The Stay Cooler! Campaign, which is about to be rolled out across the UK, is the brainchild of the British Water Cooler Association, which represents more than 50 water cooler companies nationwide.
Recent feedback from members showed a worrying trend in the cancellation of water cooler contracts in the public sector, which, the BWCA believed, could have a drastic impact on health and productivity in the workplace, a view shared by health experts, politicians and Trade Unions.
The campaign has been wise to make the best use of social media, centred around a Facebook page with daily updates, images, videos and blogs. In this fast-paced, technological age, this is surely the best way to garner support for the cause.
The campaign has also enlisted the help of members of parliament, who have taken the time to visit local water cooler companies and explore the facilities and products on offer. This has now resulted in an early day motion lodged in parliament by Tom Clarke MP following his visit to Cameron Water in Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
The motion, signed by 14 MPs, calls on the UK government to ensure that, Public expenditure cutbacks do not lead to the removal of essential water provision for public sector employees while recognising that drinking water is a critical component in tackling the UK’s ongoing health problems such as heart disease and obesity. This is surely an early result for the campaign.
In these cash-strapped times, when the humble water cooler is often one of the first office contracts to be cancelled, it’s vital that water cooler industry leaders and associations fight their corner in this way. This campaign is proving to be innovative and effective, and I’m sure we’ll be watching it progress even further in the months to come.
Hannah Oakman is editor of Cooler Innovation magazine. Subscribe here.
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