Drinking enough water every day is important for your health. However, many of us don’t drink enough, let alone at work, although it would be beneficial. What obligations must the employer respect? What are the causes and consequences of dehydration? How to hydrate properly? What are the benefits of good hydration?
Employer’s obligations regarding hydration
Article R4225-2 of the Labor Code indicates that the employer must provide employees with drinking and fresh water (between 9 ° C and 12 ° C, without exceeding 15 ° C) so that they can drink .
The water can be distributed through a water fountain or a tap.
It is not compulsory to install water fountains in the company. However, 60% of employees whose companies have them believe that they have a positive effect on their water consumption. 70% of employees in small and medium-sized businesses would like to have a water cooler.
In addition, the employer must provide sinks with potable water. 48% of French people drinktap water . In the event of a faucet unfit for consumption, the installation of a water fountain will be necessary.
According to article Article R4225-3 of the Labor Code, when employees must hydrate frequently due to special working conditions , at least one non-alcoholic drink must be made available to them free of charge. After consulting the occupational physician, the CHSCT (or staff representatives), the employer draws up the list of positions concerned. The drinks and flavorings made available take into account the wishes of employees, after consulting the occupational physician.
Article R4225-4 specifies that the location of the beverage dispensing stations must be located near the workstations, in a place that complies with all hygienic conditions. The devices must be maintained and function properly. Drinks should be stored well to avoid contamination.
Tips for staying hydrated at work
Drinking is important, but at work it happens that we do not do enough for lack of time or simply because we do not think about it. Here are some tips and tricks to promote good hydration:
- Don’t wait to be thirsty: it’s a sign of dehydration
- Preferably drink cold water
- When you feel hungry, drinking water can calm your stomach.
- Favor fruits and vegetables made up of plenty of water (zucchini, grapes, watermelon, cucumber, apricot, spinach, etc.)
- Drink at least 1.5 L of water per day
- Drink in small amounts regularly
- Take breaks to drink
- Drink preferably outside of meals: 30 minutes before or 2 hours after
- Install (or request installation) a water fountain
- Use an app to help yourself drink more
- Hydrate more when taking drugs to facilitate the work of the kidneys
- Adapt your consumption to your needs (physical activity, illness, etc.)
- Drink drinks that you like ( organic tea , smoothie …)
Causes and consequences of dehydration
According to a study carried out in 2014, 80% of employees know how much water should be consumed per day, while almost half do not drink enough. One in three adults drinks less than a liter of water per day. In addition to that, dehydration can be caused by stress, a heavy workload, overheated offices …
Dehydration, even low, has many consequences:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Thirst
- Lack of concentration
- Tired
- Migraines
- Transit disorders
- Decreased energy
- Drop in productivity of 25% to 50% for a decrease of hydration of 3 to 4%
Benefits of good hydration
The human brain is made up of over 80% water. Good hydration is essential on a daily basis. Indeed, it allows:
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- To promote concentration
- To strengthen cognitive capacities
- Make the brain work better
- Eliminate toxins from the body
- To properly regulate body temperature
- Improve physical performance
- To relieve headaches
- To regulate your mood