Why is Australia encouraging employees to poo at work?

Who says humour can’t break down social barriers?

Australia’s Queensland Health Department is receiving widespread acclaim for its refreshingly “hilarious” approach to a subject often shrouded in taboo: taking a poo at work.

Their latest campaign, which proudly proclaims “It’s okay to poo at work,” has sparked a wave of positive reactions across social media. Users have responded enthusiastically to the campaign’s playful yet poignant take on a serious health issue, The Independent reported.

Here’s a closer look at the campaign and its impact on addressing this crucial health concern.

‘It’s okay to go number two at work’

Queensland Health Department is turning heads with the lighthearted social media campaign.

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One of the campaign’s videos posted on Instagram is filled with vibrant imagery of dolphins, rainbows, and unicorns, all set to Neick Sanders’s catchy tune Symphony.

This post quickly gained traction, earning over 25,000 likes and thousands of comments, highlighting the widespread popularity of the poo campaign.

On Facebook, the department took a more straightforward approach, encouraging followers to openly discuss the act of “pooing at work."

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This sparked a lively conversation, with the post receiving more than 5,000 likes and 3,600 comments.

Despite its playful tone, the campaign carries an important health message.

The department warns that “ignoring your need to poop” can lead to serious health risks.

Research backs this up—according to a 2015 study featured in Medical News Today, holding in bowel movements can increase bacterial counts in the colon and lead to chronic inflammation. Over time, this may raise the risk of developing colon cancer.

Additionally, the study links holding in poop to conditions like appendicitis, hemorrhoids, and in severe cases, fecal impaction, where stool becomes stuck in the colon.

This behaviour can even result in gastrointestinal perforation, a dangerous condition where a hole forms in the digestive tract, says Medical News Today.

A Queensland Health spokesperson told The New York Post that the campaign “addressed a common but often unspoken health concern, aiming to normalise discussions around bodily functions”.

“Tackling what can often be considered as taboo health topics reduces shame, embarrassment and fear, while also helping to entertain, educate and promote healthier behaviors,” they said.

Another of Queensland Health’s posts sums up the message perfectly: “Lots of people find it difficult to poo in public toilets, but we’re here to tell you it’s definitely okay to go number two at work!"

Also read:
How often do you poop in a day? Here’s what it means for your health

Getting over the ‘poo paranoia’

Queensland Health’s campaign also tackles parcopresis, commonly known as “poo paranoia”—a condition where individuals feel anxious about using public toilets due to fear of being judged by others.

This anxiety can manifest in various ways, from an elevated heart rate to nausea. To help those dealing with this, the department has offered some lighthearted but practical tips for a “stress-free public toilet poo.”

These include visualising celebrities like Taylor Swift using the toilet, carrying a small fragrance spray, and practising deep breathing or meditation to reduce anxiety.

The playful messaging has clearly resonated with the public, sparking a flurry of humorous responses across social media.

On Facebook, one user suggested, “All workplaces should have a radio at a good volume in bathrooms.” Meanwhile, an Instagram user chimed in with, “Do it on company time and get paid to poop,” while another quipped, “In the words of the great Whitney Houston, it’s not right but it’s okay.”

A particularly amused user said, “Did the government just put an image of Taylor Swift pooping in my brain?”, as reported by The Independent.

Dee Madigan, founder and creative director of Campaign Edge, praised Queensland Health’s innovative approach, calling their social media presence “world-leading.”

Speaking to The Guardian, Madigan remarked, “What it shows is that the staff aren’t afraid to try new things. Often, government social media plays it so safe that it ends up bland and boring.”

She added, “It’s a serious message, but they’re using humour in a way that connects with people. Just because it’s a serious topic doesn’t mean humour can’t be part of the solution.”

With input from agencies