How can an employer prevent vandalism in the employee restrooms?

Such things happen, but fortunately, employers have several tools at their disposal to address this problem:

1. Video Surveillance. Visible camera surveillance outside and in the general vicinity of the restroom (especially cameras with capability to record dates and times) may reduce the potential vandal’s willingness to harm company property. It can also provide strong evidence as to the identity of the perpetrators. It is important to obtain legal counsel before implementation, as well as signed acknowledgment forms of the camera’s existence from all employees to help negate any reasonable expectation of privacy. Surveillance cameras should never be used inside the restroom.
2. Regulate use. Key or keycard access to locked bathrooms may help employers track use of the facilities and deter vandalism. As with surveillance, potential vandals may be less likely to engage in vandalism when they know the employer has a record of them using a restroom at a particular time.
3. Maintenance. Frequent, immediate, and thorough attention to the cleanliness and repair of any damage to the restroom may reduce the likelihood of repeat behavior.
4. Policies. Employers can create policies outlining consequences for vandalism and requiring observed vandalism to be reported immediately. Employees violating the policy may be disciplined in accordance with company disciplinary policies.
5. Post etiquette rules. Employers may post rules and recommendations for restroom etiquette in the restrooms. This could be helpful in deterring minor damage to bathrooms.
6. Surveys. Vandalism may be a symptom of larger problems, like diminished employee morale. Employers may want to convene focus groups or conduct employee attitude surveys to get a pulse of employees’ thoughts and feelings regarding their work/workplace. Appropriate actions may then be taken to address any issues identified in the surveys.
7. Attendant. Some employers may even consider stationing temporary bathroom attendants in or just outside of the restroom facilities. Such staffing costs may be hefty, but they may also be less expensive than the cost of the vandalism and prove to be a valuable deterrent.

These are just a few measures that may mitigate, and possibly eliminate, vandalism to company bathrooms.