Apr 2022
In 2019 alone, more than 60% of employees had the option to use a standing desk from their employers, up from 20% in 2014. One can only assume that number has grown with the growth of work-from-home and hybrid working situations. Office Design matters and what you can offer your employees, visitors, and customers has direct links to employee and client retention.
We know that sitting for prolonged periods of time is bad for your health, but what are the quantifiable, scalable benefits of a sit-stand desk? Let’s explore what gains can be made, physically, mentally, and financially, from an adjustable sit-stand desk.
Back Pain Be Gone!
If you’re sitting while reading this, consider your posture. Are you slumped over a computer, phone, or tablet? Are you leaning back in your chair? How does your back feel? Chances are there is at least one crick in your back from sitting for so long. This potentially low-grade inflammation, if not treated, can have lasting effects on your physical and mental health. Moving to an adjustable sit-stand desk can greatly ease your back pain and the potential mental health stressors that can often follow. Furthermore, it can strengthen muscles in your back, improving your posture and lessening the stress on your hips and shoulders.
Breaking the Links to Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
It’s no secret that standing burns more calories than sitting- up to 160 calories per 3 hours, in fact. How can this benefit you further? Did you know that standing for up to 3 hours per day can lower blood sugar spikes up to 43%? And furthermore, alternating from sitting to standing every 30 minutes can lower blood sugar spikes up to 11%. These two benefits of a sit-stand desk, raising caloric output and managing blood sugar spikes, will help lower your risk of heart disease by 50%.
Maximize Your Time and Improve Productivity
You’d be amazed at how much more focused you are when you are standing. This is because your muscles are engaged, helping to keep you upright. With improved posture, as stated above, your blood flow will increase. When your blood flow increases, everything improves. You’ll be able to pump out more work during the hours when you’re alternating between sitting and standing than if you were strictly sitting all day. This will not only help your personal work portfolio, but will maximize your output, thus making your company more money out of your hours working.
Feelin’ Groovy
The physical benefits of a sit-stand desk are matched by the psychological benefits. Being physically active releases endorphins. Endorphins relieve pain, reduce stress, and ultimately make you happier. Your mood will improve ten-fold after using a sit-stand desk for a period of several hours a day. In addition, your energy levels will increase, further improving your productivity.
Tips for Your Sit-Stand Desk
Now that you’re on board with the health and financial benefits of a sit-stand desk, you’ll be wondering about how to best use it and set up the best workstation for you. First, ensure you are always wearing comfortable shoes that allow for equal distribution of weight on the foot. Second, use a padded or cushioned standing mat. This will help combat foot-fatigue. Third, every 30 minutes to an hour, walk a bit. Go get a coffee or a glass of water. Check in with a coworker on a project. Movement will help to immensely improve your stamina both physically and in terms of your productivity.