Are you looking to purchase an office water cooler or office water dispenser? If so, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we will be discussing everything you need to know about office water coolers and dispensers, from the different types available, to the benefits they can bring to your office.
Whether you're a small business owner or a large organisation, this blog post is sure to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about the best office water cooler or dispenser for your needs.
The benefits of having an office water cooler
We all know the facts about water – it’s essential for your body to function properly. It helps to maintain your temperature, lubricate joints and protect sensitive tissues, as well as helping to flush out toxins from the body.
Staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy and alert in the workplace, as it is during any other time of the day. Having an office water cooler can help ensure that staff have easy access to water throughout the day, which helps them keep their brains working efficiently, and keeps productivity levels high. Studies have found that employees who remain well hydrated throughout the day have improved mental performance and are able to focus better on tasks.
By installing high quality water dispensers on your site, you’re also providing a great alternative to sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages, which can cause spikes and dips in both energy and mood. In many workplaces, the office water dispensers sit alongside the office coffee machine, helping provide an easy source of hydration to those who love to drink coffee. There’s also a certain satisfaction in drinking crisp, chilled water from a cooler that you just can’t get from water straight out of a tap, or from bottled or canned soft drinks.
The other obvious benefit comes from the much referred to ‘water cooler chats’, the conversations that are formed by those visiting the water cooler for a brain break. There’s something to be said for the power of water dispensers and other food and beverage solutions in bringing teams together to collaborate.
The different types of office water coolers
Office water dispensers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with myriad functions. The most popular type of office water cooler is the bottled water dispenser. This type of cooler requires large jugs or bottles to be manually placed on the top of the dispenser, which then connects to a spigot at the bottom for easy pouring into bottles or cups.
These are usually the types of water machines you’ll see in places like dental practices, where there may not be a demand for highly filtered or chilled water, but enough demand to justify having a machine in a waiting area. They’re also a great option for inaccessible areas where access to running water is limited.
For premises where water supply is readily available, plumbed-in water coolers are a popular option as they eliminate the need for cumbersome jugs or bottles. These are typically more expensive than bottled-fed coolers, but are incorporating much more technology and can deliver chilled, sparkling and ambient water from a single unit. They’re great for spaces with high footfall where it would be impractical to regularly replace cumbersome water bottles. Manufacturers like Borg and Overstrom are market leaders in the plumbed-in water dispenser space and have an extensive range for every setting and requirement.
Countertop water dispensers are a perfect solution for small businesses, as they are designed to fit on countertops or desks and take up no more footprint than is already used by cupboards or units. These water coolers are relatively lightweight and easy to transport, and can include both a hot and cold faucet for added convenience.
For outdoor work settings, outdoor-rated water coolers provide a reliable source of cold drinking water in extreme temperature conditions. Wall-mounted water coolers are ideal for tight spaces and restricted areas, such as hallways or restrooms, where there isn’t enough space for traditional water coolers.
No matter what type of office environment you have, there is likely a suitable office water cooler available to meet your needs. By understanding the different types of office water coolers available, you can make an informed decision when it comes time to buy one for your business. You can also speak to our expert team who can help you understand the best route to take, and provide options for purchasing your water coolers – reach out to us to get the ball rolling.
How to choose the right office water cooler for your workplace
Finding the right office water cooler for your workplace is an important decision, as it can significantly improve employee morale and productivity. The size, functionality, interface and capacity of water dispensers for offices should be taken into account when deciding which one to purchase.
Firstly, consider the size of the office. Smaller offices may not have the room to accommodate a large unit, nor might they have a running water supply in the space available, while larger workspaces might require multiple water dispensers to accommodate a greater number of employees.
Secondly, consider the functionality of the water cooler. If you need hot and cold water for beverages, for example, then you will need a unit with two taps. Many units also come with filters that make sure your water is free from impurities or contaminants, which will deliver a crisper, purer water. In the post-COVID world we now live in, there are also options on many office water dispensers to include contactless vend or water sanitisation features, something which is worth considering if your office is very busy and illness can spread easily.
Finally, take into account the capacity of the water cooler. This will depend on the size of your office and the number of employees who will be using it. You want to make sure that the water cooler is large enough to meet your needs, but not so high capacity that you’re going to be out of pocket for a machine that sees minimal use.
Once you’ve taken these factors into consideration, you can then decide whether a bottle fed cooler or a plumbed in cooler would be the best option for your workplace. Bottle fed coolers require refilling with bottles of water but offer convenience, while plumbed in coolers are connected directly to your water supply and require less maintenance. Either way, investing in a good quality office water cooler can help boost employee morale and productivity.
The importance of regular maintenance for your office water cooler
Having an office water cooler is a great way to provide refreshing, clean drinking water for employees and visitors alike. But to keep it in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. Without proper cleaning, there is potential for the water cooler to become damaged over time, as well as negatively impact the taste and quality of the drink.
Proper maintenance of an office water dispenser should include regular cleaning with an appropriate sanitising agent, as well as replacement of filters when necessary. It’s also important to check that all parts are properly secured, and that the unit itself is not leaking. Regular inspection of the unit can help to identify any potential problems before they escalate.
Cleaning and maintenance can be a burden for businesses, which is why many turn to professional vending operators to manage the upkeep of their office water coolers. Not only do they take the responsibility off the company’s hands, they ensure that the cooler is properly maintained to deliver the highest quality of drinking water.
Taking the next steps
If you’re looking for the perfect water dispenser for your office, get in touch with our team of vending experts today. We’re here to help – call us on 01865 341011, email us on sales@connectvending.co.uk or send us an enquiry.