The Facilities Manager has a difficult task ahead to maintain a healthy working environment whilst meeting the current needs of the business and its employees. In these challenging times, companies across the UK are being tasked with increasing productivity whilst reducing costs. So it comes as no surprise that everyday costs, such as the humble water cooler, can come under fire when the issue of budget cuts is discussed.
However, this is a potential short-term ‘quick fix’ that can have serious long term consequences for the business and its profitability. A recent study undertaken by King’s College, London, revealed that even mild thirst can decrease productivity by as much as 10 percent and hand and eye coordination will weaken at just one percent dehydration. A healthier workplace can lead to a lower sickness record and higher levels of staff retention, so how can a business cut costs without reducing productivity and staff wellbeing?
The cost for vending machine coffee is, on average, 10.74 pence per cup which can equate to more than £214 per week for a workforce of 50 drinking four cups a day. It would be an unwelcomed decision to take away the coffee machine altogether but costs can be saved. Employees can be asked to contribute towards the vending facilities or for a much easier to implement solution request that the same cup or mug is used for a day.
Fizzy drinks and bottled water, even when charged to employees, can still incur a weekly rental fee of around £12 per machine – equating to an annual bill of £1,200 for two machines! Placing water coolers around the working environment will ensure employees have access to cool, clean water and will save a substantial amount in rental fees.
Though costs cuts do not end there, as switching to mains supplied water coolers can save a business as much as 70% per year!
With all the cost cutting exercises in place, it is vital that the health of employees does not suffer and impact on productivity. There are a number of inexpensive (and free) tactics that can be implemented to ensure employees remain happy, productive and efficient. These include:
- Display signage next to to coffee-making facilities to encouraging a switch from caffeine-rich coffee to refreshing water. Place a water cooler nearby and consider providing squash and herbal tea as caffeine-free alternatives
- Communicate the first signs of thirst which include excessive yawning, lethargy, irritability, headaches and heat intolerance
- Remember that it is not just those in physical roles that require increased fluids during the working day. Desk workers are more likely to drink less if water is not close by and visible.
Uffe Hansen, Group Manager at AquAid said: ”Providing employees with a readily available supply of clean, fresh and chilled water helps encourage consumption in the workplace. This can lead to an increase in overall productivity for the company with a relatively small investment.”
AquAid can also support FMs in corporate responsibility, as by switching to AquAid water coolers, a business can at no cost to themselves help bring lifesaving water to poverty stricken Africans; over a million people have been supplied so far.
For further information on the importance of water for productivity and details on how your business can support charities such as Pump Aid visit www.aquaid.co.uk