Interviews Are No Longer Just About Salary! 104 Survey: 40% of Job Seekers Decide Whether to Join Based on Restroom Conditions

Interviews are no longer just a one-way evaluation by companies of job seekers; they have become a critical moment for mutual assessment. According to 104 Job Bank's (3130-TW) latest '2026 Employee C.E.O.' report, as high as 62% of job seekers are influenced by the interview experience when deciding whether to accept a job offer, with 67% among 8th-grade graduates (born 1981–1990) — the highest across all generations.

Notably, beyond salary, benefits, and job content, workplace details have emerged as new evaluation criteria. As many as 38% of job seekers physically visit restrooms to assess the environment before accepting an offer, while 22% observe the atmosphere in break rooms, indicating that interviews have officially entered a two-way evaluation phase.

Survey data shows that younger job seekers place greater importance on workplace environments such as common areas. Among 8th and 9th-grade graduates, 44% of 9th-graders and 39% of 8th-graders visit restrooms during interviews; 23% of both groups also inspect break rooms — significantly higher than among senior generations. Seemingly casual requests like 'May I use the restroom?' or 'Is it okay if I get some water from the break room?' are, in fact, part of job seekers’ on-site reconnaissance to evaluate the real workplace culture.

Chung Wen-Hsiung, Chief Sustainability Officer at 104 Job Bank, explains that while salary, benefits, career vision, and welfare systems can be easily polished during interviews, public areas like restrooms and break rooms genuinely reflect daily work life. The cleanliness of restrooms indicates how much a company values employee experience, while break rooms reveal team dynamics and whether employees feel comfortable stepping away from their desks. By touring these shared spaces, job seekers can verify whether the company’s claims match reality.

For new-generation job seekers who prioritize work experience, Chung recommends actively observing three key aspects during interviews: First, 'observe the environment' — examine office and rest areas, and even ask at the end of the interview if you can tour your potential workspace. Second, 'observe interactions' — gauge team atmosphere and communication styles from how colleagues interact. Third, 'observe commitments' — ask specific questions about flexible working hours or training programs to confirm whether company values are truly implemented. The talent market has shifted from 'companies selecting talent' to 'mutual selection.' Job seekers can make more accurate career decisions by observing carefully and asking proactive questions.