How to Address Restroom Cleanliness Issues with a New Colleague in the Workplace?

Hi all, working in an IT firm, we have very few female employees. A fresher recently joined our company, but she seems unaware of restroom etiquette and often leaves them messy. Despite being informed about this issue, she appears to be least bothered. This situation is making us uncomfortable while using the restrooms. What should I do now? Please suggest.

Thanks,
J

I agree with Dipil. I realize that it can be very uncomfortable and unsettling when restrooms are not used appropriately. In most instances, we "react" with anger and contempt towards the person causing the mess.

But take a moment to think that perhaps this fresher hasn't been exposed to the hygiene standards prevalent in your company. I know this might sound really stupid at first, but believe me, a large proportion of us Indians are not used to "toilet and bathroom etiquette" until we start work, especially if we don't come from large or relatively large cities. Why? There are a number of reasons. Some of these would be cultural, domestic, socio-economic, lack of adequate infrastructure while growing up, etc.

In any case, as flustered as you guys probably are at work, try cutting her some slack. Speak with her and educate her. Don't instruct her. Remember, even you wouldn't like someone telling you that you don't know how to use a toilet. After all, it's something you've been doing from the moment you were born. So, it becomes very personal and can be extremely sensitive.

I am sure that with patience, tact, empathy, and a desire to educate, she will learn new skills, and you guys will get the restroom that you rightly deserve!

Cheers!

The best solution for your query is to speak to her in a friendly manner. Maybe she doesn't know how to behave in public/restrooms. I faced the same problem when I got a job overseas; just educate her FRIENDLY. I think it's not a big issue.

Try this one or two times: clean your restroom (don't take it negatively) in front of her. By the third time, she will realize the mistake and correct herself.



COMMUNICATION IS THE BEST TOOL FOR SUCCESS.

Thank you for your suggestions. We spoke to her several times and tried to make her understand, but she seems least bothered. She said, "I will be like this."

Thanks,
J

If she doesn't want to learn the right way of using office facilities, then it is a difficult situation. In this case, I think you should approach her boss. Alternatively, you can warn her first that you will take it further to her boss, and after observing her, you can take it forward.

Thanks,
Rashee

We have also faced such a problem in the hotel industry. Some girls messed up with the restroom, and our housekeeping manager ordered them to clean it for the next week with the cleaning in-charge of restrooms in different shifts. I will not suggest the same to you, but you can have a word with the management and propose a common punishment for all employees who do not behave properly with public property.

Best Regards,
Harshita Raj