Are Your Staff Keeping Hydrated While Working From Home?

Social drinking

Social drinking is deeply ingrained in our culture:

• Going out for a drink translates as meeting friends in a pub.
• Having coffee with my brother means meeting my brother for a chat.
• Come in for a cup of tea is interpreted as let’s talk.

(True story: there was once a little girl – no more than two years old – who would say “cup-or-tea” when she wanted to socialise. She’d picked up the term from her mother.)

At the office, people drink together. Whether it’s a hot cuppa first thing in the morning and at break times, or pure, chilled table water at meetings … we do it together.

We share ideas, too:

(True story: 19-year-old Colin, in the IT department, always enjoyed a cup of herbal tea. His workmates teased him – in a friendly, affectionate way. “Herbal tea’s for girls!” they joked. “Try it,” said Colin. They did. And they liked it. And they still do.)

So, what happens when staff are working from home? Can hydration still be fun when you’re working alone?

Why is it important to stay hydrated?

Some experts say we should drink eight glasses of water a day.

Others say that we should drink the amount of water, in fluid ounces, that’s equal to half our bodyweight in pounds. Example: if you weigh 10 stone, that’s 140 pounds. Half of 140 is 70. Therefore, you should drink 70 ounces of water each day.

Some experts advise us to drink 2 litres of water a day.

Others say 2 litres for men, and 1.5 litres for women.

Logic tells us that there can’t possibly be a one-size-fits-all solution or a tidy, fool-proof formula. The universal truth is simply that it’s important to keep hydrated. Dehydration can have detrimental effects on productivity and general wellbeing.

Company branded bottles

Having drinking water close by at all times is generally advised by health professionals. With a cup or bottle of water within sight and reach, it’s easy to remember to take frequent sips. But how can the hydration routine be a team activity?

By providing each member of staff with a branded water bottle.

Durable borosilicate bottles, designed and manufactured in the UK, are a part of Aqua Libra Co's Aqua Bottler suite. Made from the very toughest and most resilient type of glass, these elegant decanters look great on the conference table and on the desk. And they look even better with your company branding on them!

A bottle of chilled or sparkling water can be infused with something tasty. Here are few ideas:

• Strawberries and lime
• Mint leaves
• Lemon and ginger
• Orange
• Mango
• Apple and pear

Different work teams have varying levels of camaraderie and different ideas of fun. This type of shared experience might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you think your team might enjoy it, here goes:

Touch base every morning with a video call. Always on the agenda is What I have in my bottle today. In turn, each member of the team tells their colleagues what they have in their company-branded bottle. This activity will serve as a nudge for those reluctant water-drinkers, and it might also be an opportunity to share ideas and ultimately to make hydration rather fun!

So, can hydration still be fun when you’re working alone?

Yes! Of course it can!

For more information about industry-leading water dispensers, contact Aqua Libra Co. We look forward to hearing from you.