Should Office Hydration Be a Concern During the Winter?

Winter months can be brutal not just on your skin but your body as well. Most people forget to drink enough water during this time of year. In fact, the colder season can make you feel less thirsty, but that doesn’t mean your body needs any less hydration. This becomes more of a concern if you’re running a business and working in an office all week, as many employees may not drink enough water during this season.

Thankfully, your bottleless water cooler from Artesian Bottleless Water can produce hot water, enticing more employees to stay hydrated during the colder months. But why exactly should their hydration be of concern to you, especially during the winter? Let’s talk about it!

What Are the Effects of Dehydration?

Many workers are prone to forgetting about their water bottles during office hours, which could jeopardize their health. Dehydration is known to have numerous adverse effects on the body, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, and even muscle cramps. These symptoms can build up over time, leading to more serious problems like constipation, urinary tract infections, and even kidney stones. So why should these concerns be amplified during the winter?

Cold weather can affect our hydration levels in various ways. Firstly, we tend to drink less water during the colder months because our bodies don’t lose as much sweat through evaporation compared to warmer temperatures. This leads to a decrease in our normal drinking routine, which could result in dehydration. Cold weather can also cause the body to produce more urine, leading to a loss of fluids and electrolytes. This can also contribute to dehydration if we’re not drinking enough water to replenish these losses.

Moreover, dehydration during winter can compromise an individual’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses. The body’s immune system relies on adequate hydration to function optimally. When we are dehydrated, our body is less able to transport nutrients and antibodies necessary to fight off infections. This exposes employees to catching a cold, the flu, or other illnesses circulating in the office.

Consequently, this can lead to increased instances of absenteeism, disrupting the workflow and productivity in the office. So, ensuring your employees stay hydrated during the winter months is crucial for their health and the overall efficiency of your business.

What Does Winter Air Have To Do With It?

Apart from failing to drink enough water during office hours, the dry winter air is another situation that could increase the risk of dehydration among your employees. Indoor heating during the colder months can result in excessively dry air. This dry air pulls moisture from your skin and body, further reducing your body’s natural fluids. That’s why when you combine the dry air indoors with an already low thirst drive, it’s clear why staying hydrated can be challenging. Plus, when your workers get lost in their workday, finding a five-minute break to go for a refill can be hard.

How Can I Encourage Office Hydration?

Encouraging hydration among your employees during the cold winter months should be a top priority. Here are a few ways to promote a more hydrated workplace:

• Install a Bottleless Water Cooler: If you haven’t already, installing a bottleless water cooler in a highly visible area can constantly remind your employees to drink water. If you already have one, consider relocating it to a more frequented location.
• Provide Reusable Water Bottles: Providing employees with reusable water bottles can be a fun and eco-friendly way to promote hydration. They can keep their bottles at their desks, which will be a constant reminder to drink water throughout the day.
• Host Hydration Challenges: Create some friendly competition among your employees by hosting hydration challenges. Employees can track their water intake, and prizes can be awarded to those who meet their hydration goals.
• Add Fruit: Consider creating fruit-infused water beverages to make drinking water more appealing. This not only adds flavor but also provides additional vitamins and antioxidants. You can easily provide your team with a fruit bar to make their own mixtures or provide a weekly beverage option as a stand-alone treat!

• Host Educational Sessions: Hosting a seminar or workshop about the importance of staying hydrated can be a great way to remind employees about the benefits of drinking water.
• Implement Hydration Breaks: Designate specific times during the day for hydration breaks. This may also be a good opportunity for employees to take a break from their screens and rest their eyes.
• Encourage Exercise: While it may seem illogical to exercise when it is cold, participating in any physical activity can help you stay hydrated. During exercise, your body loses a lot of water through sweat. If you work in a low-impact environment, you can encourage workplace exercise with a weekly yoga session or even provide dedicated hour blocks for employees to hit the gym.

Remember, a hydrated employee is a healthy employee, and promoting hydration in your workplace can lead to increased productivity, improved morale, and overall better health among your team.

Artesian Keeps Them Hydrated

Keeping hydrated during winter is highly necessary for general well-being and productivity at work. So, if your team needs a boost this winter, contact Artesian Bottleless Water. Keeping your company hydrated is our specialty! We offer a wide range of bottleless water and ice coolers that provide pure, clean, refreshing drinking water options. Whether they want an ice-cold beverage or a warm afternoon tea, we make it simple and easy to stay hydrated, no matter the season. Want to give us a try? Start a free 7-day trial today!