Providing easy access to fresh drinking water is important in any workplace, but with so many different water cooler options available, how do you know which one is right for your business?
From small offices to busy warehouses, manufacturing facilities and larger commercial premises, every workplace has different hydration requirements. Choosing the right system comes down to factors such as employee numbers, water usage, location and access to a mains water supply.
Consider How Many People Will Use the Water Cooler
One of the first things to consider is how many employees, customers or visitors will regularly use the cooler.
A small office may only require one conveniently positioned water cooler, while a larger workplace could benefit from several units located throughout the building.
High-traffic environments also need a solution capable of keeping up with demand, particularly during warmer weather.
Bottled or Plumbed-In?
There are two main types of workplace water cooler: bottled and plumbed-in.
Bottled water coolers offer excellent flexibility because they don’t need to be connected to the mains water supply. This makes them suitable for locations where plumbing isn’t readily available or where the cooler may need to be moved in the future.
Plumbed-in water coolers connect directly to the mains supply, providing a continuous source of filtered drinking water. They can be particularly well suited to busy workplaces with higher water consumption.
Think About Where It Will Be Positioned
Location matters. Your water cooler should be somewhere that employees can easily access throughout the working day.
Popular locations include kitchens, breakout areas, reception spaces, meeting areas and factory or warehouse communal areas.
If you’re considering a plumbed-in system, the location of the nearest suitable water connection will also need to be considered.
What Water Options Do You Need?
Modern water coolers can offer more than chilled drinking water. Depending on the model, options can include chilled, ambient and hot water.
Think about how employees are likely to use the system. If staff regularly make tea and coffee, for example, a hot and cold system could provide additional convenience.
Don’t Forget About Servicing
Choosing the water cooler itself is only part of the decision. Regular servicing and sanitisation help keep your equipment hygienic and performing as it should.
Working with an experienced water cooler supplier means you can benefit from ongoing maintenance and support rather than simply purchasing a piece of equipment and being left to manage it yourself.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Business
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to workplace hydration.
At Refresh Water, we work with businesses to understand their individual requirements before recommending a suitable solution. From bottled and plumbed-in water coolers to installation, servicing and regular water deliveries, we can provide ongoing support to keep your workplace refreshed.
If you’re unsure which water cooler would work best for your business, speak to the Refresh Water team and we’ll be happy to help.