Water at work is a no-brainer. Easy access to healthy hydration deeply impacts employee wellness and a sustainable workplace culture. A water vending machine is so much more than just a dispenser. It’s an essential part of the workplace environment, and this article looks at some creative ways to make the most of it.
Water Vending Machines and Employee Wellness
Even mild dehydration can affect focus, energy, and overall productivity. It’s one of the major aspects of productivity loss!
“When performing physical work, sweat output often exceeds water intake, producing a body water deficit or dehydration. Specific to the workplace, dehydration can adversely affect worker productivity, safety, and morale. Legislative bodies in North America, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommend replacing fluids frequently when exposed to heat stress, such as one cup (250 ml) every 20 minutes when working in warm environments. However, the majority of legislative guidelines provide vague guidance, and none take into account the effects of work intensity, specific environments, or protective clothing. Improved occupational guidelines for fluid and electrolyte replacement during hot weather occupational activities should be developed to include recommendations for fluid consumption before, during, and after work (NIH, 2007).” - National Institute of Health.
Encouraging employees to hydrate easily, regardless of the setting, is a great way to improve overall performance. Water vending machines are an easy way to make that happen! Keeping water readily available can reduce fatigue, improve mood, and even promote better decision-making among your team.
Creating a Sustainable Workplace
Sustainability is critical for a growing business; as discussed above, water vending machines can play a major role. Machines with refill stations help encourage reusable water bottles, reducing the need for single-use plastics. It seems like a small change, but it can greatly impact your organization’s environmental footprint. Being a part of a sustainable organization can also greatly impact employee morale and even customer experience. People will notice that your water vending machine is making a bigger difference than they would have expected.
Related Content: How Vending Machines Can Fit Into Your Sustainability Efforts
Water Vending Machines and Collaboration
When placed in strategic areas, like break rooms or lounges, water vending machines can foster informal conversations and teamwork. The water cooler is where some of the best conversations are had among colleagues, and the fruit can be excellent for business overall. Employees from different departments get to connect, share ideas, and create spontaneous collaborations that are more natural than something forced through scheduled meetings.
Having a drink station, or even a micro market drives collaboration overall. People connect over food and beverages. A water vending machine is a great starting point to help facilitate this collaboration.
A Refreshing Perk for Clients and Visitors
Besides fostering collaboration and productivity, a water vending machine shows a professional and thoughtful touch for your location’s clients or visitors. Whether still or sparkling, easy access to hydration shows a detail for comfort. It’s a small but important want to enhance your workplace’s reputation.
Think about it. If you visit a hotel or an office (especially on a hot day), sometimes you just need water! People visiting your space will appreciate a water vending machine's convenience. If you’re thirsty, it’s hard to concentrate or think about anything else. Water vending machines make your space comfortable.
Related Content: Why You Should Include Bottled Water in Your Vending Machine
Creative Water Options to Inspire Employees
Water vending machines may seem boring, but there are many ways to spice things up! Think sparkling water, flavored water, or even vitamin-infused water. There can also be seasonal themes, like cucumber and mint flavors during the warm months and apple cinnamon during the cold months. Mixing it up keeps water exciting. It’s not the most exciting beverage, but with these small tweaks, you can reap the benefits by encouraging employees to drink more water throughout the day.
Another cool way to make water a little more exciting can be fueled by technology. Water vending machines are smarter than ever. They can track use, monitor water quality, and send maintenance reminders to operators when needed. Some operators provide vending machine water to help users track their hydration and set personal hydration goals. It can gamify hydration, making using the water vending machine a fun challenge.
Practical Placement Tips for Maximizing Use
We can’t say it enough! Location, location, location! Wherever you place your water vending machine is going to affect its success. It must be visible in high-traffic areas, like break rooms, kitchens, or just outside the main meeting rooms. Another thing to consider is that placing your water vending machine alongside a healthy snack vending machine or an office coffee station can make wellness at your location a single stop!
A water vending machine is more than just a convenience—it’s an investment in your team’s health, productivity, and satisfaction. From promoting wellness and sustainability to encouraging collaboration and client comfort, it’s a versatile solution with far-reaching benefits. Explore how a water vending machine can transform your workplace and create a healthier, happier environment for everyone. Get in touch with us now, and we’ll get you set up!
