey 2

 

Latest Articles

Amazon box
June 12, 2026 Jeff Cross

Out-Recruiting the Giants: A Cleaning Company’s Edge in the Labor War

June 11, 2026

3 Ways to Use Less & Save More When Using Wiping Products

June 10, 2026 Andrew Navarro

Expand Your Services, Not Your Client Base

Sponsored Articles

3 Ways to Use Less & Save More When Using Wiping Products
June 11, 2026

3 Ways to Use Less & Save More When Using Wiping Products

May 18, 2026 Sponsored by Novonesis

From the Lab to the Reprocessing Floor: How Enzymatic Detergents Get Tested, Chosen, and Trusted

May 18, 2026 Sponsored by Novonesis

Where Cleaning Contracts Are Really Won or Lost

Recent News

Dan Smolensky and Mike Fitts

State of the Industry Shows Tension in Facility Upkeep

Lab-grown Bacteria Cures C. diff-caused Diarrhea

Health Officials Test Wastewater for Pathogens at World Cup