Picking a water dispenser for the office used to be simple. You’d just get the big plastic bottle, flip it upside down, and hope no one made a mess.
But today? The bar is higher.
People actually care about how they hydrate. What it tastes like, where it comes from, and how sustainable it is. And the right water dispenser doesn’t just tick a box. It supports your team’s energy, productivity, and even how they feel about their work environment.
Whether you’re setting up a new space or just replacing that ancient cooler in the corner, this guide will help you find a setup your team will actually use (and love).
Why Water Dispensers Actually Matter
Let’s start with the big picture.
Hydration impacts everything: focus, mood, energy levels. And in a busy office, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water unless the setup makes it super easy and enjoyable.
We go deeper into this in Do Water Coolers Actually Help Us Drink More Water at Work?, but here’s the short version: if water is accessible, visible, and tasty, people will drink more of it. Simple as that.
Your 5-Step Guide to Picking the Right One
1. What does your team actually like?
Are your coworkers more into still or sparkling water? Do they often bring flavored drinks from home because they find plain water too dull? Consider what your team truly wants, not just what looks appealing in a brochure. Find something that keeps them hydrated and engaged – after all, over 54% of Gen Z employees are seeking coffee alternatives. Additionally, 86% of the workforce isn't consuming enough water.
Think about introducing options that add variety, like fruit-infused or vitamin-enhanced water. This way, you’re not just offering a basic necessity – you’re turning hydration into a workplace perk that employees can actually look forward to.
2. How big is your team (and how thirsty)?
A small group might be fine with a countertop setup. But if you’ve got 30+ people walking past the dispenser every hour, go for something built to keep up.
Larger teams might benefit from a dispenser that offers both still and sparkling water, catering to different preferences while ensuring there’s enough supply to meet the demand. Also, consider the flow rate – faster dispensing means less time spent waiting and more time staying productive.
3. Who’s in charge of keeping it clean and stocked?
Spoiler: No one wants that job. Pick a dispenser that doesn’t require constant monitoring or tricky cleaning routines. Your office manager will thank you.
Some dispensers come with self-cleaning features or automated refill alerts, making it easier to manage without dedicating extra time or resources. Look for options that provide built-in filters, ensuring that the water quality remains top-notch without the hassle of frequent maintenance.
4. Can it make water actually exciting?
Let’s be honest, plain water isn’t always enough to get people to refill. But when it tastes good? When it feels like a treat? That’s when hydration habits start to stick. Look for dispensers that offer flavored water, sparkling options, and functional ingredients like vitamins or antioxidants. These extras turn a basic sip into something people actually look forward to, and that means more hydration without the effort.
Consider these ways to elevate hydration in the workplace:
Flavors:
Infuse water with natural fruit flavors like lemon, berry, or cucumber.
Look for dispensers that offer rotating flavor options to keep things interesting.
Vitamins:
Boost hydration with vitamin-enriched options.
Vitamins like B12, C, and electrolytes can turn a simple glass of water into a revitalizing pick-me-up.
Sparkling Water:
Add some fizz to the mix with sparkling options.
Sparkling water can serve as a soda alternative, offering a refreshing way to stay hydrated without added sugar.
According to recent studies, employees who have access to flavored and sparkling water options are 30% more likely to refill throughout the day, leading to better hydration and higher productivity.
5. Is it helping you hit your sustainability goals?
If you're trying to cut down on single-use plastics or soda cans, a modern, bottleless water dispenser is a solid move. And as mentioned in step 4, look for one that offers sparkling and sugar-free flavored water; you’ll help your team hydrate while reducing waste and ditching sugary drinks in one go.
Here’s how to align hydration solutions with your green initiatives:
Reduce Plastic Waste:
A bottleless water dispenser eliminates single-use plastics, cutting down on waste.
Track the number of plastic bottles saved each month and share those results with the team.
Promote Reusable Bottles:
Encourage employees to bring their own bottles and refill throughout the day.
Provide branded, reusable bottles as part of an office welcome kit.
Highlight the Impact:
Compare the environmental footprint of plastic bottles vs. a refillable dispenser.
Join the club
Ready to Upgrade Employee Hydration? Schedule a call or download our brochure.
Bottled Water vs. Water Dispensers: What’s Better?
We hear this one a lot: Are dispensers really a better option than single-use bottles or cans? The answer is a resounding yes – and here’s why:
Unlike traditional bottled water, dispensers provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered water without the constant influx of plastic waste. Instead of dealing with bulky deliveries and storage hassles, your team gets unlimited access to hydration right from the tap.
And that’s not all – many modern dispensers also let you track how much plastic you’re saving, transforming every refill into a measurable, feel-good impact.
The Benefits of Switching to Dispensers:
Cut the Plastic: No more single-use bottles piling up in bins.
Streamlined Supply: Say goodbye to truck deliveries and excessive packaging.
Always Fresh: Instant access to pure, filtered water – whenever you need it.
Meet Aquablu REFILL+: A Smarter Way to Hydrate
If you’re looking for a setup that checks all the boxes: convenience, flavor, sustainability, wellness, you’ll want to check out Aquablu REFILL+.
It’s easy to use, looks great in modern spaces, and cuts down on both waste and sugary drinks, making everyone from HR to Facilities to Finance happy.
✓ Healthy environment
✓ Vitamines & Minerals
✓ Improve sustainability
✓ Happy employees
One Last Thing: Think Long-Term
If you’re choosing a water dispenser today, you’re not just thinking about this week—you’re setting the tone for the kind of workplace you want to build.
And if you’re thinking long-term, you’ve got to consider the people who’ll shape the workplace for the next few decades.
Enter Gen Z.
They’re just getting started in their careers, and they’re already influencing how offices are designed, how teams communicate, and yes, how companies hydrate. They want options that are sustainable, functional, and genuinely good for them. They’re reading labels, avoiding sugar, and fully expect their office to support their daily wellness habits.
by
/