It’s often awkward and uncomfortable to use the bathroom at work or school, but avoiding it can lead to various health issues, including constipation, haemorrhoids, and other complications. To address this, Queensland Health Department in Australia launched a creative and effective campaign focused on what to do when you need to use the toilet at work.
The campaign, which was promoted across social media, received enthusiastic feedback and praise from users. One of the most popular elements was an Instagram post featuring a dolphin against a colorful background with the message: "It’s okay to poo at work." This post garnered 25,000 likes and thousands of comments, significantly boosting the campaign’s visibility.
On Facebook, the campaign sparked open discussions among followers about the challenges of using public restrooms. The campaign’s main goal was to highlight the health benefits of responding to natural urges and to emphasize the risks associated with ignoring the need to use the toilet. Many people find it difficult to use public restrooms, which is why the campaign also offered practical tips to make the experience more comfortable.
Among the tips provided were visualizing a favorite celebrity on the toilet to reduce anxiety, bringing along a fragrance spray to mask any odors, practicing deep breathing to calm nerves, and meditating to manage stress. These suggestions aim to help individuals feel more at ease while using public restrooms.
The campaign also sparked creative suggestions from netizens. Some users proposed that workplaces should install radios in toilets for added comfort, while others humorously suggested that companies should consider paying employees for their bathroom breaks. One user referenced a famous Whitney Houston lyric, saying, “It’s not right but it’s okay,” to underscore the campaign’s lighthearted approach to an important issue.
Did the government just put an image of Taylor Swift pooping in my brain?
Instagram User
World-leading in its creativity. It’s a serious message, but they’re using social media the right way.
Dee Madigan, Founder and Creative Director of Advertising Agency Campaign Edge
Overall, the campaign succeeded in delivering a crucial message about health benefits and the importance of addressing the need to use the restroom promptly. By combining humour with practical advice, Queensland Health effectively encouraged people to prioritise their health and well-being, reducing the stigma and discomfort associated with using public facilities.
Input from various sources
(Rehash//Yash Kamble/MSM)
