The Evolution of the Watercooler

For many office workers, Monday morning catch-ups around the watercooler have become an anticipated tradition, or at the very least, a common event that unfolds rather naturally. Ever since workspaces began to provide communal water sources for employees in the early 20th century, people have been "gathering 'round the watercooler,” to do more than just hydrate, but to join in the unofficial town square of the workspace—a hub for social interaction and informal networking.

As industrialization led to the rise of large-scale office environments, watercooler culture quickly followed. The watercooler became a place where employees congregated, and it’s where they found opportunities to bond, exchange ideas, and build camaraderie. What began as a simple (and since mandated) utility quickly evolved into a cornerstone of workplace culture, shaping how colleagues connect and collaborate.

In both early office and public-facing workspaces, the watercooler was a place that was generally hidden from view. Though done partly to keep this hidden from customers or guests, it had the added benefit of being a special, reserved place for employees, helping foster a sense of inclusion and camaraderie. Over the last couple of decades, that idea has shifted. Most modern offices have moved the watercooler to a more open, central location, particularly amidst the ride of open-floor style offices. Instead of being tucked away, the watercooler (in all of its modern forms) is often now somewhere that can be seen by almost anyone in the office, which helps to spark chance encounters and impromptu meetings that can spark discussion and innovation.

While OSHA requires all employers to provide potable water for their employees, going above and beyond goes an incredibly long way in making employees feel valued and keeping them hydrated—and happy, too.  Plus, with a welcomed increased focus on the importance of health and wellness in the workplace and a steadily growing need to diversify drinking options, there’s a significant and growing demand for healthy options that still taste great versus traditional sugary drinks from, say, a vending machine. 

By providing options like flavored water, fruit-infused drinks, herbal teas, carbonated waters and other low-sugar, wellness-driven beverages, employers can cater to diverse preferences and tastes. Organizations can also show a commitment to developing and sustaining a healthier, happier and more personalized work environment.

Photo from Bevi

In addition to growing beverage options, advancements in technology and the introduction of AI  have further revolutionized office beverage services — ushering in a new era of convenience and customization. Automated water dispensers, IoT-enabled appliances, and personalized drink customization options have become increasingly common, allowing employees to easily access their preferred beverages. Take the Bevi, for example, a smart water machine that allows users to completely personalize their water with everything from carbonation levels to flavors and enhancements with an added focus on sustainability. The machine has the ability to pour about 90 glasses per hour, saving up to 50,000 plastic water bottles or cans from landfills and saving employers thousands of dollars in the process. 

The integration of technology has not only streamlined the process of beverage consumption but has enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity by minimizing disruptions, maximizing convenience, building connections and providing cost-saving, sustainable options that previously did not exist.