GP PRO Releases Results of Annual Maintainer Mindset Survey: Exposing Workload Strain, Efficiency Gaps, and Demand for Smarter, Simpler Tools

• 84% of maintainers report unnecessary dispenser checks at least daily, while 59% expect real-time supply monitoring apps to cut physical fatigue and step count
• 46% of maintainers favor smart dispensers with low-supply alerts, while 58% report feeling happy to use new equipment
• 78% of survey respondents report that simplified restocking directly improves job satisfaction—a significant 17-percentage-point increase over last year (61%)

ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific and a leading innovator in advanced dispensing and smart monitoring solutions, today announced the findings of its Annual Maintainer Mindset Survey, an ongoing benchmark study that evaluates the mindsets, work habits, and operational realities of commercial facility maintenance workers. Building on foundational research reported last year, the 2026 Maintainer Mindset Survey identified operational friction that strains workloads and job satisfaction, as well as the growing importance of smart dispensers designed to boost productivity, efficiency, and job satisfaction.

"The findings of this year's Maintainer Mindset Survey continue to dispel long-held misconceptions, including the belief that maintainers are a transient, tech-averse workforce," said Michelle Auda, senior director, Insights and Knowledge, Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products, LLC. "Our research reveals that these hard-working professionals see themselves as critical operational partners who are eager to embrace new tools that not only help make their jobs easier but also empower them to better support the people and facilities they care for."

Of those polled, 81% expect to remain in their jobs long term, with 49% planning to stay at the same level, and 32% seeing a pathway into management. Time in the role aligns with age, with 62% to 65% of participants over 35 reporting more than a decade of tenure. Job satisfaction also correlates with age: 83% of 45- to 54-year-olds report being "very satisfied," while only 23% of 18- to 24-year-olds share that sentiment. Nearly half of all participants (47%), however, cite better tools and supplies as key to improving job satisfaction and reducing turnover, ranking them as important as adequate staffing.

Reducing Operational Friction is a Priority
The 2026 Maintainer Mindset Survey also highlights growing operational friction, exacerbated by increasing foot traffic, labor shortages, and unsustainable workloads. The survey reveals that 37% of maintainers describe their daily workload as either "too much" or "entirely too much" to manage. Routine, manual processes compound this burden and consume valuable time. An overwhelming 84% of maintainers report conducting unnecessary dispenser checks at least daily—walking into public restrooms to manually inspect paper towel, bath tissue, and soap dispensers only to find them completely or adequately full.

When asked which inventory and refilling tasks they wish were easier and faster, maintainers cited the following: checking dispenser supply levels (40%), refilling soap and hand sanitizer dispensers (36%), refilling paper towel dispensers (29%), and refilling bath tissue dispensers (26%). Unproductive checks across large-scale facilities create unnecessary physical fatigue and take time from deep-cleaning tasks.

Debunking Myths: High Demand for Smart, Connected Tools
Contrary to long-standing assumptions that frontline cleaning workers resist digital adoption, the 2026 survey reveals a workforce actively seeking smart technology to bring order and predictability to their shifts. Nearly six in 10 maintainers (58%) feel happy, and nearly half (48%) feel excited about using new facility equipment.

Among those polled, 59% of maintainers expect a real-time supply application to cut unnecessary footsteps, reduce physical fatigue, and help them stay ahead of patron complaints. While compensation remains the top reason for switching employers, access to better tools and equipment is the second most important criterion.

Making the Case for Intuitive, Simplified Product Design
In an industry marked by labor constraints, the 2026 Maintainer Mindset Survey shows a direct link between equipment design, worker satisfaction, and employee retention. An overwhelming 78% of respondents report that simplified restocking tasks directly boost their job satisfaction—up 17 percentage points from last year's survey (61%).

When asked which specific design features would make dispenser maintenance quicker and simpler, maintainers emphasized intuitive features that minimize manual labor: fewer steps in the refilling process (69%), at-a-glance visibility to evaluate supply levels without opening covers (54%), and smart dispensers equipped with automated, low-supply alerts (46%).

About the 2026 Maintainer Mindset Survey
GP PRO partnered with Savanta, a leading market research consultancy, to conduct an online survey of 200 commercial facility maintainers in August 2026. To qualify, respondents had to be employed as frontline janitorial, custodial, housekeeping, or environmental services (EVS) personnel in key facility sectors—including healthcare, office buildings, retail, education, lodging, and foodservice—with at least one year of industry experience. Complete survey findings are available at gppro.com.

About GP PRO
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, office papers, cellulose and building products. The company operates approximately 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates nearly 89,000 jobs indirectly. GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific, manufactures and sells well-known brands like enMotion®, Compact®, Angel Soft® Professional Series, Brawny®, Dixie®, Pacific Blue™, and the KOLO® Smart Monitoring System. GP PRO and Achor Packaging products meet restroom, foodservice, and break room needs for office buildings, healthcare, foodservice, high-traffic, lodging, retail, and education facilities, plus a wide range of industrial and manufacturing facilities in North America. For more information, visit: gppro.com.

SOURCE Georgia-Pacific