Workplace Toilets in 2025: What’s Really Happening Out There?
Our recent article about whether businesses might need an extra toilet after the Supreme Court’s ruling on single-sex facilities got a lot of you talking. Our blog post became one of our most popular yet, with folks from construction, retail, healthcare, offices and even some big-name companies – reaching out to dig into this. Now that the dust’s settled, I’ve been looking at what’s actually happening: how are businesses tackling this, and what’s the impact? Here’s the scoop, and I’m curious what you’re seeing too.
Why Workplace Toilets Are Still a Hot Topic
Since April, we’ve seen a 40% jump in calls at euroloo from companies, including some well-known names, wanting to make sure their toilet setups are up to scratch. This isn’t just about facilities – it’s about staying legal, keeping staff happy, and ensuring everyone’s included. Here’s why it matters:
- The Law’s Clear: HSE regulations demand enough clean, accessible toilets for all staff. Get it wrong, and you’re risking fines – £20,000-£30,000 in some past cases – or legal trouble. The EHRC’s guidance on single-sex facilities means unisex or accessible loos are now a must for fairness.
- It’s About Your Team: A TUC survey says 70% of workers want better washrooms. Too few or grubby toilets hit morale hard – 16% of staff say it makes them less happy at work. Trans, disabled, or non-binary employees need options that work, no fuss.
- Demand’s Growing: The global portable toilet market’s booming – $19 billion in 2024, heading to $27 billion by 2030. We’re seeing that with a 25% rise in our rentals for workplaces sorting out their facilities.
What Businesses Are Doing to Stay Ahead
At euroloo, we’ve been chatting with clients and industry folks to get the lay of the land. With over 20 years of experience supplying portable toilets and welfare units across the UK, we know a thing or two about workplace needs. Here’s what’s happening now:
- Checking Their Setup: Companies are auditing their toilets to meet HSE standards (like 1 loo per 10 workers) and Equality Act rules. A logistics firm we supply found some sites lacked accessible units, so they’re renting our portable ones while planning permanent fixes.
- Adding Unisex Options: Offices and retail are bringing in unisex or universal access toilets to cover everyone. A hospital group we work with added three new units after feedback from female and non-binary staff about shared spaces. It’s keeping things compliant and comfortable.
- Using Temporary Fixes: Construction sites and events are hiring our portable units to stay flexible. It’s a quick, affordable way to meet needs while figuring out long-term plans, especially in older buildings.
- Upping the Comfort: Some businesses are going further. A tech firm we supply is fitting washrooms with touchless taps and better airflow. They say it’s a small cost for a big boost in staff morale – and they’re spot on.
Where It Gets Tricky
This isn’t always smooth sailing. Smaller businesses, especially in older buildings, are struggling to find space for extra toilets. Costs can sting – refits aren’t cheap, though they beat lawsuits or losing good people. And then there’s the human side: getting everyone comfortable with new setups takes care. Some male-heavy teams aren’t keen on mixed facilities, while others want trans or non-binary staff to feel totally welcome.
Our Advice? Get Ahead
At euroloo, we’ve seen how fast welfare needs can shift. My take: don’t wait for a problem. Check your facilities now – count your toilets, test accessibility, ask your team what they need. If space or budget’s tight, our portable units can plug the gap. And don’t just tick boxes – think about what makes your workplace better. A decent loo might seem small, but it’s huge for keeping people happy and productive.
Let’s Keep Talking
The response to our last post showed this topic hits home. Whether you’re in HR, ops, facilities, or just the one who deals with broken loos, what’s happening at your place? Seeing these trends? Hitting any roadblocks? Give us a call or drop a comment on our socials – I’m up for a chat over coffee (on me).
With decades of experience, our team at euroloo is here with practical solutions to keep workplaces running smoothly. From portable toilets to long-term welfare units, we’ve got you covered. Let’s keep sorting this out, one toilet at a time.