Simple Ingredient for Increased Employee Productivity: Water

Corporate wellness is a nearly $8 billion industry in the United States. Yet new research finds that most American employees don’t readily consume, on a daily basis, the one resource that is largely available, very inexpensive, and vital to health and productivity: water. 

A study by Quench, a provider of water systems, found that more than three-quarters (77%) of those surveyed did not think they consumed enough water on a daily basis to meet their health needs. Employees cite many barriers to drinking enough water, including lack of time and having to pay for it.

“Every employer wants their employees to be healthy, alert and productive so they can deliver results,” said Tony Ibarguen, CEO of Quench. “One inexpensive way to boost productivity is to encourage hydration. Companies that make it easy and convenient for their people to access and drink more water throughout the day may see their employees’ energy levels, engagement and work capacity increase.” 

Ibarguen noted that communications campaigns touting the benefits of staying hydrated throughout the day are an important addition to workplace wellness programs. “The first step is to make clean, filtered water readily available. But many of our customers also reinforce the importance of hydration to overall health through employee communications and culture initiatives to drive the message home.”

TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS

Ibarguen offers three tips for workplaces to encourage employees to drink more water during the workday.

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Given concerns raised by employees about not having enough time to get water during the day, review floor plans to ensure that water sources are only a short distance from workspaces. Provide fresh, filtered, great-tasting water that doesn’t run out. Installing bottle-less water coolers that connect directly to the building water supply and filter it at the point of use are a preferred option to large plastic jugs that are not environmentally friendly and must be replaced each time they’re empty or the individual plastic water bottles that are expensive and create such environmental problems that many universities and towns now ban them entirely. Create engaging communications campaigns that encourage employees to get up, walk around and get a glass of water throughout the day, and promote a healthy workplace culture.

The national survey of more than 1,000 employed Americans found that the most frequently cited cause for not drinking enough water was lack of thirst (43 percent). While that might seem logical, experts say that thirst is not an on-time indicator of dehydration because the thirst sensation doesn’t appear until after people are dehydrated. 

While optimal consumption varies by individual, conventional wisdom calls for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (64 ounces). Even mild dehydration can have a negative impact on productivity, energy level, and alertness. 

To find out more about water resources for your company please contact Quench (833) 435-1901.