Why Washrooms Are No Longer an Afterthought

For decades, washrooms were functional, standardised and most definitely the afterthought on beautifully designed buildings. It is now time that washrooms are getting their well-deserved investment across commercial buildings. Their critical influence in the wellbeing and success of tenants, occupiers, and all those within the building ecosystem realised as a crucial element.

So, why the shift? What is driving this focus on washrooms and why does it matter.

Evolving Tenant Expectations

Today’s commercial tenants are looking beyond location and square footage. Amenities now play a defining role in how tenants choose and value their space. One feature among the top three that can impact value on buildings, washrooms quirkily named “loos” as part of the saying, “lifts, lobbies, and loos are what owners can control and use to add value.”

Amenities now define how tenants choose to value their space. Washroom quality has never been more importance, particularly for firms in finance, law, and tech. Workplace standards have been re-invented and end-user’s expectations are higher since COVID. Sup-par facilities send the wrong message, reduce talent in the workforce, and push hard-workers to seek work elsewhere. On the reverse, well-designed wellness areas reinforce a premium experience and a feeling of care from company to employee.

Sustainability is Standard

Gone are the days when being sustainable was a out-there quirk or amazing add-value element, now it’s a baseline. Washrooms play a huge part in meeting ESG and other building sustainability goals for building owners and occupiers alike.

Washrooms offer multiple touchpoints for reducing environmental impact. For many reasons, these design choices contribute to BREEAM, LEED or WELL certifications. These certifications are becoming increasingly essential to set apart the mediocre from the magnificent in a competitive commercial leasing market.

Wellness & Wellbeing are Essential

Post-pandemic hasn’t just affected workplace design expectations but also the way hygiene and wellbeing are treated within commercial spaces. Washrooms are key to any office wellness strategy and ensuring modern technologies are maintained and innovated to keep hygiene standards high is a must.

But wellbeing isn’t just about cleanliness – it’s about comfort and experience. Layouts, lighting, and acoustics are elements that can’t be overlooked when washrooms are designed. Contributions to help residents feel calm, safe, and respected are crucial to any considerate building owner.

Final Thoughts

Washrooms are more than just functional necessities. They’re an opportunity—to impress, to differentiate, and to show your commitment to quality, sustainability, and wellbeing. At Maxwood Washrooms, we design and manufacture spaces that elevate the everyday.