Employees value workplace connections and facilities that foster social interaction.
The study highlights the importance of colleague connections for employee motivation and stress reduction, particularly among younger workers. Gen Z employees are more likely to report that working alongside someone in the office improves their motivation compared to older age groups.
The presence of facilities that encourage social interaction is also significant. Nearly half of the office workers surveyed stated that having a water dispenser for hot and cold drinks facilitates conversations in the office, and half of the respondents reported improved productivity after taking a tea or coffee break. These findings emphasize the value of creating an environment that promotes casual encounters and idea-sharing, which is integral to employee well-being.
Gethin Nadin, a psychologist and UK Mental Health Campaigner of the Year 2023 suggests that improving workplace well-being involves small adjustments to policies and office design. Employers should consider what the office environment can offer that remote work cannot, such as social spaces and facilities for collaboration.
Chris Dagenais, General Manager of BRITA VIVREAU UK, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an engaged and loyal workforce. He suggests that simple measures, like installing a water dispenser to keep employees hydrated, can enhance creativity, productivity, and mental health in the workplace. BRITA VIVREAU water dispensers provide a sustainable solution for businesses of all sizes, offering still, sparkling, and hot and cold filtered water to promote a positive workplace culture.
The research also reveals that having a water dispenser in the office makes employees feel valued by their company, with 36% reporting this sentiment. In comparison, only 25% of office workers would feel valued if given free after-work drinks on a Friday. However, the majority of offices do not have hot and cold water dispensers, with only 13% of respondents reporting the use of such a facility.
BRITA VIVREAU water dispensers are highlighted as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for providing high-quality water in the office. The dispensers feature an elegant design and can be installed in various office spaces, including reception areas, communal spaces, meeting rooms, and open-plan offices.