We all know that drinking water is healthy. Yet we forget about it en masse in the office. Not because we don't want to, but because it's just not a priority. Between meetings, to-do's and Slack notifications, we reach for coffee faster than a glass of water.

But let just that hydration make the difference in how sharp, energetic and focused you get through the day.

The solution? No extra rules, just smart choices that make it easier (and more fun) to drink.

Why do employees often drink too little?

1 in 5 Belgian employees think that enough is really being done in their workplace to encourage healthy drinking.

What are the thresholds?

• Water is often ... boring
• Drinks are not visible or accessible
• People simply forget to drink
• Soft drinks and coffee have become "the norm"

How to make drinking attractive though

1. Make water visible and accessible

A tap in a forgotten corner? Not very inviting. A reusable bottle on someone's desk? Much better.

💡 Think about:

• Water taps in central locations
• Bottles that you refill in one motion
• Variations with effervescent or flavored water

👉 Make sure drinking doesn't take any effort.

2. Give water an upgrade

Not everyone likes pure water and they don't have to!

Provide variety that does not require concessions:

• Infusions with mint, citrus or cucumber
• Functional drinks with vitamins or natural caffeine
• Lightly flavored sparkling water

Water may well get an upgrade. As long as it remains healthy.

3. Link drinking to existing habits

Instead of imposing something new on people, integrate hydration into what they are already doing:

• After your morning coffee → glass of water
• When printing → just refill
• During a team meeting → a refill round

🎯 The less you have to think about it, the more likely you are to actually do it.

4. Make it visible and fun

A poster above the faucet does not work as well as a small reminder on the desk. Consider:

• Notifications or reminders in Slack/Teams
• Hydration challenges among colleagues
• Bottle with times on it ("already 11 a.m.? Time for a glass.")
• Displays showing "already tapped X liters today" in common areas

Make it fun, light and visible!

5. Give people freedom of choice

Not everyone wants the same thing. Some want flavor, others pure. Some want effervescence, others tranquility. Give your colleagues options without judgment.

What can you do as an employer?

• Provide a mix: flat, effervescent, cold, flavored
• Provide a tap or dispenser instead of individual bottles
• Provide info on what is in a drink clearly visible

Conclusion: it's in the little things

When people feel good, they work better. But in many offices, drinking water is confined to a footnote. When in reality it is a basic requirement for energy, clear thinking and well-being.

And the good news? You don't have to become a health coach to make a difference. Small behavior + smart infrastructure = impact.

💧 Water doesn't have to be exciting, just inviting.
🏢 In the office, that starts with: visible, simple, and a little fun.

And who knows? Maybe that refill break will become the new coffee conversation.

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