The Perfect Pairing: Why Office Coffee Machines & Water Dispensers Transform Workplace Wellbeing

As we step into 2026, many of us are setting up health and wellbeing focused new years resolutions whilst others are focused on having a productive return to work to set themselves up for a successful year. As we begin to return to work there is no doubt that coffee is on your mind, we get it, after weeks of relaxing the office coffee machine is the saving grace for those early morning starts. As the commercial coffee machine works in overdrive it is easy to overlook an important aspect of wellbeing… staying hydrated. The relationship between your coffee and water intake is more in sync than you may think and understanding this balance can transform your workplace health in the year ahead.

Since the dawn of time, we’ve been told that coffee causes dehydration and our coffee consumption should be limited. However, recent science studies revealed a different story which discovered that moderate consumption (up to four cups a day) does not result in dehydration if you are a regular coffee drinker. In fact, the research found no significant differences in hydration status between the participants who drank coffee and those who only drank water.

The NHS recommends 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day and fortunately tea and coffee count towards this goal after all coffee is 95% water. While caffeine does have mild diuretic effects, these are minimal for people who regularly consume caffeinated drinks due to your body realising and adjusting to the regular caffeine intake which supresses the diuretic effects.

The connection between being hydrated and having a productive working day is no secret. It is a well-known fact that being as little as 1% dehydrated can decrease productivity in the workplace by 12%, and when you’re 3-4% dehydrated your performance can decrease by as much as 25%. When you consider that a significant portion of the workplace is under-hydrated daily, you can imagine the impact this has on productivity.

Dehydration affects multiple aspects of workplace performance, including concentration, short-term memory, reaction time, and mood. Your brain is approximately 73% water, making proper hydration essential for cognitive function. Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and reduced alertness, basically everything you don’t want to feel whilst at work.

Making 2026 your healthiest year yet starts with building sustainable hydration habits at work. There are simple ways of balancing your office coffee consumption with staying hydrated such as:

The one for one approach: It’s as simple as it sounds, every time you enjoy a brew from the office coffee machine follow it up with a fresh glass of water from the office water dispenser. This approach ensures your fluid levels are maintained throughout the day whilst still enjoying your favourite caffeinated drinks.

Strategic Placement: Positioning water dispensers near your workplace coffee station works wonders as a visual reminder to hydrate. Connect Vending specialise in creating comprehensive office beverage solutions that combine premium coffee machines with hydration stations, making it effortless for employees to maintain healthy working habits.

Track Your Intake: Set hourly reminders on your phone or computer to take a water break. Many people find that keeping a reusable water bottle on their desk serves as a constant visual prompt to drink water regularly throughout the day.

Morning Hydration First: It’s understandable that your first point of contact when you get into work each morning is the office coffee machine, however, if you make the switch and visit the office water cooler first your body will thank you. After full night’s sleep your body is naturally dehydrated so starting off your day with a glass of water prepares your body for the day.

Creating a workplace culture that supports both taking time to enjoy a cup of coffee and proper hydration requires thoughtful planning. Modern office coffee machines can be part of a holistic approach to employee wellbeing when paired with accessible water dispensers.

Consider implementing these workplace hydration solutions:

• Plumbed in water dispensers which offer chilled, ambient, sparkling or hot water options. At Connect Vending, we recommend the Aqua Libra Alto taps.
• Premium coffee service with clear guidance on moderate consumption
• Herbal tea alternatives for a lower caffeine afternoon alternative or to offer as an alternative to those employees who don’t enjoy coffee.
• Water stations throughout the office, not just in breakrooms or the kitchen

As we embrace the new year, making small changes to our daily routines can result in many health benefits. Balancing your coffee consumption with adequate water intake doesn’t mean you need to eliminate your routine entirely, it just means enhancing it with mindful hydration practices throughout the workday.

The science behind the relationship between coffee and water is clear, moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy hydration strategy. By understanding the coffee-water balance and implementing simple habits, you’ll maintain energy levels, improve cognitive functions and feel your best at work. Make 2026 the year you get your workplace hydration right!