Blog Layout
Water Cooler Dos and Don'ts
The Office Water Cooler • May 21, 2021
Remembering Your Water Cooler Etiquette
First of all, welcome back to the office! It’s been a long, lonely year for me, but it’s great to see you all again. I’m sure it’s tough for you to be back at the office every day, after working from home in your pajamas for the last year.
You probably didn’t even think of me once in the past year. When you were thirsty at home, you could easily get water from your faucet or the Brita pitcher in your refrigerator. But now that you’re back in the office, I’m happy to be your go-to source for hydration. That’s what I’m here for.
After the long year away from me, I suspect that you might need to relearn the basics of water cooler etiquette, so I made a list of a few dos and don’ts to help you out.
1. Make Small Talk
It’s been a long time since you’ve had face-to-face interactions with your coworkers, so it might be helpful to brush up on the fine art of making small talk.
When you come to me for a drink of water, there’s a good chance you might bump into a coworker or two while you’re here. In all of my years of experience as your office water cooler, I’ve learned that the social etiquette in this situation calls for making a couple minutes of small talk. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, talking about projects that you’re working on, TV shows you’ve been bingeing, activities from the weekend, or any common interest that you might have.
If it helps, think of it like the first few minutes of a Zoom meeting, when the meeting hasn’t officially started, but you feel like you have to say something to make sure your that your microphone is on and your internet connection is working. Only this time, you won’t be talking to a face on your laptop screen; you’ll be talking to a living, breathing person.
Business experts argue that water cooler chat is an important factor for building a company culture. In order for workers to have a feeling that they are part of a group working towards a common goal or greater good, they need to enjoy their time at work and have a sense of empowerment and support, and what better place than the water cooler to begin bonding with your coworkers?
2. Don’t Get Too Personal
While small talk is great when you’re here to parch your thirst, I strongly recommend avoiding topics that are too personal, controversial, or inappropriate for work. It’s not the right time or place to get into a political debate, and it could be distracting during work hours. That’s what happy hour after work is for.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t share your interests or what’s going on in your life, but it’s just generally good social etiquette to avoid talking about anything that could make another coworker uncomfortable or upset.
3. Wait Your Turn
Like I’ve said, if you come to me for a drink of water, there’s a good chance some of your coworkers had the same thing in mind. If there are multiple people waiting to get water, the best and easiest thing you can do is form an orderly line. My policy for dispensing water is first come, first served.
If the line for water is longer than usual, it’s important to have patience. I know when you were working from home for the last year, there was never a line to use the Brita pitcher, so this is just something that you’re going to have to get used to again. I promise the wait will be worth it once you have a cool drink of water in your hand.
4. Stay Hydrated!
As a humble water cooler, I’m going to have to defer to the advice of medical experts on this issue. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health say that proper hydration is important for a number of reasons, including “to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly.” Staying well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, mental cognition, and mood stability.
But what’s the right amount of water to drink per day? Well, you will likely get a different answer depending on who you ask. Is it eight cups a day? Ten cups? Sixteen? It turns out, there’s no precise amount of daily water intake that’s fit for everyone. The best advice is to simply drink it when you feel thirsty. While you’re working at the office, it’s important to stay in-tune with your own body and maintain awareness of how it’s feeling. If your back hurts, get up and walk for a bit to stretch it out, and if you’re thirsty, pay me a visit. I’m more than happy to quench your thirst.
5. Don’t Leave a Mess
Keeping a clean water cooler station is a simple courtesy to extend to your coworkers. First and foremost, if there are any spills near me, make sure to clean them up, as they might be a safety hazard to your coworkers. I’d clean the spills myself if I had hands to do so, but alas I am just a tank of water and a spigot. I need your help to make sure people don’t slip on water and fall.
Another key to keeping my area clean is making sure that those little paper cups or weird paper cone things end up in a waste basket. No one wants to see a bunch of trash all over the floor when they go for a drink of water. Keeping your workplace clean and tidy is important to making sure everyone feels comfortable at work. If you’re going to be here 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, then you should be sure to take care of this space.
6. Wash Your Hands, Please
If there’s one thing we’ve all become hyper-aware of during the past year, it’s the ways in which germs and viruses spread from person to person. Frequently-touched surfaces are a common source of contagion. Let’s say one coworker has a cold and touches their face, and then they go for a drink of water and touch my spigot without washing their hands. Now there’s germs all over me, and next thing you know, another coworker touches my spigot without knowing. They’ve become susceptible to infection and possibly spreading the cold to the rest of the office. Do you see how important proper cleanliness and hygiene is?
The solution here is very simple. Wash your hands before getting a drink of water from me. Maybe put a bottle of hand sanitizer near me and put up a sign encouraging everyone to clean their hands before getting water. It’s the least you can do to keep everyone happy and healthy.
7. Don’t Put Your Mouth on the Spigot
I feel like this should go without saying, but while we’re on the topic of sanitation, please do not ever put your mouth on my water dispenser. I probably should have put this first on this list because it is my most important rule. I would really prefer that we keep our relationship strictly professional, and putting your mouth on my spigot is far too intimate for me. Not to mention it’s incredibly unsanitary, putting the health of your coworkers at risk.
It wasn’t okay to put your mouth on the water fountain when you were in school, and it’s still not okay to put your mouth on the water cooler as an adult.
8. Stay Stocked-Up
One of the best ways to make sure that the water cooler station says clean and organized is making sure that you are properly stocked on paper cups/cones, paper towels for spills, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and any other necessary necessary supplies. Keeping all of these supplies in-stock and having a proper storage system for them is key to maintaining a clean water cooler station. If you notice any of these supplies are running low or have run out entirely, make sure to notify your office or building manager.
9. Don’t Wash Things With Me
Please remember that I am not a sink. You shouldn’t use me to wash your hands or to wash the weird orange stains out of your tupperware container. You see, I don’t have anywhere to drain that water, and if you use me for anything other than filling a cup or bottle with water, you’re sure to make a big mess.
So, if you need to wash your hands or clean out a food container, I am unable to help you. You’ll have to go use the bathroom or kitchen sink for such purposes.
10. Replace My Water Tank When It’s Empty
To make sure everyone is able to get water when they need it, please make sure to check the water level in my tank whenever you get a drink of water from my. If the water level isn’t easily visible, an easy trick is to simply tap the water tank and look for ripples in the water.
When the water tank is empty, you should replace it yourself if you’re able to do so, making sure to follow proper instructions for replacing it. However, if you’re unable to do so, you can notify the right person, such as maintenance or the office/building manager. Someone around here should know what they’re doing.
I also recommend making sure there is always a back up water tank available for when the current one runs out. If there is not a back up water tank, notify the right person to order a back up.
Learn to set up an office coffee station that energizes your team. Follow these tips to make it the ideal spot for productivity and relaxation today.
Discover the top ten reasons why investing in a workplace coffee machine is a good idea.
Enhance your office environment with the ideal coffee solutions. Explore how great coffee for office spaces can boost productivity and happier employees.
Learn why you should invest in on-site appliances and coffee to help your workers get their caffeine fix.
Discover the benefits of a healthier and refreshed office when you have fresh, clean, and safe water. Learn more about the power of office water coolers here.
Discover the best hot water dispenser options available. Explore features, reviews, and get expert buying advice. Choose the right one for your home today!
Take a look below to discover the best coffee brands that employees love!
Keep reading to discover the essential equipment that can elevate your office coffee experience to the next level.
Did you know that staying properly hydrated can boost workplace productivity by up to 14% ? Filtered water dispensers provide a convenient solution for pure drinking water in the office. So what's the best filtered water dispenser for your needs? Join Ideal as we look into the top filtered water dispensers available! Filtered Water Dispensers Filtered water dispensers are devices that provide clean drinking water by removing impurities and contaminants . They come in various types, including countertop, freestanding, under-sink, and bottle-less models. Countertop dispensers are compact and fit easily on kitchen counters or office break room tables. They're easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for small offices and homes. Freestanding models are larger and often found in office settings . They provide more water storage and usually have both hot and cold water options. Under-sink dispensers are hidden away, keeping your counters clear. These systems often provide a continuous supply of filtered water directly from the tap. Bottle-less dispensers are connected directly to the water supply, eliminating the need for bulky water bottles. This option is cost-effective and reduces plastic waste. Health Benefits of Filtered Water Drinking filtered water offers several health benefits. It removes contaminants like chlorine, lead, and bacteria, making the water safer and more pleasant to drink. Clean water improves hydration , which is important for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function throughout the day. Filtered water also enhances the taste and smell of water, encouraging people to drink more. When water tastes better, people are more likely to stay hydrated, which supports their overall health. Proper hydration helps with digestion, keeps skin healthy, and can even improve mood. Using filtered water dispensers at home or in the office ensures that everyone has access to high-quality drinking water. This promotes better health by reducing the intake of harmful substances found in unfiltered tap water. By investing in a good water filtration system, you are making a commitment to the well-being of everyone who uses it. Best Water Dispensers for the Office When looking for the best filtered water dispensers, it's helpful to compare some of the top models available. Each has unique features that cater to different needs. One popular option is the Avalon A5 Bottleless Water Cooler. This model connects directly to your water line, providing continuous hot and cold water without the need for large bottles. It has a dual filtration system, including a sediment filter and a carbon block filter, which ensures clean and great-tasting water. The Avalon A5 is also energy-efficient and has an easy-to-use control panel. Another excellent choice is the Brio Self-Cleaning Bottleless Water Cooler. This model offers advanced filtration, including a UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. The self-cleaning feature keeps the dispenser sanitary with minimal maintenance. It also provides both hot and cold water, making it versatile for different needs. The Brio dispenser is known for its sleek design and reliable performance. Other Options The AquaTru Countertop Water Purifier is perfect for those looking for a compact and portable option. It uses a four-stage reverse osmosis system to remove a wide range of contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and fluoride. The AquaTru is easy to set up and doesn't require any plumbing, making it ideal for renters or those who want a simple solution. Its small size doesn't compromise its ability to provide high-quality, purified water. The ZeroWater ZP-010 Water Filter Pitcher is an affordable and portable option for smaller spaces. It uses a five-stage filtration system to remove impurities and improve the taste of tap water. The pitcher has a built-in water quality meter, so you can always be sure of the water's purity. It's a great choice for individuals or small families who want an easy and cost-effective way to get clean drinking water. Choosing the Right Dispenser for Your Needs First, consider the size of your space and the number of people who will use the dispenser. For a small office or home, a countertop or under-sink model might be best. These options save space and still provide plenty of clean water. For larger offices, a freestanding or bottle-less model can handle higher demand and reduce the hassle of frequent refills. Next, think about your budget. Filtered water dispensers come in a range of prices. Higher-end models offer advanced features like hot and cold water options. They also often have self-cleaning functions and multiple filtration stages. If you're looking for something more affordable, there are basic models that still provide good filtration without extra features. You should also consider the maintenance required. Some dispensers need regular filter changes and cleaning to keep them working well. Look for models with easy-to-replace filters and clear maintenance instructions. If convenience is important, choose a model with features like filter change indicators or self-cleaning systems. Installation and Maintenance Tips Proper installation and maintenance of your filtered water dispenser ensure it runs efficiently and provides clean water. Start by choosing a location with easy access to a water line and electrical outlet. Make sure the area is flat and stable to avoid any spills or accidents. For under-sink models, ensure there's enough space and that the plumbing connections are secure. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your dispenser in top condition. Most units require filter changes every few months. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific timeline. Some models have indicators that alert you when it's time to replace the filter, making maintenance easier. Always use the recommended filters to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. Cleaning the dispenser regularly helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants. Wipe down the exterior and clean the drip tray as needed. For models with a self-cleaning feature, activate this function according to the instructions. Office Water Solutions Choosing the right filtered water dispensers can greatly enhance the health and hydration of your home or office. At Ideal Pure Water, we've fanatic about delivering clean and safe water to your home or office. And the results speak for themselves. Almost 8,000 local business and residential customers rely on Ideal Pure Water for their essential drinks. That's more than two million gallons of purified water every year. Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your office water needs !
Keeping your employees well-hydrated is vital to their peak performance. Learn the benefits of offering your staff pure bottled water here.