STAYING HYDRATED AT WORK
Staying hydrated may be the most vital and often neglected key to success in the workplace.
The benefits of hydration for our bodies are an often-discussed topic, as staying hydrated regulates body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, prevents infections, delivers nutrients to cells and keeps organs functioning properly. As well as this, staying well-hydrated also improves quality of sleep, cognition and mood.[1] But what impact does good hydration have on wellness in the workplace?
Well, for employee health, fitness and productivity, it is crucial to refresh it frequently during the working day.[2] As the human body contains over 60 percent water,[3] it won’t come as a surprise to find that dehydration greatly impacts cognition. With even minimal water loss, team members will have decreased concentration, a reduction in alertness and longer reaction times.[4] Dehydration will also have a negative effect that stretches beyond productivity.
- Physical performance – intensive exercise can lose anywhere between 5 and 10 percent of an individual’s water content.[5]
- Energy, focus and brainpower – failure to stay hydrated can cause tiredness, issues with attention and lack of brain functionality.[6]
- Headache relief – hydration can play a big role in preventing headaches and migraines.[7]
- Improved metabolism – an increase in drinking water can improve the process in which foods are converted into energy to fuel body functions.[8]
- Mood control – being well hydrated can improve an individual’s mood and improve the capacity for logical thought.[9]
Whilst everybody needs to stay hydrated at work, there is no set amount that everybody should be consuming, as various factors need to be considered. Whilst it is recommended to have a daily intake of two litres of water for women and two and a half litres for men,[10] a person’s age, gender and the amount of physical activity need to be taken into consideration.[11] It can be considered that staying hydrated at work is more important than staying hydrated at home as stress at work, long shifts, mental activity and commuting can contribute to the body losing water.[12] But the employer, whether they are a small business or a corporate organisation, needs to provide drinking water for staff by law.[13] Another one of the key tips would be for employees to drink water, rather than tea or coffee and do so during the day in small amounts to maintain the body’s fluid balance.[14]
Other factors to consider ensuring wellness at work is working conditions and the level of work that the employer is completing. If an employee is working in hot conditions or doing hard manual work, then their hydration level may cause respiratory problems.[15]
Lyreco have recently launched Lyreco Wellness, which is designed to provide companies with workplace wellness ideas that works and gives both employees and employers a range of benefits, including staying hydrated at work, which will improve productivity and staff morale in the long run. You can read our employee benefits guide here:
References:
[1]: 15 benefits of drinking water and other water facts (medicalnewstoday.com)
[2]: The importance of staying hydrated at work | Headspace (headspacegroup.co.uk)
[3]: What percentage of the human body is water? (medicalnewstoday.com)
[5]: Exercise – the low-down on hydration – Better Health Channel
[6]: How To Stop Feeling Tired: How Dehydration Can Cause Fatigue | DripDrop
[7]: Can dehydration cause headaches? – Harvard Health
[9]: 5 Emotional Benefits of Drinking Water – Absopure
[10]: What should I drink to stay hydrated? (bupa.co.uk)
[11]: How much water should I drink each day? (medicalnewstoday.com)
[12]: 10 facts – Dehydration and its effect on productivity at work – Aqua Cooler Direct
[13]: Drinking water in the workplace: What are the laws? | Johnson’s Vending (johnsonsvending.co.uk)
[14]: Does Tea Hydrate Better Than Water? (medicinenet.com)
[15]: The importance of staying hydrated at work | Headspace (headspacegroup.co.uk)
