THE RESTROOM: Business Had To Think Differently
What was once simply thought of as the “restroom” has evolved into a facility business has to strategically plan, design, maintain, and upgrade. Research by Bobrick found that the majority of facility professionals currently designate restrooms as their second biggest priority and that they are “extremely important” to clients and customers.
A combination of COVID and how people were and are changing generated this development. In response, we at SteelSTORED now provide a specialized 20’ shipping container for hygiene facilities. It is ideal for job sites, sports arenas, retailers, parks/campgrounds, disaster centers, healthcare, power plants, special events, and food manufacturing.
The COVID EFFECT
During the height of the pandemic fear of contamination was a national preoccupation. One focus, of course, was the restroom.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented that the smaller the space in hygiene facilities the larger the number of surface “touchpoints.” Those are potential sources for germ transmission. The porta potty became verboten. Design became increasingly important. The focus has become on creating enough space to reduce the number of touchpoints and use materials which allow for easy cleaning. The buzz phrase for that is “hygienic design.”
Essentially this development represents the integration of design and engineering to maximize wellness and health. In addition, as the late Steve Jobs made a religion at Apple: The look of things is a key marketing fundamental. The appearance of the restroom now matters.
Overall, there is less tolerance for the hygiene facilities which do not send a message in their look of human dignity, safety, health, and wellness.
The People Factor
People also have changed. COVID is just one driver in that. Others are technology, social media, availability of remote work, fear of violence, demand for value in all commercial transactions, and the hunger for novel experiences.
Consequently, those people, be they employees, consumers, clients, or campers, have new expectations about what is acceptable. That, of course, includes the restroom.
A typical example of the concern is about how safe is it to enter the restroom on the job site or on the campground. According to a recent Gallup poll 53 percent of Americans worry a great deal about crime and violence and another 27 percent a fair amount.
Also, with the intensification of the “experience economy,” walking into an overcrowded hygiene facility can be the kind of turnoff which will not only end the customer relationship but also get recorded on a social media review. McKinsey’s Consumer Pulse documents that 70 percent of the youth market depend on information from social media. It is also not unthinkable that remote workers will balk at returning in-person to the workplace if the hygiene facilities are subpar.
SteelSTORED’s Multi-Purpose Solution
SteelSTORED’s new shipping container model is the multi-purpose solution for facility managers. We understood the need to disrupt the hygiene function. What we came up with is a shipping container which provides exactly the right solution in eight ways. They are:
20-Foot Dimension. That allows the kind of space which reduces touchpoints. At each end there are two separate bathrooms. Each of those includes two separate toilets, two mirrors, and two sinks. There is also a selection of other models, new and used.
Attractiveness. There is paneling throughout. The look is classy.
Fully-Equipped. The structure contains a plumbing and electrical package and is 100-percent insulated.
Resistant to Attracting/Holding Germs. The structure is made of Corten steel. That includes the floor. The surface is non-porous.
Easy-Access, Including for the Disabled. At each end there is a double-door entrance.
LED Lighting. Essentially LED illumination is long-term. A safety feature, the lights will not suddenly flicker off. That also makes for energy efficiency which reduces expenses.
Portability. By its very nature, the shipping container is mobile. That makes it ideal for construction, special events, disaster centers, and industries which shift locations during the seasons. For transporting there are forklift pockets. Shipping can be done on truck, railway, or waterways.
Low-cost. This option is more cost-efficient than creating a brick-and-mortar facility. That savings can help businesses create more value for clients and customers.
SteelSTORED’s Leadership in Innovation
We at SteelSTORED are leaders in the blurring of boundaries among industries. That is through the innovative uses of shipping containers. In ST Magazine we have been featured for introducing mobile shipping containers as pop-up stores in retail.
We have also crossed sector lines in configuring shipping containers for aboveground pools, fitness centers, healthcare, warehouses, schools, theaters, offices, and research facilities.
SteelSTORED is a one-stop business. That includes information, the purchase, and the shipping to the customers’ location. Yes, we provide quotes. Please connect with us at [email protected] or 203-705-8251.