Keeping Warehouse Teams Cool and Compliant: Water Service Best Practices
Warehouse workers are no strangers to physical labor. Working hard physically just comes with the territory for employees in this field, and a powerful thirst is sure to develop during a long shift. Making fresh, clean water readily available is not only necessary to remain compliant, but it’s also critical to get the most out of your people and ensure that they have a safe, comfortable working environment.
Fortunately, getting water service right comes down to hitting on just a few key points. If you’d like assistance making sure you are getting the fundamentals right with the water service in your warehouse, reach out today to InReach to learn more about what we offer.
The Many Benefits of Convenient Water Access
You already know that it’s necessary to provide water to your people while they are on the job. It’s required by law, and you certainly have some type of water service already in place. So, why is it worth the effort and money to upgrade those services?
Start with performance. Employees who are well-hydrated will be able to maintain a steady energy level throughout the day and get more work done. Dehydration is linked to many negative outcomes, including fatigue, headaches, and heat-related illness. Making it as easy as possible for workers to access quality water will make dehydration less likely, and their performance will rise as a result.
Safety is also an important piece of the puzzle here. When someone is dehydrated, they will struggle to focus properly, and important safety actions may be missed. The last thing you want is a dangerous situation to develop in a warehouse setting. With the combination of better performance and improved safety sitting on the table, it’s easy to see why you’d want to make the effort to optimize your water service right away.
Four Best Practices for Water Service in a Warehouse
So, what does good water delivery service in a warehouse setting look like? There are various ways to get the job done, but you’ll want to make sure the four points below are considered.
- Multiple Access Points. You don’t want workers to be walking long distances across the floor to get a drink. If that’s the case, they’ll skip it more often than not. Spread out the water access locations so no one is ever far from a sip.
- Regular Maintenance. This is essential. Employees need to trust that the water is clean and safe to drink. Dispensers that are cleaned regularly and work properly will provide this kind of trust.
- Temperature Control. Having cold water available is crucial, especially during hot weather. Workers will be more likely to drink regularly if the water is at a refreshing temperature.
- Backup Solutions. Even a quality machine could break down or need service from time to time. Having a supply of bottled water on hand to fill in the gap and keep everyone hydrated is a smart strategy.
A Quick Boost for Morale
It’s always important to keep morale high in any workplace, and warehouses are no different. You want your people to be in a good place mentally while on the job, as that will lead to better performance and higher retention rates.
Providing easy access to fresh, cold water isn’t the only thing needed to keep morale high, but it’s a piece of the puzzle. Your people will notice that you are investing in their well-being and that you are about their needs. Basic, fundamental amenities like easy access to water during a break can add up in a big way to make an employee’s experience a positive one.
Water Service Shouldn’t Be a Headache
Are proper water delivery services important in your warehouse? Of course. Should managing that service take up a ton of your time and attention, or cost a fortune? Absolutely not. With InReach as your trusted partner, you’ll be able to put a water service program in place that is reliable and as convenient as possible.
Proudly part of Sodexo, InReach offers global reach, customized attention, and a large, growing buying network that keeps food costs low and quality high. Contact us today to learn more.