Georgia-Pacific survey finds proper handwashing remains strong

GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific, conducted a survey of 1,000 individuals in June 2021 to better understand consumer views on a wide range of coronavirus-related topics.

Among the topics broached was the perceived effectiveness of various well publicized precautions at preventing transmission of the coronavirus. Responses suggest consumers do not feel there’s one predominant deterrent.

Survey participants were asked to select two safety measures from a list of six that they feel are effective. According to the survey findings:

• 65% believe social distancing is most effective
• 65% feel wearing a mask is most effective
• 59% deem proper hand washing as most effective
• 55% say sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces is most effective
• 54% believe frequently using hand sanitizer is most effective
• 31% feel avoiding inside activities is most effective

In a follow up question, survey participants were asked which of the previously noted precautions they have personally taken during the coronavirus pandemic and if they are continuing to practice them at the same frequency level as when they began. According to those findings:

• 67% note they have engaged in proper hand washing and continue to do so at the same level
• 59% say they have frequently used hand sanitizer and continue to do at the same level
• 58% state they have worn a mask and continue to do so at the same level
• 56% say they have practiced social distancing and continue to do so at the same level
• 56% indicate they have sanitized and disinfected surfaces and continue to so at the same level
• 41% note they have avoided indoor activities and continue to do so at the same level

“What these results tell me is that as employers look at how to safely bring employees back to the workplace and as business owners continue to help keep their customers safe, they would be well served in encouraging employees and customers to continue to practice some if not all of the identified safety precautions as appropriate,” said Michelle Auda, senior director of insights with GP PRO. “In addition, with hand hygiene behaviors in the form of proper hand washing and frequently using hand sanitizer holding steady, it’s important that facilities are stocked with products to support these behaviors.”

“If employees are healthy, they’ll be present at work and, as a result, more productive. If customers are healthy, they’ll be more likely to spend money in their communities. In my opinion, investing in products and solutions that help make it easy for employees and customers to continue taking precautions against the spread of the coronavirus is just smart business,” added Auda.