Picking a water dispenser for the office used to be simple. You’d just get the big plastic bottle, flip it upside down, and hope no one made a mess.
But today? The bar is higher.
People actually care about how they hydrate. What it tastes like, where it comes from, and how sustainable it is. And the right water dispenser doesn’t just tick a box. It supports your team’s energy, productivity, and even how they feel about their work environment.
Whether you’re setting up a new space or just replacing that ancient cooler in the corner, this guide will help you find a setup your team will actually use (and love).
Why Water Dispensers Actually Matter
Let’s start with the big picture.
Hydration impacts everything: focus, mood, energy levels. And in a busy office, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water unless the setup makes it super easy and enjoyable.
We go deeper into this in Do Water Coolers Actually Help Us Drink More Water at Work?, but here’s the short version: if water is accessible, visible, and tasty, people will drink more of it. Simple as that.
Your 5-Step Guide to Picking the Right One
If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a quick checklist that makes the decision a lot easier:
1. What does your team actually like?
Are they still vs. sparkling people? Do they get bored with plain water and sneak in flavored drinks from home? Think about what your coworkers actually want, not just what looks good in a brochure.
2. How big is your team (and how thirsty)?
A small group might be fine with a countertop setup. But if you’ve got 30+ people walking past the dispenser every hour, go for something built to keep up.
3. Who’s in charge of keeping it clean and stocked?
Spoiler: No one wants that job. Pick a dispenser that doesn’t require constant monitoring or tricky cleaning routines. Your office manager will thank you.
4. Can it make water actually exciting?
Let’s be honest, plain water isn’t always enough to get people to refill. But when it tastes good? When it feels like a treat? That’s when hydration habits start to stick. Look for dispensers that offer flavored water, sparkling options, and functional ingredients like vitamins or antioxidants. These extras turn a basic sip into something people actually look forward to, and that means more hydration without the effort.
5. Is it helping you hit your sustainability goals?
If you're trying to cut down on single-use plastics or soda cans, a modern, bottleless water dispenser is a solid move. And as mentioned in step 4, look for one that offers sparkling and sugar-free flavored water; you’ll help your team hydrate while reducing waste and ditching sugary drinks in one go.
Bottled Water vs. Water Dispensers: What’s Better?
We hear this one a lot, and the answer’s pretty clear. Water dispensers win. Every. Damn. Time.
Here’s why:
No more single-use bottles piling up
No truck deliveries or plastic packaging
Just fresh, filtered water straight from the tap
Plus, many dispensers let you track how much plastic you’ve saved, which is a fun and easy way to show off your team’s impact.
Meet Aquablu REFILL+: A Smarter Way to Hydrate
If you’re looking for a setup that checks all the boxes: convenience, flavor, sustainability, wellness, you’ll want to check out Aquablu REFILL+.
It’s easy to use, looks great in modern spaces, and cuts down on both waste and sugary drinks, making everyone from HR to Facilities to Finance happy.
One Last Thing: Think Long-Term
If you’re choosing a water dispenser today, you’re not just thinking about this week—you’re setting the tone for the kind of workplace you want to build.
And if you’re thinking long-term, you’ve got to consider the people who’ll shape the workplace for the next few decades.
Enter Gen Z.
They’re just getting started in their careers, and they’re already influencing how offices are designed, how teams communicate, and yes, how companies hydrate. They want options that are sustainable, functional, and genuinely good for them. They’re reading labels, avoiding sugar, and fully expect their office to support their daily wellness habits.
Curious what else they care about?
Download our free eBook: Gen Z 101 – Gen Z Insights Businesses Need to Know
Use the form below to grab your copy and get a deeper look into what makes the next generation of employees tick (and sip).
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