Water at Work
In a study published by the Royal College of Nursing, statistics show that employee absence due to illness costs UK employers on average £12b a year; with 168 million workings days lost. We know that good hydration contributes to workers’ health and safety, and that even mild levels of dehydration adversely affect both physical and mental performance. At AquAid we believe strongly in keeping dehydration at bay and boosting performance and productivity wherever possible.
Mild dehydration is quantified as a 1% drop in body weight. This small drop can also be referred to as voluntary dehydration, an easily achieved state where, all else being equal, we simply do not drink enough throughout the day.
When hydration levels in the workplace were examined, it came to light that many workers begin their work day already dehydrated and that more than half of those employees also end their work day dehydrated.
Studies show that even mild dehydration leads to changes in cognitive ability and mood. Errors increase on visual vigilance; concentration, alertness, and short-term memory deteriorate; tension and anxiety increase; and fatigue is exacerbated.
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By choosing AquAid, not only do you maximise employee productivity, but you also choose a solution that benefits others, because with each purchase an automatic donation is made to charity, to help bring clean, life-giving water to impoverished communities in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth getting a water cooler for the office?
Yes, a water cooler office setup encourages employees to drink more water, which helps with focus and energy. Plus, it’s an easy win for boosting morale and showing you care about wellbeing at work.
What’s the difference between office bottled water and mains-fed coolers?
Office bottled water coolers use large replaceable bottles, great for places without easy access to plumbing. Mains-fed options hook into your existing water line—less hassle with refills, but they need installation.
How much office bottled water do we actually need per person?
A good rule is about 1.5–2 litres per employee per day. Most bottled water coolers come in 18.9L bottles, so for a team of 10, you’d go through about 7–8 bottles a week depending on usage and weather.
Can having water at work really improve productivity?
Surprisingly, yes. Even mild dehydration can mess with memory and focus. Keeping water at work in sight (like with a cooler) nudges people to drink more, which helps them stay sharp.
How do you keep office water coolers clean?
Most reputable suppliers in the UK, like AquAid, offer regular sanitisation every 3–6 months. You don’t have to do much—engineers come in, clean everything, and swap out any parts if needed.
