HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING


TAPPING INTO A SOLUTION


As the wellbeing concept infiltrates workplaces, what can employers do to ensure their drinking water supply supports this? Zip Water UK reports.


Living healthily has transformed over recent years, and the wider ‘wellness’ or ‘wellbeing’ concept is now increasingly popular. Much more than just eating your five a day and getting regular exercise, wellbeing applies to all aspects of daily living to take care of mind, body and soul. This may be more achievable for home-life, but wellbeing at work is hugely important to ensure a productive, happy workforce.


Studies have shown that employees who are happier and healthier are more productive and take fewer sick days, so it makes sense that more employers are investing in ways to ensure the comfort of their staff.


Modern offices are becoming more flexible, with light and space all considered - even ways to ensure workers move more - making working conditions comfortable, enjoyable and healthy. But in addition to the building itself, how can facilities managers maximise employee wellbeing?


Why water matters


One such detail is ensuring the inclusion of a filtered drinking water system. The UK Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations of 1992 (regulation 22) states that employers must provide an adequate supply of drinking water for all employees that is free from contamination, easily accessible and fit for purpose.


As well as the legal requirement is the simple fact that water is crucial to wellbeing. Even in a sedentary role, where we may not consider hydration to be as important as roles that include physical activity, the body loses water, and even slight dehydration can impact on brain function. In fact, just a 1% drop in hydration causes a 12% drop in productivity.


But, whether you want a system that delivers filtered chilled water for instant refreshment or boiling water for that much needed cup of tea, there are certain considerations that need to be made before specifying a new product or system.


Water quality encourages consumption Filtration makes all the difference, especially if you’re in a hard water area. Not only does it


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improve the taste and appearance of the water, but it helps the system live longer. An effective water filtration system will work to remove contaminants such as chlorine and sediments, and reduce the presence of pesticides, chemicals and bacteria.


Filtration can either take place at the point where the mains water feeds into the building (can be expensive and often means unnecessary filtered water at washing-up points) or selectively at individual drinking water points.


“A 1% drop in hydration causes a 12% drop in productivity.”


One of the best methods of filtration available is to use a sub-micron filter, which removes particles, bacteria and even microplastics which have been found in tap water. For example, our popular HydroTap, which provides boiling, chilled and sparkling water includes the latest 0.2 micron MicroPurity filtration. This is significantly better than a standard water filter jug - 25 times better in fact - meaning users will be able to taste a big difference.


Many workplaces are benefitting from specialist filtered boiling and chilled water taps and dispensers. These products deliver pure- tasting water in an instant, allowing users to quickly access refreshing water to hydrate as well as boiling water to make hot drinks - with no waiting around.


Our advanced range caters perfectly for environments looking for mains-fed filtered drinking water systems. Available in a number of capacities and finishes, these WRAS- approved systems offer a simple way to ensure employees are kept hydrated without the need for costly and environmentally-damaging single-use plastic bottles.


https://specify.zipwater.co.uk www.specify.zipwater.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM


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