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Bathroom breaks are natural, yet many employees at work may feel anxious about taking one. Whether it’s getting up from the desk or simply walking to the restroom, the fear of going to the washroom is often linked to overestimating how many times one can go to the washroom or being viewed as a waste of time. This creates tension and discomfort. Bathroom anxiety is more common in workplaces than we realize, whether employees are aware of it or not.
Also read: Sitting at a desk for long periods of time is leading to serious and chronic diseases in workers in their 30s and 40s: Report
To understand why this happens, and what employees and management can do, HT Lifestyle reached out to experts.
Why worry about the bathroom?
Subalakshmi, a counseling psychologist at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, told HT Lifestyle that this phenomenon is more common in workplaces than people realise.
Sharing her insight on this behavior, she explained, “It usually comes from a mixture of social self-consciousness and performance pressure where individuals feel that they are being watched or evaluated in a private activity.”
He also said that even the slightest physical noise, which is completely normal, or simply stepping away from the desk for a while, can cause anxiety and embarrassment.
The psychologist revealed that she often sees this behavior in clients, and it usually points to underlying social anxiety. In clinical settings, it is also linked to traits such as high perfectionism or past experiences. This makes even a routine task like getting up to go to the toilet seem intimidating.
How can management handle this
Sonika Aron, founder and managing partner of Marching Sheep, told HT Lifestyle that employees are often hesitant to use the restroom simply because they are worried about being noticed or judged. She further explained that bathroom anxiety also manifests as concerns about cleanliness or basic supplies, and stress over sounds. All these small pressures turn a basic necessity into an uncomfortable experience for many people.
But why is it so important? Why should management not pay attention to this? Sharing this, Sonika said, “Today’s workforce, with a large percentage of Gen Z and young millennials, is more open about their well-being, and they expect a really supportive workplace. So if a company doesn’t handle basic needs with care, it sends the message that they don’t value your personal safety or well-being. “For them, this is a failure of leadership and not a workplace they want to work in.”
Sonika shares these three practical ways management can prevent bathroom anxiety:
1. Clean toilet
- Add multiple single-user rooms designed for privacy spaces, as these rooms offer a secure lock and guaranteed privacy.
- This simple change shows an employee that we value their dignity and understand that everyone needs a moment to themselves.
2. Say clearly ‘breaks are good’
- The leader must break the idea that taking a break means being lazy.
- Every manager should clearly tell their team, “Please feel free to take a bio break whenever you need.”
- Openly stating that breaks are expected and encouraged helps remove the fear of being watched or judged.
3. Make a good investment in a toilet
- Cost optimization doesn’t come from cutting back on basics like toilet roll or handwash for days at a time.
- The real savings come from better leadership decisions, like choosing virtual meetings instead of expensive flights and five-star stays.
- Letting go of unnecessary real estate reduces rent and frees up resources for meaningful innovation, process upgrades, and improved employee experience and well-being.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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