Sitting or standing for prolonged periods can adversely affect the body, so we feel strain and stress in our muscles. To overcome this the best option is to use the benefits of a standing desk. The adjustable standing desks have come to play an important role now in the workplace and while working from home as many of us are now spending more time in front of our computers and laptops than ever before.
Over the past few years, standing and treadmill desks have become popular. Many individuals have experienced the discomfort of sitting at a desk for extended periods, with hunched shoulders and an aching back, prompting them to consider the benefits of standing while working.
According to a recent survey of HR professionals, standing desks have increased by 7% in the past year, making it a popular employer-provided office perk. A standing desk offers an easy wellness option for employers to support, and it can significantly improve office morale.
However, individuals with desk jobs who sit for prolonged periods often exhibit sedentary behaviour that can harm their health. But every standing desk has a primary goal - to enable individuals to work while standing. The majority of these desks enhance ergonomics, health, and overall well-being. Whereas, fixed-height standing desks lack adjustability, which is a crucial feature to assisting an employee to feel better while they work hopefully whilst increasing productivity!
If anyone wants to know the health benefits of a standing desk, individuals must compare sitting and standing throughout the workday. While basic standing desks are a simple and affordable option, it is best to have a backup workspace to sit and switch positions as needed. Standing desks offer a range of benefits over traditional sitting desks, including improved posture, increased calorie burn, and reduced risk of chronic disease.
What are Standing Desks?
These standing desks, also known as stand-up desks, offer you a comfortable standing position in your workplace. Many modern standing desks are adjustable, so you can easily change the desk's height between sitting and standing. Standing desks allow you to work while standing and these desks come in various types and sizes, catering to different office environments and budget constraints. Using standing desks offers many benefits over traditional office desks, including significant mental and physical health improvements.
Types of Height-adjustable standing desks
Manual desks allow users to adjust their height whenever required, but it takes time and effort. They are cheaper than electric-powered desks and have adjustable parts. However, the two types have no significant difference in physical health benefits, except for the effort required to adjust the desk height.
Electric height-adjustable standing desks: These are the most comfortable and best option overall. They are what people refer to when discussing ergonomic standing desks. These desks allow users to change their height quickly and quietly with a button, making it easy to maintain a dynamic posture by alternating between sitting and standing positions regularly.
L-shaped models, whether manual, fixed, or electric, are also available for individuals with corner offices and can fit the workspace adequately.
Benefits of Standing Desks
Standing desks offer a range of benefits over traditional sitting desks, including improved posture, increased calorie burn, and reduced risk of chronic disease. However, they may not suit everyone, and the pros and cons must all be taken into account when you are deciding to purchase.
1. Standing Desks Help in Burns Calories
Working in a standing position can have several health benefits, including burning more calories than sitting. While these calorie differences between standing and sitting may not be huge, they can add up over time. More standing can shift your mindset towards wellness, making you more likely to engage in physical activity such as walking, leg lifts, and quick breaks with squats or jacks, which can help you burn more calories during the workday.
By using adjustable desks, you can carry on with your tasks while standing, which can help reduce the risk of increasing blood sugar levels and facilitate quicker digestion of food. So standing at work can improve your health and well-being by increasing physical activity and promoting better blood sugar control.
You may also be able to add a treadmill to your accessories for your standing desk which would allow you to get your steps in while you are working.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
When we consume a heavy meal or snack, our blood sugar levels can rise, particularly in individuals who engage in intense cognitive or sedentary work. Frequent snacking and overeating during work or study hours can further exacerbate blood sugar levels. It is advisable to avoid sitting immediately after eating, as this can impair digestion and cause blood sugar levels to remain elevated.
Therefore, adjustable desks can provide a practical solution to these problems, as individuals can continue working in a standing position after eating. Because when your body remains upright, it is better able to digest food and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as it can help to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. Hence incorporating adjustable desks into the work environment can improve physical health and productivity.
3. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
According to research, standing at work can reduce heart disease risks. As early as 1953, studies suggested that standing could positively impact heart health. It is also highlighted that individuals who work in a standing position have a lower risk of developing heart disease when compared to those who work in a seated position. Some studies have reported that standing at work could reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 50 percent. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating standing into daily work routines to promote cardiovascular health. The sit-stand desk is very helpful for this.
4. Boost your energy
The use of standing desks increases the amount of time workers spend on their feet. Further, some research conducted in the United Kingdom found that standing for one hour during the workday increased productivity for 66% of workers, while 87% reported feeling more energized. These findings have been used to develop programs, such as the Smart Work and Life initiative, which promote greater activity among office workers.
The physical act of standing can stimulate the body and promote greater focus, leading to a feeling of renewed energy and enthusiasm. Therefore, for individuals who experience fatigue or sluggishness during the workday, incorporating standing periods into their routine can offer a practical solution to maintain energy levels and remain productive.
Remaining in a sedentary position for extended periods while working can subject the body to stress, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. Investing in a standing desk and adjusting one's work posture can impact mood. The physical advantages of a standing desk can also offer mental health benefits, particularly when incorporated into a regular sit-stand session schedule. Standing can release tension and boost mood and energy, ultimately improving productivity.
5. Improves Posture
Using a standing desk with proper ergonomics can provide you with improved posture and decrease any low strain on the spine. Maintaining proper computer posture is crucial for preventing discomfort and injury. If you want to achieve optimal posture, the monitor should be positioned at eye level, approximately 20 inches from the face and tilted at a 20-degree angle.
Regular standing desk use can help establish and maintain the correct Posture, thereby reducing the risk of back, shoulder, and neck discomfort resulting from prolonged sitting. Unlike sitting, standing while working does not compress the spine, and it can promote better blood circulation and greater flexibility. Therefore, using a standing desk with proper ergonomics can significantly impact an individual's overall physical health and comfort.
6. Reduces Back Pain
Back pain is a common issue that can negatively impact work productivity and quality of life. While it is commonly associated with prolonged sitting, it can also result from poor posture and inadequate back support. However, using a comfortable standing desk can often alleviate minor back pain.
7. Standing Desks Help Weight loss
After consuming more calories, a person can gain weight. In contrast, weight loss happens when more calories are burned than consumed. Although exercise effectively burns calories quickly, replacing sitting with standing can also have a positive impact. Research has shown that standing instead of sitting can burn over 170 additional calories during an afternoon, compared to a passive work session. For a week, this can result in burning almost 1000 extra calories. The caloric difference may help explain why prolonged sitting has been strongly linked to obesity and metabolic disease.
8. Helps with Wrist Position
Proper wrist positioning is crucial for avoiding strain and discomfort, especially for those who spend long hours typing on a laptop. While there is no direct link between keyboard use and carpal tunnel syndrome, those who suffer from the condition can experience increased discomfort if their wrists are held in the wrong position.
Using a standing desk can help ensure proper wrist alignment and reduce the risk of strain and pain. By keeping your arms bent at a 90-100-degree angle, you can maintain a more ergonomic posture that may enhance your typing speed.
9. Productivity Boost
The benefits of a standing desk extend beyond physical health, as they can positively impact your productivity and well-being. Similar benefits are observed in children using standing desks in their learning environment.
The benefits of a standing desk consider investing in an adjustable desk designed to provide ample workspace and can be easily adjusted to different memory heights to accommodate your preferred sitting and standing positions.
10. Keeps Circulation Going
When we look closely at human evolution, it is evident that our bodies are designed for movement. We can prevent blood clots from forming in our legs. When individuals sit for extended periods, such as during air travel, blood flow may slow down, and blood may pool in their legs, leading to blood clots.
On the other hand, standing up helps get our legs moving and facilitates blood flow throughout the body. Some studies have even indicated that individuals who sit for long periods may have shorter lifespans due to poor cardiovascular health.
Overall the benefits of using a standing desk far outweigh the cons of not using one. There are many different types, shapes and prices of standing desks and you should be confident in your choice before you purchase. Contact one of our sales team to help you decide which option is best for you.
