Hygiene standards drive revenue & reputation in the hospitality & retail sectors

That's according to Initial Washroom Hygiene: the hygiene and washroom service company carried out independent research to evaluate public hygiene habits, which it says demonstrates the need for the retail and hospitality sectors to focus on critical hygiene practices such as ensuring staff  have clean hands and toilet facilities are properly maintained, or risk losing out on repeat business.

According to the research, the quality of washroom facilities can directly impact the profitability of restaurants, hotels, bars and retail venues. Eighty-eight percent of Brits polled stated that clean washroom facilities are an important factor when considering a return visit to a venue.  More than three quarters (82%) said a venue needs to be clean in order for them to consider parting with their hard-earned cash. The findings also highlight the necessity for establishments to educate their employees about the importance of personal hygiene, such as regularly washing their hands. Seventy-nine percent of UK respondents admit that in order to consider spending money in a venue they would require staff to show a high level of hygiene.

Where their children are concerned, over half (59%) of British parents with children aged 5-7 years old, declare they’ve avoided returning to a restaurant or café due to unhygienic conditions and just under a third (32%) to a hotel. Specifically, the vast majority (94%) agreed that a child-friendly venue, with good toilet facilities is important when choosing a restaurant or hotel. 

Looking particularly at the impact of hygiene standards at retail venues including shopping centres and outlet stores, 18% admit to not returning because of the poor levels of hygiene facilities on offer.

Commenting on the findings Dr Peter Barratt, technical manager of Initial Hygiene in the UK, said: "Our research shows the financial and reputational value of improving hygiene standards this coming Christmas. We all know how hard people in the retail and hospitality sector work during the peak season, but without good hygiene standards, many customers will not return. Simple actions like making sure hands are clean will help.”