What is a best practice for creating a gender-neutral bathroom?
To help you know the best practices for gender-neutral bathrooms, we asked HR managers and business leaders this question for their best insights. From adding the information to Yelp to limiting bathrooms to singles, there are several best practices for creating gender-neutral bathrooms at your company.
Here are five gender-neutral bathroom best practices:
- Add the information to Yelp
- Post Clear Signage
- Work With Gender-neutral Colors
- Place Purse Holders in the Toilet
- No Multi-stalls, Just Individual Bathrooms
Add to Yelp
Yelp and other business review sites often have a section that includes checking off whether or not a business or restaurant has a gender-neutral bathroom. Gender-neural or non-binary guests will appreciate finding online prior to their visit that you have a bathroom that includes them. Just like how you may check out a business’ reviews or amenities before visiting, non-binary visitors will check to see if you have inclusionary practices like a gender-neutral bathroom.
Brandon Brown, GRIN
Post Clear Signage
I looked to the National Speech and Debate Association for advice when deciding on how to set up gender-neutral bathrooms. One piece of advice they gave was to post clear signage on the bathrooms so that people don’t have to play an uncomfortable guessing game. Gender-neutral bathrooms are supposed to make for more comfortable and at ease in the workplace and clear signage is an important part of that. Something like “All Gender Restroom” is good practice.
Link to Guide: Gender Neutral Bathroom Best Practices
Ubaldo Perez, Hush Anesthetic
Work With Gender-neutral Colors
Work with gender-neutral colors. Avoid pink or blue and focus on yellow, green, or orange for a vibrant pop of color. You could also consider white or brown for something more simple. These shades are always timeless.
Jodi Neuhauser, Ovaterra
Place Purse Holders in the Toilet
Every gender-neutral bathroom should be equipped with purse holders. This is something easy to forget about as it may not be the first thing that comes to one’s mind. Yet, such holders are very practical and don’t bother anyone. On the other hand, their lack can be uncomfortable at times. And we all can enjoy bags, right?
Agata Szczepanek, MyPerfectResume
No Multi-stalls, Just Individual Bathrooms (closets)
Gender-neutral bathrooms should not have a huge room with stalls and sinks, but rather a number of smaller rooms (like closets) that each has a toilet and share a common area with many sinks.
They should have gender-neutral signage that clearly defines the space’s purpose, and there should be no additional writing that is gendered. The gap between the door and the floor should be no more than two inches, and the walls should reach the ceiling. This will guarantee that the area is really private, gender-neutral, and secure.
Huzaifa Ahsan, FindPeopleFirst
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