Let’s face it, bathroom breaks are a natural part of every workday, but have you ever stopped to think about how much of your salary is technically earned while you're on the loo?
According to new research, Brits are getting paid a surprising amount just for using the toilet at work, with those quick trips to the loo adding up to over £1,000 on average, per person. Whether it’s a moment to refresh, check your phone, or simply escape for a few minutes of peace, your time on the toilet might be more valuable than you think.
- The Toilet Tax: How Much Do Workers Really Earn?
- Who Earns the Most on the Loo?
- Londoners Lead the Way in Toilet Earnings
- The Hidden Perks of Working from Home: Extra Scrolling Time?
- The Importance of Comfortable Workspaces
The Toilet Tax: How Much Do Workers Really Earn?
UK employees earn an average of £804 per year from bathroom breaks, equivalent to an extra week’s salary. On average, workers visit the toilet 2.61 times a day, spending around 3 minutes 43 seconds per trip and while it may not seem like much, over a year, this adds up to more than 40 hours.
Given the average UK salary of £30,469, this means workers are effectively earning £2.59 per working day while in the bathroom and after tax and national insurance deductions, that comes to £654.18 a year, enough to cover a weekend city break in Europe.
Who Earns the Most on the Loo?
Not all jobs are equal when it comes to toilet earnings and the difference might surprise you. While some workers are earning over £1,600 per year just from bathroom breaks, others are earning significantly less for their time on the loo.
Factors like salary, job flexibility, and even workplace culture all play a role in how much employees can technically earn while taking a toilet break. So, who are the biggest winners when it comes to paid bathroom time and who’s getting the shortest flush?
The top 10 earners are:
- Executives & Senior Management: £1,614.27
- Law Enforcement & Emergency Services: £1,373.78
- Aviation & Transport: £1,362.04
- IT & Software Development: £1,345.12
- Healthcare & Medical: £1,291.55
- Legal & Compliance: £1,275.82
- Finance & Accounting: £1,204.39
- Aerospace & Automotive Engineering: £1,174.58
- Education & Training: £1,128.96
- Project & Business Management: £1,089.07
On the other hand, workers in hospitality and food service see far more modest toilet earnings, taking home significantly less for their time spent on the loo, largely due to lower average salaries.
While fast-paced environments may limit flexibility, interestingly, even sectors with demanding schedules, such as emergency services, see higher bathroom earnings, likely reflecting their higher salaries rather than more frequent breaks.
The lowest earners are:
- Hospitality & Food Services: £535.96
- Warehousing & Logistics: £566.83
- Science & Research: £580.94
- Agriculture & Environmental: £733.12
- Public Services & Government: £916.08
- Construction & Project Management: £951.15
- Transport & Distribution Management: £964.37
- Heavy Machinery & Industrial Operations: £969.74
- Finance & Investment: £971.28
- Electrical & Electronic Trades: £981.89
While every worker needs their fair share of bathroom breaks, those in high-pressure, customer-facing roles may find themselves rushing through their time on the toilet, both figuratively and financially.
Londoners Lead the Way in Toilet Earnings
Regionally, Londoners top the list, earning the most annually from bathroom breaks. This highlights how the capital’s workers, likely benefiting from higher wages and more flexible working conditions, are able to accumulate more from their time away from the desk.
In contrast, workers in the North East earn significantly less, reflecting a stark regional pay gap that may be influenced by differences in industries, living costs, and working hours across the area.
Here's a look at how different regions stack up:
- South East: £838
- Scotland: £823
- North West: £755
- Wales: £736
The Hidden Perks of Working from Home: Extra Scrolling Time?
With 41% of UK workers now working remotely at least part of the week, the time spent on the toilet during working hours might be even higher than reported. Unlike office settings, where employees often feel pressure to keep breaks short, remote workers have more flexibility, meaning bathroom breaks may double as extra scrolling time. Without a manager watching the clock, those working from home could be taking longer or more frequent trips, making their real toilet earnings even higher than the data initially suggests.
The Importance of Comfortable Workspaces
The research highlights a humorous yet very real part of modern working life, bathroom breaks are an essential part of the day and while a few minutes here and there might not seem significant, over the course of a year, they add up, with some workers effectively earning more than £1,000 just by using the toilet at work.
While the concept of “toilet earnings” might raise a few eyebrows, it shines a light on a crucial aspect of workplace design. Bathroom breaks aren’t just a necessity, they play a key role in employee well-being, satisfaction, and even productivity.
Employers may not love the idea of paid bathroom time, but the reality is that well-designed, comfortable facilities can make a real difference to workplace morale. Investing in clean, well-equipped, and thoughtfully designed bathrooms doesn’t just benefit employees, it creates a more positive and productive work environment, helping businesses in the long run.
Discover more insights about what’s shaping bathroom designs by exploring the latest bathroom trends in 2025.
