New Survey Uncovers the Realities of Maintainership and Public Restroom Cleaning in America
In a groundbreaking survey conducted by GP PRO, a segment of Georgia-Pacific, insights into the mentality and experiences of restroom maintainers in the U.S. have emerged. By surveying 200 professionals in this essential field, GP PRO sought to bring to light their work habits and the public’s perceptions of their roles. The findings are both enlightening and, at times, surprising.
One of the most notable revelations from the survey highlights what maintainers listen to while performing their tasks. Approximately 45% of participants reported that podcasts are their preferred auditory backdrop while working, while 15% opt for audiobooks. Interestingly, a significant portion, 24%, prefer working in silence, and only 17% listen to music. This data showcases the diversity in how professionals approach their responsibilities amidst the various environments they work in.
Additionally, the survey delved into what these professionals refer to themselves as. The results indicated a lingering debate over terminology, with 36% identifying as ‘maintainers,’ 30% as ‘cleaners,’ and lesser percentages referring to themselves as ‘janitors’ (23%) or ‘custodians’ (12%). This indicates a desire among individuals in the field to establish a professional identity that properly reflects their roles and responsibilities.
Gender perceptions also played a role in the findings, as maintainers were asked about the cleanliness of men’s versus women’s restrooms. The results were almost evenly split, with 54% claiming that men’s restrooms are messier and 47% indicating the same for women’s. However, upon reflecting on their experiences, a striking 82% of men acknowledged that their own restrooms were the messiest, while 85% of women viewed their facilities through a similar lens.
Dr. Ronnie Phillips, GP PRO’s senior director of washroom innovation, shed light on the purpose behind the survey. "Our aim was to humanize those who clean and maintain our lavatories and to dismantle some of the stereotypes surrounding these professionals. The results speak volumes about their dedication and the respect they deserve." He noted that while the industry often grapples with high turnover rates and lack of loyalty, this survey revealed the opposite. Surprisingly, 41% of maintainers reported a decade or more of service within the field. Additionally, nearly all (98%) of maintainers aged between 25 and 64 expressed a strong intention to remain in the industry for the long term, with 57% aiming to stick to their specific roles as long as they can.
Job satisfaction among maintainers is remarkably high, with 82% indicating a sense of contentment within their current positions. Even though a quarter of them admit that the work can be messy and cumbersome, and more than two-thirds wish cleaning tasks were more efficient, only 8% described their responsibilities as unenjoyable. The survey further revealed that 68% of respondents are satisfied with their earnings, while 59% value the healthcare benefits provided, and over half (55%) credit their flexible work schedules for their overall job satisfaction.
The participants also shared their insights on how they believe the public treats them. Approximately 46% mentioned receiving words of gratitude from the public for their work, yet 11% reported never having experienced any form of appreciation or respect for their efforts. When reflecting on their self-perception, 46% of maintainers viewed themselves as important and valued by the communities they serve.
Furthermore, many wish that the public acknowledged their commitment, with personal reflections such as, "A simple thank you can make my day brighter," and "I always strive to do my best." This underscores the drive and pride these professionals invest in their work and highlights the importance of recognition in their roles.
Dr. Phillips concluded, "Ultimately, these findings portray maintainers as loyal, hardworking, and passionate professionals. Their dedication to maintaining cleanliness in public spaces is commendable, and it's something we should all appreciate more."
GP PRO partnered with Savanta, a distinguished market research firm, to carry out this survey and analyze the data thoroughly. For anyone interested in exploring the findings further, a complete report is available at gppro.com, showcasing the vital role maintainers play in our everyday lives and the misconceptions that can lead to underappreciation of their significant contributions.
One of the most notable revelations from the survey highlights what maintainers listen to while performing their tasks. Approximately 45% of participants reported that podcasts are their preferred auditory backdrop while working, while 15% opt for audiobooks. Interestingly, a significant portion, 24%, prefer working in silence, and only 17% listen to music. This data showcases the diversity in how professionals approach their responsibilities amidst the various environments they work in.
Additionally, the survey delved into what these professionals refer to themselves as. The results indicated a lingering debate over terminology, with 36% identifying as ‘maintainers,’ 30% as ‘cleaners,’ and lesser percentages referring to themselves as ‘janitors’ (23%) or ‘custodians’ (12%). This indicates a desire among individuals in the field to establish a professional identity that properly reflects their roles and responsibilities.
Gender perceptions also played a role in the findings, as maintainers were asked about the cleanliness of men’s versus women’s restrooms. The results were almost evenly split, with 54% claiming that men’s restrooms are messier and 47% indicating the same for women’s. However, upon reflecting on their experiences, a striking 82% of men acknowledged that their own restrooms were the messiest, while 85% of women viewed their facilities through a similar lens.
Dr. Ronnie Phillips, GP PRO’s senior director of washroom innovation, shed light on the purpose behind the survey. "Our aim was to humanize those who clean and maintain our lavatories and to dismantle some of the stereotypes surrounding these professionals. The results speak volumes about their dedication and the respect they deserve." He noted that while the industry often grapples with high turnover rates and lack of loyalty, this survey revealed the opposite. Surprisingly, 41% of maintainers reported a decade or more of service within the field. Additionally, nearly all (98%) of maintainers aged between 25 and 64 expressed a strong intention to remain in the industry for the long term, with 57% aiming to stick to their specific roles as long as they can.
Job satisfaction among maintainers is remarkably high, with 82% indicating a sense of contentment within their current positions. Even though a quarter of them admit that the work can be messy and cumbersome, and more than two-thirds wish cleaning tasks were more efficient, only 8% described their responsibilities as unenjoyable. The survey further revealed that 68% of respondents are satisfied with their earnings, while 59% value the healthcare benefits provided, and over half (55%) credit their flexible work schedules for their overall job satisfaction.
The participants also shared their insights on how they believe the public treats them. Approximately 46% mentioned receiving words of gratitude from the public for their work, yet 11% reported never having experienced any form of appreciation or respect for their efforts. When reflecting on their self-perception, 46% of maintainers viewed themselves as important and valued by the communities they serve.
Furthermore, many wish that the public acknowledged their commitment, with personal reflections such as, "A simple thank you can make my day brighter," and "I always strive to do my best." This underscores the drive and pride these professionals invest in their work and highlights the importance of recognition in their roles.
Dr. Phillips concluded, "Ultimately, these findings portray maintainers as loyal, hardworking, and passionate professionals. Their dedication to maintaining cleanliness in public spaces is commendable, and it's something we should all appreciate more."
GP PRO partnered with Savanta, a distinguished market research firm, to carry out this survey and analyze the data thoroughly. For anyone interested in exploring the findings further, a complete report is available at gppro.com, showcasing the vital role maintainers play in our everyday lives and the misconceptions that can lead to underappreciation of their significant contributions.
Topics General Business）
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