Water coolers have been synonymous with workplaces for a long time when in reality, they’re not much of a staple anymore. It used to be the place to rub elbows with the bigwigs, hang out with co-workers, and of course, keep up with company gossip. However, in the digital age, there are more innovative ways to keep pace with the day-to-day and take the occasional break. In fact, filtered water coolers aren’t considered that an optimal choice for workplaces anymore for various reasons.
First, the use of plastic itself and the constant need to replace the water jug on a monthly (or sometimes more frequent) basis. Second, it’s not good for the environment and can be inconvenient depending on delivery dates and times. It also isn’t as sanitary as other drink alternatives since people are apt to stick the spout into their cup or water bottle and allow germs to attach to where the drinking water is dispensed. Another reason why workplaces are steering away from using them is that they promote inefficiency from employees waiting in line to fill up their glass or lingering longer to chat about the workday. A “quick trip” to the water cooler can turn into 20 or 30 minutes of impromptu talk time on the company’s dime.
Providing free, filtered water is still a priority for many corporate workplaces, but there is a better option available than the hunk of plastic that gets swapped out on a rotating basis. A purified water refill station tackles all of the issues that have made filtered water coolers seem less than desirable, while also providing several of its own benefits along the way. It’s a convenient switch that makes life better for everyone and leaves behind the taste of crisp, clean water with every pour. FloWater offers one of the best purified water machine’s around.
Corporations Are Striving For Greener Workplaces
Corporate companies are leaving outdated practices behind and replacing them with more eco-friendly solutions. This includes everything from paperless communication to setting up recycling bins in the kitchen. There’s a focus on leaving the planet in a better place than it currently is. Many companies pride themselves in their sustainability efforts and actively look for ways to increase their environmental efforts.
There’s no better way to promote sustainability than reducing the amount of plastic used in the workplace. The water cooler is the first thing that can go. It’s not necessary to have a large plastic jug or individual plastic water bottles to keep employees thirst quenched when there’s the option of a hydration station that is considerate of the environment.
There’s no plastic necessary with this solution. Employees use their own reusable water bottles and glasses to fill up as often as they like. The innovative design fits in nicely in any corner area or out-of-the-way spot and supports a big crowd of employees. In addition to eliminating the need for plastic, it also has features like energy-efficient LED lights and sleep mode to keep the system running at a low operating cost. In one fell swoop, businesses can make a big move to do their part for the environment at a time when plastic waste is at an all-time high.
Plastic water coolers seem as out-of-date in the corporate workplace as fax machines. Most plastic water bottles make their way to landfills or the ocean, which causes major disruptions among marine life and ecosystems. In turn, that increases the risk factor of fish and other seafood as a sustainable food option. Unfortunately, only about 23% of plastic bottles are recycled within the U.S. The rest ends up in areas where it takes water bottles a minimum of 400 years to decompose naturally. Many of these landfills are already running out of room or are overflowing. As they break down, they leak pollutants that end up in watersheds and can be carried by the wind, which creates added harm to the environment.
“Going green” is becoming less of a trend to entice employees and more of a necessary staple that more companies are adding to their list of priorities. Changing from using plastic water bottles, big or small, to installing a purified water refill station is one of many ways corporations can help do their part for the planet and fulfill employee needs.
Water Coolers Can Breed Germs and Bacteria
In addition to the ongoing expense of having a water cooler or multiple ones, they also aren’t the most sanitary options. Workplaces are already high breeding grounds for shared germs and subsequent sick days and one of the culprits can be found at the water cooler. Water trays can breed harmful bacteria and mold if not cleaned or dried regularly. Plus, the spout of the water cooler can attract germs and grime from people who put the entirety in their cup or water bottle. While water coolers on their own can’t be blamed for the entirety of productivity loss, they certainly contribute to it in different ways.
Billions of dollars are lost each year due to reduced productivity linked to employee absenteeism. When employees work in close proximity to each other, it’s easy for illness to spread quickly throughout the whole company even if it starts with something as simple as a mild cold. The more that can be done to avoid the spread of germs, the better it is for the workplace both from a productivity and profitability standpoint. Even the employees who remain at work while sick don’t put forth the maximum effort which also leads to costly mistakes.
The FloWater Refill Station has a large fill area. It can fit any size of cup, bottle, or water jug without the vessel’s rim being anywhere near where the water comes out. The recessed dispense nozzle is adjustable, which helps to reduce spills and overflows. There’s also nothing that needs to be manually emptied to keep the area clean. The station itself is also self-sanitizing via activated oxygen that provides sanitization for the stainless steel tanks and internal system. There’s no chance for mold to form.
Additionally, the one-touch button to fill containers and hidden catchment tray result in less grime and germs than the standard drinking fountain or water cooler alternative. Whether employees are filling up on water to drink, for the coffee pot, or to help make a meal, they can feel confident they have clean, purified water with every stream.
Less Meaningful Connections Happen at the Water Cooler
There are times and places for meaningful co-worker connections and time spent in line at the water cooler isn’t likely one of them. What is meant to be a quick fill-up of daily hydration may turn into a half-hour of procrastination and small talk. While work breaks are necessary for any company to stretch and refocus, time with colleagues can be better spent in more meaningful ways.
These connections may come by way of a brainstorming session, a lunch or coffee break outside of the office, or a short walk around the block to get the blood pumping. These interactions are purposeful with a set time to step away from work and schedule a way to connect with each other. In-office or offsite events are also a more powerful way to connect. The water cooler, unfortunately, looks more like a way of wasting time, which isn’t a popular perception in a corporate workplace.
The glug-glug slowness of a water cooler allows people to linger longer unnecessarily. The speedy nine seconds it takes to fill the average water bottle with a purification water station is enough for a friendly “hello” and back to work. Time is one of the most valuable commodities of any corporation. It’s best to use it wisely, even when it’s time for a break.
Ways a Purification Water Station Supports a Happy Workplace
Although water coolers may no longer be the way of the workplace, a hydration station is a positive substitute because of the ways it promotes employee health and wellness and delivers the hydration needed for long days at work. Businesses that have tried FloWater have reported 76% of their employees drink more water, 77% now use a refillable container, and 54% have both stopped using plastic water bottles and have reduced consumption of other beverages. There are various reasons why this type of advanced office water dispenser is well-received among corporations including how great the water tastes, how simple and convenient it is to use, and how little maintenance is required.
Produces Crisp, Purified Water
The benefit of a purified refill station is having crisp, clean water that people enjoy drinking. Many may think they don’t like the taste of water because they’re used to what comes from the tap, which may have lingering odors or traces of chemicals that affect the taste. As with anything healthy, before the masses join in on the trend, it has to taste good. Water that’s been filtered seven times changes the perspective of those who weren’t water drinkers before. Unique finishes like a coconut carbon filtration help to remove odors and create a fresh, delicious taste to the water.
Benefits Employee Health
Other health benefits like electrolyte enhancement and alkaline filtration also make for only the best-tasting water while giving the body the trace minerals it needs to function at its best. Electrolytes, including magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium, help support the immune system, cell repair, and bone strength. This is one reason why people opt for trendy sports drinks or bottled water, but there’s no need to rely on those when all of this is available in one purified water source. Proper hydration allows people to stay focused and keep up their energy, which is important to endure a busy workday.
Embraces Simplicity and Convenience
Since the hydration station holds nearly any size of water cup or bottle, there’s no need for employees to constantly refill throughout the day to stay hydrated. The tanks always have seven gallons of chilled water ready to be dispensed and refill automatically. There’s no waiting at the water cooler or worrying about if the water will give you what you need to stay healthy. FloWater takes care of it all including installation, filter replacement, and service if needed.
Requires Low to no Maintenance
There’s no need to dedicate a role to escorting the delivery person who brings in the water cooler replacement every time. A certified FloWater technician delivers and installs the system with little to no water cooler maintenance after that. A weekly wipe down of the front panels is generally all that’s needed. With regards to the internal drain system, you’ll never have to empty the drain tray or worry about the build-up of mold.
Promotes Sustainability
Corporations are focused on being more eco-conscious, but employees like to take part directly in initiatives that make them feel like they’re doing something with purpose. It gives them a sense of pride and motivates them to work harder and be more productive. Sustainability is good for the environment and it also speaks to the values of many who are part of the corporate workforce today.
Provides a Better Solution for Company Events
In-office water cooler use isn’t the only way corporations can benefit from a hydration station. They’re ideal for conferences, athletic challenges, or other employee-focused events. Rather than hauling a water cooler or cases of bottled water to the next social gathering, a portable water station can accommodate a large crowd and eliminate trash from single-use bottles or cups.
The Modern-Day Workplace Water Cooler
Just as emails have circumvented the need for faxed memos and digital files have taken the place of hard copies of multi-page documents, so has the arrival of the purification water station. It has caused the water cooler to become outdated for most corporations. There’s not going to be a need for water. It’s the manner in which it’s distributed that has evolved. The good news is that with innovation and technology comes the opportunity to help shape better experiences.
With a water system like FloWater, corporate workplaces can benefit from a greener alternative that is more sanitary and doesn’t take away from employee production. Instead, it contributes to an employee’s outlook on their health and wellness at work by providing a convenient way to stay hydrated. As workplaces continue to evolve, so do their best practices. Successful corporations recognize this head-on and make adjustments as needed to make their employees happy, productive, and proud to be part of the organization.
Source:
https://www.earthday.org/2018/03/29/fact-sheet-single-use-plastics/
