Workplace Water Dispenser Etiquette: Top Tips For Thirsty Work

There's nothing worse than sitting at your desk with a throat dryer than the Sahara desert. In the winter, the radiators on full blast can dry out our skin (the largest organ in your body), and in the summer, we lose so much water by cooling down.

When I worked previously as a teacher, it was customary to take breaks during longer lessons so students could take five minutes and grab some water. Though everything was fine in my day, there are untold numbers of offices around your country that are a bit dry, as it were, in the workplace water etiquette dispenser etiquette.

Here are my top tips for your brain to sip on next time:

Don't hog the water dispenser

Yes, I know you might be gasping, but you are not the only one, so if other people want to grab a quick drink, don't stand there getting cup after cup. If there is a rush from a group of colleagues, then there is no need to panic or mark your territory. Form an orderly queue and wait to refill your cup until it is clear (no pun intended).

Take a minute, not fifteen minutes

It's supposed to be a quick break. There's no need to run there, and there's equally no need to drag it out and linger. Make a decision to drink it at a quicker pace at the dispenser or take it back to your desk. Walking around with your cup aimlessly is not a good look. It might look silly or unprofessional in more demanding business environments.

Asses your hydration needs

If you find yourself getting cup after cup, it might be time to bring in an actual bottle or some other more voluminous container for your water. Being hydrated is so important for your health, mental clarity, and alertness.

Working at a computer for 8 hours a day can get a little nauseating with the screen time making you prone to headaches. In this case, staying hydrated is essential.

No, coffee does not count.

Don't talk shop

Some offices like to use the water dispenser area to unwind for a little bit. If these breaks get allocated in your work time, and it is the company's intention for a little reset, then get to know your colleagues a little more, catch up with them, or engage in general chit-chat.

Be careful, however. You wouldn't talk shop at your desk (e.g. talking about personal salaries and contracts), so do not do it at the water dispenser. You may think it is fine, but you never know who is listening.

Plus, it's just not proper workplace etiquette. Period.

The conversation should always be kept light and positive where possible.