If you scoffed when you heard that sitting is the new smoking, we have some news for you! Unfortunately, a lot of research has proven that extended periods of sitting can have a detrimental effect on your health.
In fact, people who sit for a long time have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It’s no surprise to see height adjustable standing desks being used in many offices, including Apple and Facebook, as part of their health schemes today. If you’re worried about your health or productivity at work, consider using one yourself. Here are some benefits of standing desks that will help you make the switch.
Standing Desks Increase Productivity
In a study conducted by Texas A&M University, 74 call centre employees out of 176 were provided standing desks for six months. The number of calls attended hourly by both groups of employees was measured. The results showed a striking 46% increase in productivity compared to the other employees. 75% of them also reported an increase in overall comfort levels.
This improvement can be attributed to a change in the employees' mindset, as many felt happier about their health and experienced a more comfortable workstation. It can also be explained by the links between prolonged sitting and obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Being on your feet also makes you more alert and less prone to errors due to distractions. Thus, workers who used a standing desk no doubt reduced their sedentary time and burned more calories.
Work Performance Improves With Standing Desks
Opting for standing desks was also shown to improve work performance in a study conducted at the University of Leicester. While 69 employees continued with their standard workspace, 77 were given sit-stand office desks for a year. 43% of the treatment group felt more engaged at work and performed much better than usual. This may be due to the urgency to get things done while on their feet, coupled with better energy levels and less neck and spinal strain. You could even hypothesize that standing makes you smarter!
Standing Desks Keep Energy Levels High
Employees who used a standing desk in the study conducted by the University of Leicester also reported feeling less sluggish and avoiding the dreaded ‘3 p.m.’ slump. While you may think that standing adds to fatigue, it actually has the opposite effect. Standing helps manage metabolic drops after meals and prevents sudden decreases in blood sugar. Other reasons for better energy levels include improved posture and increased blood circulation from shifting weight.
Better Focus on Tasks
In an experiment conducted by a Latvian start-up to test the effects of a standing desk, most employees reported feeling more focused at work. Standing up gave them a sense of urgency, allowing them to concentrate better on tasks that weren’t too complex. It also helped them burn restless energy.
Another positive side effect is that when companies adopt standing conference rooms, meetings tend to be shorter and more effective. Sitting during meetings can invariably cause some of us to feel lethargic and dull.
Fewer Headaches
Headaches and back pain are common workplace issues. While poor eyesight, poor nutrition, and stress can be contributing factors, poor posture is definitely something that exacerbates symptoms. Even with a great office chair, many of us tend to sit with our spines curved and chins forward, exerting pressure on the neck and head.
Standing desks can help minimize or even eliminate such headaches by encouraging better posture. A programmer in a Latvian study remarked that his headaches disappeared after adopting this new working arrangement.
Calories Burned While Standing for 7 Hours
Replacing a few hours of sitting with standing can burn more calories and bring long-term health benefits. An average 150-pound individual burns about 114 calories per hour while standing, which is double the number burned while sitting. Over seven hours, this adds up to 798 calories.
For most of us, full-time work leaves little time for exercise, and team lunches can slowly add extra pounds. Adding a standing desk to your routine, alongside a good workout and diet, can help you maintain a healthier weight.
A Standing Desk Can Help You Lose Weight
Another benefit of a standing desk is that it supports weight loss goals. Statistics show that standing burns one-third more calories than sitting. Standing for longer periods is also directly linked to an increased basal metabolic rate, making weight loss easier. Working while standing also keeps your core and back muscles engaged throughout the day, promoting a healthier physique.
However, keep in mind that a standing desk is not a replacement for exercise and a healthy diet—it’s a great supplement to a healthier work lifestyle.
If you find yourself hunched over your desk for more than seven hours a day, consider speaking to your management about making a positive change in your office. The human body wasn’t meant to be seated all day, but modern workplaces often make it difficult to balance work success and health.
Like all good things, moderation is key. Switch between standing and sitting, take strolls every few hours, and give your eyes a break from screens. Once you’re comfortable reducing your sitting time, consider switching to a standing desk.
Check out Stando’s range of standing desks and ergonomic chairs to increase your productivity and comfort at work.
For more information, please contact us here.
