The Benefits Of Standing Desks In The Workplace

A standing desk is a type of commercial office desk that allows the user to alternate between sitting and standing. While this might seem like a small feature, office standing desks actually have a range of benefits for both our physical and mental health. Keep reading to learn how standing desks could improve your business and office environment.

Better Posture

Sitting for long periods tightens your muscles and can hurt your lower back, especially if you sit with bad posture. Standing desks in the workplace can help to improve your posture and take the pressure off your neck and lower back, though please note that this alone isn’t enough to correct serious problems.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Another downside of remaining seated all day is that it increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. However, studies have found that replacing the time spent sitting with standing, slow walking, or slow cycling can reduce average blood sugar levels across the day. Standing after eating lunch in particular has proven to reduce blood sugar levels the most. With this in mind, standing desks are often one of the most beneficial desks for businesses.

Increased Productivity

Using a standing desk in the office can also make you more productive. Recent studies into the benefits of standing desks, which took place in a call centre, found that employees with standing desks were 45% more productive on a daily basis than employees who were sitting during their shift. However, it should be noted that corporate standing desks are not ideal for every task. You may be able to type or answer the phone whilst on your feet, but some tasks are far easier to do when you are seated.

Good Mood & Energy Levels

In another seven-week study into the benefits of standing desks, participants reported less stress and fatigue than those who remained seated for the entire workday. Additionally, 87% of those using standing desks reported that they had increased energy levels. Along with improved mood and energy, standing also invites collaboration, which fits well with open-plan offices.

Lower Risk Of Heart Disease

The more you sit, the less you move. The less you move, the more at risk you are from heart disease. When sitting for prolonged periods, blood flow slows down which allows fatty acids to build up in the blood vessels. This can ultimately lead to heart disease. Office standing desks are therefore one of the best choices for commercial office desks as they can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Tips For Using Standing Desks

There are a couple of points to remember to get the greatest benefits from using standing desks in your workplace or office. From ensuring their height is set correctly to making sure you’re not standing in the same spot for too long, these are our tips for using standing desks:

Height Adjustable Standing Desks

Many standing desks can be adjusted to suit the needs of the user. When setting up a height-adjustable standing desk in the workplace, the desk height should be configured so that your head, neck, and spine are aligned. More specifically, your head should be slightly back, your hips should be straight ahead, and your spine should have an “S” curve. You should also be able to rest your wrists flat on the desk with your elbows at a 90-degree angle, and your computer monitor should be at or below eye level.

Start Slowly

Going from sitting for eight hours straight to standing all day can be taxing on your back if you don’t give your body time to adjust. Experts say the best way to use a corporate standing desk is to stand for a while, then revert to sitting, and then stand again. Do this several times throughout the day. To start, stand for just 30 minutes at a time and do this a few times a day. As time progresses and you feel more comfortable, you can begin extending the amount of time you spend standing.

Looking after your feet

Standing in one spot can make your feet and legs sore, particularly if the floor is hard. Wearing supportive shoes, preferably sports shoes or trainers if your office allows, can be the most effective for helping to protect your feet while standing.

Standing Desk From BT Office Furniture

At BT Office Furniture we stock a wide variety of commercial office desks and height-adjustable standing desks for the workplace. If you have any questions or are unsure about which type of desk to go for, please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice. We also offer office space planning services to get the most out of your available space. For more information, contact us on 0800 298 7022 or send an email to [email protected].