8 Benefits of Standing Desks in Your Office
Office-based jobs are typically associated with many hours of sitting at a desk working on a computer. But with a growing awareness and focus on well-being in the workplace, office setups are changing, and so are workers' habits. One change that has been hugely embraced is the introduction of standing desks - and with all the benefits they bring, it looks like they’re here to stay! If you’re thinking about making the change, we’ve compiled 8 benefits of standing desks to sway you even further.
What are Standing Desks?
A standing desk is a work setup that is designed to enable working while standing up. There are two types available: fixed-height standing desks, which are a set height, and sit-stand desks, also known as adjustable height desks, which allow you to alternate between sitting down and standing up.
Benefits of a Standing Desk
Standing desks offer many benefits and can have a positive impact on both health and productivity. Some of the main benefits include:
1. Lowers Risk of Weight Gain
Standing generally burns more calories than sitting, for some, this may be up to 50 calories more per hour. Throughout a typical workday and workweek, these additional calories can soon mount up, potentially contributing to preventing gradual weight gain. The real benefit here grows when you fully embrace the use of a standing desk within your daily routine, by stretching and taking short walks throughout the day.
2. Improves Posture
Standing desks naturally encourage you to maintain a more upright position, supporting the natural curve of your spine. This reduces the risk of developing poor posture, which can be an issue for people who spend a long time sitting down.
3. Reduces Neck and Back Pain
Encouraging less sedentary behaviour reduces the pressure on the lower back and neck, reducing the pain that you may experience when sitting down at your desk for many hours of the day. It is, however, important to remember that your standing desk must be suitable for your height, or you may find that you are stooping or stretching to see your screen, which may cause more pain!
4. Lowers the Risk of Developing Diabetes
5. Increases Communication and Collaboration
Standing in the office can encourage a more dynamic office culture where colleagues have more discussions. Team members can also gather around a screen more easily to interact and collaborate on projects.
6. Boosts Energy and Mood
With many users reporting higher energy levels and improved moods, the impact that standing desks can have extends beyond physical benefits. This is likely due to the increased movement that standing allows, which triggers endorphins. Endorphins have also been shown to reduce stress.
7. Increases Productivity
The enhanced focus that is linked to standing and moving can help improve cognitive function, meaning you are more likely to experience increased productivity while using a standing desk. The improved posture and reduced aches and pains linked to using a standing desk also mean that you are less distracted and may find it easier to engage with your tasks.
8. Supports Long-Term Team Well-Being
By integrating standing desks into your office environment, you’re investing in your team’s long-term health and well-being, which will likely have a positive impact on morale. With healthier employees, you may even experience a reduction in people taking time off sick.
Tips for Making the Transition to a Standing Desk
Ready to embrace the benefits of standing desks? Whether you’re going to purchase a new office desk or convert your sitting desk, it may take some time to get used to your new setup. Here are some tips for making the transition:
- Start gradually and increase the time spent at your standing desk in intervals as your body adjusts. This may mean just 15 minutes to begin, gradually increasing to a couple of hours over the space of a month or so.
- Alternate from sitting to standing throughout the day to maximise the benefits of your standing desk.
- Ensure your desk is ergonomic, with your monitor at eye level and an arm’s length away.
- Wear supportive, comfortable footwear.
- Listen to your body, if you are uncomfortable, then your setup needs adjusting.
Once you have transitioned to your new standing workstation, you can begin to reap the benefits!