Commentary
How to identify the right workplace water solution
The main considerations when selecting the right office water dispenser are what role the machine will fulfill and what environment the water dispenser(s) will be in.
November 30, 2022 by Sam Roberts — Digital Marketing Manager, Connect Vending
It's the most abundant resource in the world and yet remains one of the scarcest in the form we need it most — water. It's used for everything from sanitation to watering plants and washing cars, but we often overlook the importance of regularly drinking great quality water from an office water dispenser throughout the day.
Identifying the right water solution for a workplace will encourage staff to hydrate more and help keep themselves healthy and productive during the day. The options include bottle fed water coolers, mains fed water coolers, water taps and water boilers, all of which have their own distinct role in the workplace.
The main considerations when selecting the right office water dispenser are what role the machine will fulfill and what environment the water dispenser(s) will be in.
Some businesses will want a water solution purely for chilled water, which will lead them down one of two routes, a water cooler or a water tap built into the work surface of an office breakroom or kitchen. In an environment such as an office breakroom or in an area where hot drinks are going to be made using loose ingredients like instant coffee, teabags and hot water, the solution could be a hot water tap or a wall mounted water boiler.
Consider environmental factors
Environmental factors that determine the appropriateness of water solutions include the amount of usage by staff, customers or visitors and the type of space, whether it's an industrial/manufacturing area or an office. In many cases, the brand image is as much a factor in considering what solution to select as the physical environment is.
For example, a cheap, bottle-fed water cooler might fit in well in a dentist's surgery facility as they have a very practical purpose of providing cold water after treatment, but it wouldn't necessarily be in keeping with a high profile legal firm's reception area or board room. In these settings it might be more appropriate to invest in a more aesthetically pleasing, plumbed in solution with more functionality for sparkling or hot water, as well.
That said, understanding the physical demands on the solution is still of great importance, as your water dispenser needs to be capable of managing any knocks, bangs or scratches from machinery or staff in busy areas, and if the machine is in an environment with hundreds of employees, it'll need to be able to cope with almost constant use.
Accessibility and hygiene
The COVID-19 pandemic really shone the spotlight on hygiene and cleanliness of communal spaces and equipment in offices and industrial spaces where staff are in close contact with one another. Though the pandemic has largely diminished in importance to many decision makers, there has been a permanent change in the mentality of many business leaders who are concerned about the increased risk of staff illness and the impact this has on their daily operations.
Throughout the pandemic, water cooler providers invested heavily in contactless water technology, with the introduction of a range of new accessories including a water cooler smartphone app and foot pedals to allow a completely contactless water vending experience.
If contactless isn't something a client sees as necessary, there are other innovations available from water cooler manufacturers that help minimize the risk of virus or bacteria transmission, such as UV-lit dispense areas and antimicrobial films.
Most water dispensers are now available in either tabletop or floor standing water cooler formats, though sometimes a business may need to make reasonable adjustments to areas in their workspace for those in wheelchairs or with other disabilities that make it challenging to use water dispensers at certain heights off the ground.
Some manufacturers offer water coolers with a lower dispense height to cater for those with disabilities. These options are also great for healthcare and education settings, where children may be wanting to dispense water.
Brand and machine aesthetics
Earlier we mentioned the need for a dentist's water cooler to serve a practical role for patients needing to rinse after treatment, and for your average dental practice there won't be much of a brand consideration when selecting a water cooler. However, in higher end businesses with premium brands, brand is a serious consideration and is crucial for maintaining the right brand image for staff and customers alike.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in water solution requirements from office based businesses in agency settings or city offices away from water coolers and towards more kitchen-centric solutions like hot water taps. These taps come with an array of customizations, meaning that they can be coated with matt or metallic finishes in colors including black and rose gold, ensuring they fit with the existing aesthetic in expensively finished office spaces.
This also helps center employees in the main kitchen and breakout areas, which are typically where the best group collaboration and social interactions take place.
As with any aspect of convenience services, customer feedback is critical to determine the most beneficial workplace water solution.
