Office Water Coolers

Water coolers offer surprising benefits in the workplace
By Melissa Haveman Employees love bottled water dispensers for many reasons, and you should too. Although you may think gatherings around office water coolers are a waste of your employee's time and your money, consider the benefits that one can provide to your business and its employees.
 

The benefits of an office water cooler dispenser include:

1. More productivity since your employees won't need to leave the office for a beverage.
   
2. The potential for a positive workplace culture to develop and grow.
   
3. Free water may be viewed as an added perk by employees.

Whether you want a basic model, a bottleless water dispenser, or one that can provide different water temperatures, a water cooler dispenser will benefit your business as you provide for your employees.

Do your research on bottled water services

You'll need a steady supply of fresh water once you buy a water cooler. If the retailer that you bought the water cooler dispenser from doesn't provide water delivery, you'll need to find a company that will bring bottled water to your office. As with other services, make sure that you know what the final price is for each delivery.
Try: Water.com lets you set up water delivery to your office. Culligan Water provides a free consultation and online ordering of its bottled water delivery service.

Measure your space for water cooler jugs

Although most office water coolers don't take up a lot of space, be sure that the one you choose will fit in the space you have available. If you're short on space, think about using a countertop unit, which will save you floor space. Remember that you'll also need space for extra water cooler bottles, unless you choose a bottleless option.
Try: The Beverage Factory has several countertop sized bottled water cooler dispensers for small spaces. Buy Water Coolers also has small-sized water dispensers.

Select water coolers that cool or heat water

While most people think of cold water when they think of water coolers, you can also find bottled water coolers that provide a steady supply of hot water along with the cold. Tea drinkers will love having on-demand hot water ready and waiting for them. Consider room temperature bottled water dispensers as some individuals are sensitive to the cold water in regular units.
Try: Diamond Springs sells water coolers that provide cold, hot, and room temperature water (scroll down to view the different models available). Crystal Quest offers several bottleless water coolers with hot and cold water.

Consider office decor when selecting water coolers

Bottled water coolers don't have to be boring or ugly. Rather than having an eyesore in your office, consider stainless steel, wood grain or other fashionable options. You can even find units that hide the water bottle from sight in a clean, modern looking unit.
Try: AquaVerve has some fashionable options for your office. Try Living in Comfort for distinctive water coolers that make a statement.

Go bottleless

Some manufacturers now offer bottleless filtered systems. You'll get the same convenience of regular water coolers without the bottle-and without the storage hassles that come with keeping extra bottles on hand between deliveries.
Try: Take a look at Pure 'n Natural’s bottleless office water coolers. Water Cooler Boy also has bottleless water coolers as well as a cost of ownership comparison of bottled and bottleless office water coolers.

• Have at least a few employees sample the water you are thinking of using to get their opinions on the water's taste. If that's not feasible, try the water yourself before deciding. Water from different locations can have a slightly different taste depending on mineral content and other factors.
• Ask your water delivery service whether they provide coffee or tea service as well. The coffee and tea supplies will be delivered to your office along with the water bottles. Employees will love the extra options.
• Look for Energy Star approved office water coolers. A standard unit with hot and cold water can use more energy than a refrigerator. You'll save money in the long run by purchasing an energy efficient water cooler dispenser.