Water as a Driver of Quality of Life at Work

Commitments

We often think of workplace well-being in terms of ergonomics, remote work, and relaxation areas. Hydration is rarely mentioned, even though it has a direct impact on concentration, fatigue, morale, and performance. It’s a discreet, low-cost factor in workplace well-being that is particularly appreciated.

Water as a Driver of Quality of Life at Work

Water as a Driver of Quality of Life at Work

What the Studies Say

Cognitive performance

  • Concentration

    Concentration

    A fluid loss of 1 to 2 percent of body weight leads to a measurable decline in concentration, working memory, decision-making speed, and emotional regulation (INRAE, University of Montreal).

  • Fatigue

    Fatigue

    The mid-afternoon drowsiness is partly due to insufficient hydration. Many people compensate by consuming sugar. An easily accessible water fountain reverses this pattern.

  • Morale

    Morale

    Several studies in occupational psychology show a correlation between adequate hydration and emotional stability: less irritability and greater stress tolerance.

Why Your Employees Aren't Drinking Enough

Brakes

  1. Brake 01

    The fountain is far away

    It is 30 meters from the station; we go there twice a day instead of five times. Solution: Relocate it so that the maximum distance is limited to 25 meters.

  2. Brake 02

    The water doesn't look very appetizing

    A chlorine taste, lukewarm water, a questionable water pitcher. Solution: fresh filtered water—or even sparkling or flavored water.

  3. Brake 03

    No container within reach

    If there's no water bottle or glass nearby, we skip it. Solution: Provide each employee with their own water bottle.

  4. Brake 04

    Corporate Culture

    Drinking may be seen as “a waste of time.” Solution: Management sets an example by keeping a water bottle in plain sight.

  5. Brake 05

    The missing sparkling option

    Many people prefer sparkling water and resort to soda when it's not available. Solution: a water dispenser or faucet with a sparkling water option.

What the fountain actually provides

QVT Tool

  • Accessible Hydration

    Accessible Hydration

    A continuous supply of fresh water, right nearby—still or sparkling, whichever you prefer.

  • Social Break

    Social Break

    "Watercooler chats" are a well-documented phenomenon in the sociology of work. A discreet social hub.

  • Attention Marker

    Attention Marker

    High-quality equipment shows that the company cares about its employees. This has a positive psychological effect that is often underestimated.

  • Employer Brand

    Employer Brand

    Visible during job interviews, client visits, and open houses.

  • Cohesion Lever

    Cohesion Lever

    Water bottles with logos, avoiding advertising on bottles: these are all opportunities to bring people together.

5 Strategies to Implement

HR Recommendations

✓ One water cooler for a maximum of 20–25 people; below that number, usage drops
✓ Maximum distance of 25 m from the workstation; beyond that, usage decreases exponentially
✓ A sparkling water option on at least one water cooler reduces soda consumption by 30–50%
✓ Personalized water bottle for each employee, €5–15 per unit; quick ROI on the cups
✓ Regular communication: “Stay hydrated: 8 glasses a day,” along with tracking the amount of plastic waste avoided

Operational Recommendations

By size

  • Small businesses (5–20 people)

    Small businesses (5–20 people)

    1 conveniently located water fountain + individual water bottles + glass cups in the kitchen.

  • SMEs (20–100 employees)

    SMEs (20–100 employees)

    2 to 4 water fountains spread out throughout the venue + at least one with a sparkling water option + branded water bottles as a welcome gift.

  • Large Account (100+)

    Large Account (100+)

    1 water cooler per floor / per 25 people, with different models depending on the area (standard / filtered / flavored in the reception area).

Companies That Have Focused on Hydration

Trust

  • “The annual workplace quality of life survey showed a noticeable improvement in the work environment following the installation of the water fountains. An unexpected but real effect.”

    HR Department, Luxembourg

Your HR Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there a legal framework governing hydration in the workplace?

    In Luxembourg, employers must provide access to fresh drinking water, particularly in heated environments or when performing physical labor. Beyond being a legal requirement, this is a matter of occupational risk prevention.

  • Can a water fountain be a selling point for an employer brand?

    It’s a noticeable detail that contributes to the overall atmosphere. It’s not something to highlight on its own in a job posting, but it shows that the company cares about its employees. Candidates notice this.

  • What measurable impact can we expect?

    Several internal studies at large companies have found a 20 to 30 percent increase in water consumption per employee following the installation of a high-quality water cooler. The impact on concentration is harder to measure but is often noticeable.

  • How can the water fountain be integrated into a comprehensive quality-of-work-life initiative?

    Multiple perspectives: the “work environment” component of the QVT survey, communication related to a broader wellness program (sports, ergonomics, nutrition), and inclusion in CSE reports.

  • What should you say to reluctant managers (“It’ll distract the teams”)?

    No study shows a negative impact on productivity. On the contrary: better hydration = better concentration. Chats at the water cooler are also opportunities for informal coordination, which are often productive.

Hydration: A Simple and Popular Tool for Enhancing Quality of Life at Work.

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