Most of us know we should be drinking more water. Still, when the workday gets busy, it’s easy for employees to reach for coffee, energy drinks, or a soda instead. Before you know it, those habits add up, leaving people tired, unfocused, and more likely to hit a wall by mid-afternoon. The good news? Making water the go-to beverage at work is one of the simplest ways to encourage workplace hydration and lift energy, improve focus, and support long-term health.
Water does more than just quench thirst. Did you know, proper hydration fuels brainpower, supports metabolism, and helps the body get rid of waste? Even mild dehydration can zap energy and slow down thinking, leaving people feeling sluggish and unmotivated. When people are hydrated, they’re sharper, more resilient, and less likely to confuse thirst for hunger or snack out of habit.
So, how do you actually get your team to drink more water, especially if they’re used to grabbing a coffee or soda on autopilot? Here are some practical ways to make hydration a priority.
Make Water Easy and Appealing
First, put water within reach. If you can, set up water coolers or filtered water stations in break rooms and near workspaces. Provide reusable water bottles or tumblers, bonus points if they’re branded with your company’s logo. Some companies go a step further and add a splash of flavor with fruit-infused water or sparkling options to make it more enticing.
And, don’t forget about your traveling workers and work-from-home employees. Consider sending electrolyte packets that can be added to water for those who may be working outside in the elements. Or even, water bottles with time reminders to encourage slow, steady water consumption throughout the day.
Encourage employees to bring water to meetings and lunches, and make water the default drink option when catering events. If your office has vending machines, consider pricing sugary drinks higher than bottled water or stocking more low-calorie options.
Build Water into Your Wellness Culture
All habits are easier to build with a little structure and some friendly competition, and healthy hydration is no exception.
Try launching a hydration challenge: have employees track their daily intake for a week or a month, with small rewards for hitting personal goals. Some teams use apps or simple tracking sheets. At WellSteps, we have the Go for H20 Challenge, complete with tracking and gamification.
Whatever method you choose to use to increase the fun factor, be sure it is visible and well communicated Try highlighting stories of employees who’ve seen improvements in energy and focus since upping their water intake.
Leadership can help set the tone, too. When managers model healthy hydration, it gives everyone else a nudge to do the same.
Practical Tips to Encourage Workplace Hydration
- Start each meeting with a reminder to take a sip.
- Offer water before any other beverage at company events.
- Encourage people to drink water before meals or snacks. Remember, sometimes what feels like hunger is really just thirst.
- Suggest aiming for half your body weight in ounces of water each day. (For example, someone who weighs 160 pounds would try for about 80 ounces).
- Replace one soda or sugary drink per day with water, and gradually increase from there.
- Celebrate small wins. Recognize teams or individuals who meet their hydration goals.
Why It Matters
We all know we should be drinking more water, by why? The benefits go way beyond just feeling less thirsty.
Individuals who stay hydrated often report steadier energy, fewer headaches, and sharper mental clarity. They’re less likely to overeat or crash mid-afternoon. Don’t those all sound like good things for employees, too?
But don’t worry, even small changes can add up. Before you know it your organization can master workplace Hydration. Don’t forget, a team that feels better physically is more likely to stay engaged, productive, and positive.
Water isn’t a magic cure all, but it’s a foundation for better health. By making water a visible, accessible part of your wellness culture, you’re giving your people a simple but powerful tool to feel their best, without adding to their to-do list.
At WellSteps, we help companies turn these kinds of healthy habits into lasting change. If you’re ready to build a culture where hydration is second nature and wellness comes naturally, we can help. Schedule a demo to see how our platform and challenges can energize your team, one glass at a time.