Amazingly, only 1% of dehydration can reduce the productivity of your staff by as much as 12%. Think about the impact on productivity, when 80% of the U.S. workforce is not hydrating as needed every single day.

Our bodies are made of more than 60% water, but our brains alone are 90%. High water consumption contributes to clear thinking, alertness, ability to focus, and awareness of what is going on around us. All of these things will help with productivity at work!

Additionally, by the time we feel thirsty, we are already 2-3% dehydrated. Just 3% dehydration slows a person’s reaction time the same as a blood alcohol level of .08%. This means a person is five times more likely to have a car accident at just 3% dehydration.

Dehydration can result in:

  • Processing data problems
  • Headaches, lightheadedness, and dizziness
  • Altered behavior
  • Mental fatigue
  • Premature aging of the brain
  • Chronic illness
  • Missed work days due to sickness

Legally, you are required to provide water for your employees. But how do you lead a horse to water and make it drink?

Make the water appealing to your staff!

Most people prefer cold water: Be sure to have a cold water cooler in the office, in good working order and full of water. In a large office, consider providing coolers throughout the building.

Educate your staff: Proper hydration improves mood and energy levels. It also boosts metabolism to promote weight loss and helps skin look younger. Understanding your company culture and what will motivate employees will help you increase their water intake, both at work and at home.

Provide alternatives to plain water: Stock your breakroom with unsweetened tea, juice, and sparkling water. This will promote hydration for those who don’t find water appetizing or for those who need a change of pace.

Make it a contest: Encourage employees to track water consumption and provide prizes to the winners. Be creative and keep hydration front and center with staff.

Host a charity drive: Use water consumption to raise money for a charity. In the same way you would get sponsors for a walk-a-thon, sign up sponsors to give a set dollar amount per glass or bottle of water consumed. Set the time frame for two weeks to establish the habit with your employees and raise a good amount of money while doing it.

Provide insulated reusable bottles: Providing containers with your company logo will not only give employees something to use for water, it will act as marketing for you. Bright colors and fun designs also raise the chance of drinking more water.

Lead by example: Regularly use the company logo bottle. Track your water consumption along with your staff.

Water filtration and purification systems will also contribute to water consumption, as the water tastes better and is more enticing to employees. It stands to reason that if water does not taste good or has a weird after-taste, you will not be able to get employees to drink it – no matter how many incentives you offer. Give us a call today for a free evaluation or a consultation to provide water coolers to you and your staff. We can help you keep everyone hydrated, productive, and happy.