More and more often, companies are choosing a water machine over a coffee machine. This is in line with the increasing importance of vitality and happiness in the workplace, as companies look to improve well-being and productivity. For facility managers or HR managers, promoting a healthy workplace environment is a top priority.
While providing employees with coffee and other caffeinated beverages has been a common practice, it is important to consider the impact of these drinks on both health and the environment. In this article, we will explore the benefits of drinking water for vitality and health and why coffee consumption is decreasing in popularity due to its negative impacts on both people and planet. There is a new kid on the block: the water machine, and it is time for the coffee machine to give way for a more sustainable and healthy solution.
By the end of this article, you will understand why promoting water consumption within the workplace is essential for a healthy and sustainable workforce.
Key take-aways and coffee statistics
- 35% drinks coffee out of habit
- 8% drinks coffee to drink sufficient water
- 40%-50% of the drinks from coffee machines are water related
Water versus coffee
It is time for the battle of the ages: coffee versus water, and why water should be your drink of choice.
Alright, maybe we are slightly biased as it is our mission to make functional and healthy water available for everyone around the world. But nonetheless, there is a big trend currently in the workplace: coffee machines are no longer the standard in the modern office, as coffee machines are being replaced by water machines that offer functional water (filtered water with extra vitamins). And with good reason. Numerous studies show that drinking sufficient water positively influences one’s health, happiness, productivity and much more.
Water is increasing in popularity, but coffee is still a popular drink all around the world. In the Netherlands, Dutchies drink quite a lot of coffee. 8,4KG coffee per capita per year to be precise. That is an average of 4,2 cups of coffee a day. Finland tops the list with an average of 12 kg a year. In this article, you can find the top 5 countries around the world with the highest coffee consumption in the world.
Drinking coffee out of habit or not having a healthy alternative
People often drink coffee out of habit, or simply because there is no healthy alternative. Research shows that 34% drinks coffee out of habit, and 8% drinks coffee to drink sufficient water. A better way to hydrate and drink water is to drink actual water instead of coffee. Around 40% of all the drinks from coffee machines are water (hot or cold water). Indicating that there is indeed a demand for water.
There are also many people who do not like the taste of tapwater. They do not like the taste of chlorine for example, a taste that the tapwater in Europe can contain. Or the sink is not hygienic and covered with dishes, and they are not compelled to drink water. There are many reasons people give us when we asked them about their hydration preferences at work. But most mentioned the lack of a healthy coffee alternative as the main reason for their coffee beverage choice.
34% drinks coffee out of habit, and 8% drinks coffee to drink sufficient water.
Benefits of drinking water
Water is essential to life. The human body is made up of approximately 60% water, and staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining good health and vitality. In contrast, coffee, a popular beverage choice among many people, can have negative effects on both health and the environment. We explored the benefits of drinking water for vitality and health and why coffee can bad for both the environment and personal health.
Drinking enough water is essential for good health. Water is involved in almost every bodily function, from regulating body temperature to aiding digestion and removing waste products. Drinking enough water can help improve skin health, prevent constipation, and even aid in weight loss. Staying hydrated can also help you feel more alert and focused, which is important for maintaining productivity and performance throughout the workday.
Drinking sufficient water and staying hydrated results in people being 14% more productive and happy in life.
Coffee and the environment
Coffee is a popular beverage choice for many, but it has significant negative impacts on the environment. When we look at the ethical and sustainable side of coffee, there are two main issues: the exploitation of farmers and communities growing the beans and the unethical misuse of the land and pesticides to increase the harvest. This is often a direct consequence of the exploitation of farmers.
The production of coffee requires a lot of resources, including land, water, and energy. Additionally, coffee production can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, particularly in areas like rainforests where coffee is grown. The excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers in coffee cultivation can also have harmful effects on soil and water quality.
Furthermore, the disposable coffee cups that are commonly used in offices are a major source of waste. These cups are not recyclable or biodegradable, meaning they end up in landfills where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. As facility managers or HR managers, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact of coffee consumption within your workplace.
Can coffee be sustainable?
Does this mean that drinking coffee is always bad for you or the environment? Well, it is unfortunately not as simple as that. Coffee production can be more sustainable by incorporating practices such as efficient water uses practices, better crop management, fair prices or using sustainable fertilizers. But for every cup of coffee consumed, about one square inch of rainforest is destroyed. Coffee farms still lead to chemical runoffs in rivers too often and biodiversity loss and soil erosion are too often negative side effects of coffee plantages.
The effect of drinking coffee on your health
While coffee has some potential health benefits, such as improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of certain diseases, consuming too much caffeine can have negative effects on health. Drinking too much coffee can lead to increased anxiety, insomnia, and even heart palpitations. Additionally, coffee can be addictive, leading to withdrawal symptoms if consumption is reduced or stopped. This can lead to headaches when the coffee consumption is lower, for example in the weekend.
For healthy persons, drinking one or two cups of coffee per day is not bad for your health. But it can be bad for your teeth.
Another issue with coffee consumption is the amount of sugar and cream or milk that is often added to it. These additions can significantly increase the calorie count and lead to weight gain, which can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
A average cup of cappuccino with full milk contains 39 calories, 2,9g fat and 2,9 carbohydrates. A glass of water contains 0 calories.
Conclusion
While coffee may be a popular beverage choice, water should be the drink of choice for promoting health and productivity in the workplace. Encouraging employees to stay hydrated by providing access to clean, fresh water can lead to improved health and vitality. Additionally, reducing the consumption of coffee and disposable coffee cups can have a positive impact on both the environment and health. As facility managers or HR managers, it is essential to consider the impact of beverage choices within the workplace and take steps to promote sustainable and healthy options.
Do you want to replace your koffiemachine for a watermachine? Request a brochure and see if our water solution fits your needs.
