How to Encourage Employee Water Intake This Winter
When you think of dehydration, images of summer sun and sweaty workouts probably come to mind. But here’s the kicker: dehydration is just as sneaky in the winter! Cooler temperatures may fool us into thinking we don’t need as much water, but staying hydrated in the colder months is essential, especially for employees spending long hours in a dry, heated office. So, if you’re an office manager or business owner, now is the perfect time to make sure your team stays hydrated and healthy this winter. Today, Artesian Bottleless Water explains why water matters in the workplace (even when it’s chilly) and how to keep everyone’s hydration levels up for peak performance.
Why Winter Dehydration Is a Real Concern
Winter brings out the hot coffee, dry air, and cozy scarves, but these seasonal perks come with hidden hydration pitfalls. Colder, drier air can make us lose moisture without even realizing it, and central heating doesn’t help the cause. When your office thermostat is cranked up, employees are more likely to feel fatigued and sluggish—classic signs of dehydration. Even mild dehydration can impact focus, productivity, and mood, which means winter hydration is critical for both health and job performance.
Dehydration also impacts the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making people feel colder or warmer than they should. Without enough water, our immune systems can also weaken, leading to more sick days—a big concern for offices where one person’s illness can quickly spread. By making hydration a winter priority, you’re not only caring for employee health but also reducing the likelihood of a dreaded “office flu season.”
Why Hydration Matters for Productivity
Let’s be real: water is the ultimate energy drink. A hydrated employee is an effective employee, and there are plenty of studies to back this up. Mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, leading to slower reaction times, foggy focus, and lower morale. When dehydrated, employees may also struggle with creativity and problem-solving—two crucial aspects of most jobs. On the flip side, staying hydrated has improved concentration, memory, and alertness, making it easier for team members to get through their to-do lists without that mid-afternoon slump.
In addition to better brainpower, hydration keeps employees in a better mood. Think about it: When you feel better physically, you’re less likely to get irritated or tired. So, employees who stay hydrated tend to collaborate more with others in the office. Plus, staying hydrated means employees are less likely to feel “hangry” or sluggish between meals, creating a smoother and more pleasant workday for everyone.
How to Get Your Team Drinking More Water This Winter
So, how can you inspire your team to stay hydrated this winter? Winter hydration doesn’t need to feel like a chore; it can be fun and a welcome part of office culture! Here are some easy, actionable tips to encourage hydration in your office this season:
Make Water Easily Accessible
This may sound obvious, but having a convenient water source is the foundation of a well-hydrated workplace. An Artesian bottleless water cooler is the best first step toward making hydration easy for your employees. When fresh, filtered water is always available, employees are less likely to skip refills. Unlike bulky bottled water coolers, our bottleless systems don’t require heavy lifting or plastic refills, making them eco-friendly and convenient. By providing easy access to clean water, you’re creating a hassle-free way for employees to stay hydrated all winter long.
Encourage a Hot Tea and Herbal Infusion Station
Winter and hot drinks go hand in hand. While coffee is often the go-to, it’s also a diuretic, which can actually make people more dehydrated. Setting up a hot tea station stocked with herbal teas or infused water options is a great way to give employees a warm alternative. Herbal teas, lemon water, and warm fruit infusions are all hydrating options that feel comforting in cold weather. Plus, many teas come with added benefits—like peppermint for a mental pick-me-up or chamomile for stress relief—giving employees even more reason to make hydration part of their daily routine.
Add a Hint of Flavor
If plain water isn’t motivating enough, add a little excitement with flavors. Offer a station with fruit slices (lemon, lime, or berries) or fresh herbs like mint or basil. Cucumber and strawberry slices add a refreshing twist, while orange or cinnamon sticks can bring in a hint of winter warmth. These small additions make water more appealing without adding sugar or caffeine. Encourage team members to mix and match flavors to create their own hydration experience, and maybe even post a few “winter water recipes” for extra inspiration.
Set Up Hydration Reminders
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated during a busy workday. Gentle reminders can make all the difference. Place friendly hydration posters or reminders around the office (think: “Did you drink water today?” or “H2O makes you a hero!”) to encourage employees to grab a drink. You can also incorporate hydration prompts into meetings. A quick “hydration break” during long meetings can be a helpful nudge, allowing employees to refill their bottles and stay on top of their hydration goals.
Incorporate Friendly Competition
Who doesn’t love a little office competition? Create a fun, lighthearted challenge to see which department or team member can stay the most hydrated. You can use tracking charts or even simple water intake apps to keep count. Weekly check-ins with small prizes like coffee gift cards, company swag, or even a “hydration hero” trophy can add a layer of motivation. Just be sure to keep it light and fun—hydration is the goal, not guzzling water.
Educate the Team on Hydration Benefits
Not everyone realizes the benefits of staying hydrated, especially in winter. Share some quick facts about how water impacts energy, mental clarity, and wellness. Consider posting hydration facts in break rooms or sending out a short weekly email with fun facts about hydration (Did you know: Being even slightly dehydrated can reduce work performance by up to 25%?). When employees understand the “why” behind hydration, they’re more likely to take it seriously, making it easier to build good habits.
Making Hydration a Workplace Priority
Keeping your team hydrated this winter isn’t just about water; it’s about cultivating a culture of health and well-being. Small changes—like offering accessible water, promoting hot herbal drinks, and encouraging fun hydration challenges—can make a big difference in your team’s energy, focus, and overall mood. When employees are hydrated, they’re more productive, focused, and less likely to need sick days.
Winter doesn’t have to mean a slowdown in the office. Give your team the tools they need to stay hydrated, happy, and high-performing. Our bottleless water and ice coolers provide fresh, filtered water at the press of a button, giving employees the perfect excuse to keep refilling their cups, even on the chilliest days.
So, contact us today to learn more about installing a bottleless system in your office. Let’s make hydration easy, accessible, and fun for your employees this winter—because a hydrated team is a healthy team!
