As businesses push for a mass return to the office, workers are demanding greater workplace mental health and wellbeing support.

But what exactly are employees looking for when it comes to wellbeing support? And how can office amenities foster conversation, impact wellbeing, and improve productivity?

BRITA’s latest Refill Your Cup campaign reveals employers can improve staff wellbeing, productivity and retention by facilitating positive relationships in the office. Research revealed:

• Almost half (44%) of office workers said that simply talking to a colleague helps improve productivity at work
• For 43% working alongside a colleague in the office improves motivation
• And 31% find working alongside a colleague in the office helps them deal with stress

In fact, 75% of office workers would be more likely to stay in a job if they’ve built connections with colleagues.

Employers are facing a staffing crisis with poor mental health being the main cause of long- term sickness in the workforce . Working alongside a colleague has a positive impact on employees’ motivation and stress, this is particularly true for younger workers. 46% of Gen Z (18-24-year-olds) said working alongside somebody in the office improves their motivation, compared to 33% of 55-65-year-olds.

How can an office space boost employee wellbeing?
Having facilities in the office that can encourage connections between employees have a significant impact on mental health. Nearly half (46%) of office workers said that amenities to make hot and cold drinks with a water dispenser can help to facilitate conversations in the office and half (50%) expressed that their productivity improved after taking a tea or coffee break.

BRITA partnered with workplace wellbeing expert Gethin Nadin, MBPsS Psychologist and UK Mental Health Campaigner of the Year 2023, to get his insights on how employers can be proactive about wellbeing initiatives. He explains:

“Improving wellbeing in the workplace is far more about the micro things you can do as an employer than the big-ticket things that might take years and years to implement. It's tweaks to your policies, running surveys more frequently and looking at office design.

“Employers can create an environment that’s more conducive to the wellbeing of their employees by considering what the office can offer that homeworking can’t. Having social spaces and facilities where people can congregate and share ideas promotes casual encounters which are integral to wellbeing.”

To read more about Gethin’s insights in detail, visit, Can your office space boost employee wellbeing? (brita.co.uk)

When it comes to mental wellbeing in the workplace, having the RIGHT support in place is crucial. It’s never been more important for businesses to maintain an engaged and loyal workforce. This campaign highlights how BRITA can help employers use their office spaces to create a supportive, positive and productive workplace culture.

We know, more than a third (36%) said they would feel valued by their company if they had a water dispenser with cold, sparkling and still filtered water in the office. It might sound simple, but something as straightforward as installing a water dispenser to keep employees hydrated not only boosts creativity and productivity, but can also help your staff spark conversations, create those ‘water cooler moments’ and build the relationships that maintain good mental health in the workplace.

Visit the campaign page to learn more!