What goes on behind your closed doors?
If yours is a larger pharmacy, you may very well offer public washrooms. While what goes on behind those closed doors may not be top of mind when providing healthcare services, you shouldn't turn your back on this important part of your pharmacy.
So, what really is behind your bathroom doors? And if you think your washrooms don't matter, think again. Your customers notice – and they note, too, in the form of social media posts, photos, maybe even video.
Maintaining a squeaky-clean washroom is part of your image as top-of-mind healthcare providers. Your privies need to reflect the right stuff.
How can you ensure your WCs earn an A+ every time?
Make a good first impression
You never have a second chance at a first impression, so make that first one count. Do your customers know where to find your washrooms? Proper signage to find the facilities is a good start, but it's only a start. When they open the door, they need to see – and smell – a clean, well-lit space with everything they need for their washroom experience. Well-placed hooks in stalls and near counters for purses and a garbage can in more than one place are two touches appreciated by customers with minimal cost to you.
Invest in good products
The first thing customers notice is overall cleanliness. Then they notice the little things, including paper towels, bath tissue, dispensers. Make sure they're fully stocked and the dispensers are functional. High-capacity dispensers and paper products can help pharmacies avoid running out during busier periods. If using motion detector sinks and driers, ensure all are in working order.
Follow your nose
A bathroom doesn’t need to over-fragranced. In fact, over-scenting can be a significant olfactory turnoff. The best bathroom scent is, in fact, the smell of a clean washroom. This extends to hand soaps as well. Overpowering hand soaps are just that – overpowering. Less is always more in the scent department.
Go eco
Many companies specializing in commercial washroom products now offer special eco lines that include 100% recycled fibre and green-certified paper products. Green cleaning products are growing in popularity and can help lower the amount of harmful chemicals employees and customers encounter.
Set up a regular cleaning schedule
It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. Pharmacy managers and employees need to be well trained and committed to a regular cleaning schedule (hourly, daily, weekly and monthly) to ensure a consistent experience for customers.
Go for Covid cleaning
COVID-19 has made everyone hyper-aware of germs. We've all gone beyond hand sanitizers, but Covid hygiene is here to stay. Taking extra measures will help build confidence in your customers.
Easy upgrades
- Add extra hooks for purses in stalls and near counters
- Consider an extra garbage pail near the door
- Minimize nooks and crannies to enable easier cleaning
- Make sure the stall doors close properly
- Add a fresh coat of paint to brighten your washrooms
Customers typically don’t pick your pharmacy because of the washroom facilities. However, your WCs do make a big difference in the overall pharmacy experience.
Learn more.