How to convert men's and women's washrooms to all-gender, multi-stall washrooms at your office
Background
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness and recognition of the need for gender-neutral spaces, particularly in the workplace. One way to create a more inclusive environment is by converting men's and women's washrooms to all-gender, multi-stall washrooms. While this may seem like a daunting task, it can be done in a few simple steps.
Steps to Convert
Step 1: Assess the Current Layout
The first step in converting men's and women's washrooms to all-gender, multi-stall washrooms is to assess the current layout. Take a look at the number of stalls, urinals, and sinks in each washroom. Here is TransFocus’ washroom inventory template to assist you with this step. Determine how many stalls are needed to accommodate the number of people who will be using the washroom. You may need to add or remove stalls to create an optimal layout for the space.
Step 2: Plan the Conversion
Once you have determined the optimal layout for the space, it's time to plan the conversion. This includes deciding on the number of stalls, urinals, and sinks that will be included in the new all-gender washroom. It is not simply a matter of changing the signage on the door. A good candidate for conversion is a washroom with 1) ample space (> 4 stalls), 2) the ability to create greater privacy for stalls doors so there are no gaps (except small one at the bottom for safety), and 3) ability to open the entrance to allow for greater safety through active monitoring (both visual and auditory). It's also important to consider accessibility requirements and ensure that the washroom meets all applicable building codes and regulations.
Discuss your ideas and get feedback from different types of stakeholders in order to anticipate and meet a diversity of needs (e.g., trans and non-binary employees, women, employees with disabilities, employees of faith, and newcomers). Ideally this is done using a survey to allow for confidential input.
Step 3: Communicate with Employees
Before converting the washrooms, it's important to communicate with employees about the changes. This can include sending out an email announcing the changes, including timelines for renovations, explaining the reasons for the conversion, and the benefits it will provide. This may include conducting information sessions where employees see layouts of the plans and get their questions answered. TransFocus has conducted these kinds of sessions for many organizations to help employees see the necessity for and value of this kind of facility. It's also important to address any concerns that employees may have, such as privacy and safety. Ideally, your office has choice among options of different washroom types to the meet diverse needs.
Step 4: Make the Necessary Changes
Once you have planned the conversion and communicated with employees, it's time to make the necessary changes. This may include removing or enclosing urinals, adding signage, and adding more privacy with fully-enclosed stalls. It's important to hire a qualified contractor to ensure that the work is done safely and meets all building codes and regulations. For a short time, it may also be valuable to add an brief explanation of the washroom with QR code (to a webpage with more details) at the entrance of the washroom.
Step 5: Provide Adequate Signage
After the conversion is complete, it's important to provide adequate signage to indicate that the washroom is now all-gender. This can include signs on the doors and inside the washroom, as well as directional signs in the hallway leading to the washroom. Components of the signage should use toilet icon (and urinal, where applicable), wheelchair icon for accessibility, indicate multiple stalls (to avoid confusion with single-unit washrooms), and that everyone is welcome. Clear and visible signage can help prevent confusion and ensure that everyone feels welcome in the new washroom.
Benefits of All-Gender Washrooms
Converting men's and women's washrooms to all-gender, multi-stall washrooms provides many benefits. Here are a few of the main advantages:
Inclusivity: All-gender washrooms provide a more inclusive environment for people of all genders. This can help promote a sense of belonging and community in the workplace.
Safety: All-gender washrooms can be safer for people who may feel vulnerable in gender-specific washrooms, such as transgender or non-binary individuals. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, all employees can feel more comfortable using the washroom.
Efficiency: All-gender washrooms can be more efficient, as there is no need to separate washrooms by gender. This can help reduce wait times and increase productivity in the workplace.
Accessibility: All-gender washrooms can be more accessible for people with disabilities. By providing more stalls and larger spaces, all employees can use the washroom comfortably and safely.
In conclusion, converting men's and women's washrooms to all-gender, multi-stall washrooms is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming workplace. By following the steps outlined above, you can make the necessary changes to ensure that all employees feel comfortable and safe using the washroom. Remember to communicate with employees and provide clear signage to prevent confusion and ensure that everyone is aware of the changes. By creating a more inclusive environment, you can promote a sense of belonging and community in the workplace.
We’re happy to support, if your organization needs help with the change management process as part of the conversion process. Book a 1/2-hour consult, so we can help meet your specific needs.