A growing number of employees are using workplace bathrooms as temporary spaces to escape stress, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion during the workday, according to new research highlighting the rise of what experts are calling “restroom lurking.”
The term refers to workers retreating to office restrooms not only for short breaks, but also to cry, decompress or momentarily disconnect from workplace pressure.
The findings come from a recent survey conducted by Kickresume, which examined the types of unofficial breaks employees take during the workday and broader attitudes towards workplace stress and wellbeing.
According to the study, around 44% of respondents said they take “bathroom breaks for peace,” suggesting that many workers increasingly view restrooms as one of the few private spaces available within modern workplaces.Peter Duris said the behaviour reflects growing levels of emotional strain and workplace fatigue, though he noted that short moments of privacy during stressful workdays are not necessarily harmful.
“For many people, sometimes all you need is a minute to go somewhere quiet and collect yourself,” Duris said.
However, he warned that frequent or extended periods spent hiding in restrooms could indicate deeper issues linked to stress, anxiety or lack of workplace support.
The survey also revealed notable gender differences, with women significantly more likely to report taking bathroom breaks for emotional relief. Around 53% of women surveyed said they used restroom breaks as a coping mechanism during stressful workdays.Meanwhile, around 10% of respondents said they remain in the restroom for more than 10 minutes at a time.
The findings come amid growing conversations globally around burnout, emotional wellbeing and psychological safety at work, particularly as employees continue navigating heavier workloads, economic uncertainty and post-pandemic workplace pressures.
Workplace experts increasingly argue that behaviours such as “restroom lurking” often signal broader organisational issues rather than isolated employee habits.Duris said employees who frequently feel the need to retreat during the workday should reflect on whether stress is being driven by workload pressures, workplace culture or personal challenges outside work.
He also encouraged employees to communicate openly with managers when workplace pressures become difficult to manage, while stressing that supportive leadership can play a critical role in preventing burnout escalation.
The report additionally highlighted the importance of manager awareness and workplace culture in addressing employee wellbeing concerns.
Among its recommendations, Kickresume advised managers to conduct regular one-on-one check-ins, help employees prioritise workloads more effectively and create environments where workers feel comfortable stepping away briefly without judgement when feeling overwhelmed.
The study also pointed towards the growing importance of dedicated workplace wellbeing spaces as organisations reassess how office environments support employee mental health and recovery during increasingly demanding workdays.
The findings reflect a broader shift in workplace conversations, where employee wellbeing is becoming more closely linked to productivity, retention and organisational culture rather than being treated solely as an individual responsibility.