Office water coolers have become very popular over the past decade or so as public water supplies seem to become worse by the year. Stories of pharmaceuticals and cocaine, waste products and various other toxic substances in drinking water have made people look elsewhere for their daily intake of this life-giving liquid.
Everyone needs to drink sufficient water on a daily basis to ensure that the body is sufficiently hydrated. This is important to overall health and to the optimal functioning of the body and the brain. It is important that staff is also kept well-hydrated at work to avoid fatigue and brain-funk that will inhibit them from performing at their best.
What are the Pros and Cons of Office Water Coolers?
As with any piece of office equipment, there are both pros and cons to investing in an office water cooler:
Pros
- An office water cooler is far more hygienic than a drinking fountain or drinking water from a tap in the kitchen or bathroom
- Many office water coolers are movable so can be placed where they are needed or moved if a location proves to be inconvenient for any reason
- Office water coolers are hygienic and reputable water companies will ensure that they remain sanitary at all times
- Most office water coolers come with paper cups, which means no glasses or cups to be washed
- An office water cooler makes it very easy for staff to get fresh, chilled water any time they want, and they will appreciate the convenience
- Office water coolers can provide chilled, ambient or hot water almost constantly for many people
- An office water cooler will encourage your staff to remain hydrated and to rather drink water than sugary drinks
Cons
- Bottled office water coolers require deliveries of bottles to be done regularly; if there is a problem with the delivery you could be left without water
- Bottled office water coolers require that you have sufficient space to store both empty water bottles and full ones
- Water bottles can be heavy and difficult to change if you do not have someone strong in an office. This is especially so in an office full of women
- Plumbed in water coolers cost quite a bit initially, as it is the purchase of the water cooler and the installation, which has to be done by a professional
- Some water companies do not adhere to the guidelines laid down by authorities, which may result in less than sanitary conditions arising and/or water being used that is not filtered or which may contain some toxins
When choosing an office water cooler, make sure that you select the model and style of water cooler that is suited to your business and amount of employees. It is also important that you ensure that you only use a reputable water company.
Choose a company that is a member of a controlling body such as the British Water Cooler Association (BWCA) that ensures that the water company adheres to strict rules and regulations regarding the water and equipment supplied.
