As awareness grows around the negative effects of sitting down for prolonged periods of time, there is an increasing demand for standing desks as a solution. However, requesting a standing desk for your workplace can be daunting, and many of us don't know where to start.
In this guide, we will share our top tips and step-to-step guide on how to request a standing desk from your employer, from the initial research stages to the meeting itself.
1. Determine Company Policies
To start with, find out your company's existing policies regarding workspace accommodations and wellness initiatives. Many organisations outline their stance on ergonomic solutions, workplace accommodations, and employee wellness in a handbook or internal communication channels, such as intranet portals or HR platforms. If you’re still unsure, reach out to your HR department who should be knowledgeable about the appropriate procedure for requesting accommodations or new initiatives.
In the UK, employers must make reasonable adjustments to make sure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, are not disadvantaged when doing their jobs. Reasonable adjustments include making physical changes to the workplace and changing equipment, such as providing a standing desk or special chair for employees with back problems, an adapted keyboard for someone with arthritis, or installing a ramp for a wheelchair user.
Another example could be employees with ADHD. If you have ADHD and require more movement, then a standing desk or a movement chair could be a reasonable adjustment as it allows you to stand (or fidget) while you work.
As well as your HR department, you can get advice on reasonable adjustments from the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus office.
2. Research Benefits
To give yourself the best chance of being successful in your request, make sure you do your research. Find out the key benefits, and how this benefits both you and the wider organisation, using scientific studies and articles. Testimonials or case studies from other companies that have successfully implemented standing desk initiatives are effective too, as this can highlight the positive outcomes for both employee and employer.
Try to frame these around things your employer cares the most about: improving productivity and output, reducing employee turnover, improving company culture and reducing costs. For example, we know that standing desks can increase energy levels, improve mood and boost productivity, which are all beneficial for your employer.
3. Research Available Options
While you research standing desk benefits, try to also determine what type of standing desk would best suit your needs. Explore and compare different designs, features, and price points to identify the option that best aligns with your requirements and budget. If you haven’t got a clear budget in mind, prepare multiple options at varying price points.
Remember to keep your office space in mind here. Ask yourself:
- How big does your desk need to be? Will a regular shaped desk do the trick, or do you need a desk that fits in a corner? If your space is small, will you require a smaller than average standing desk?
- Are you near plugs that can power your desk, or will you require a manual standing desk?
- How much weight do you need your standing desk to hold? How deep does your desk need to be to fit all of your equipment?
- Will you require additional accessories for your standing desk, such as a cable organiser or cable ports?
4. Prepare Your Request
Now that you have gathered all of the information, it’s time to prepare your request. You will need to cover the advantages of a standing desk, the best standing desk for your specific needs, how much this will cost, and how you see this standing desk fitting into your existing office space. In addition to this, you might want to highlight any additional ergonomic accessories you need as part of your new setup, such as a cable spine or standing desk mat.
As part of this process, consider how you want to present this information. While some people will feel confident articulating their request, others might want to have support from presentation slides or an accompanying document with key data on.
You should also anticipate potential questions or objections and come prepared with well-informed responses, backed up with scientific studies where possible.
5. Make Your Request
This is probably the hardest step: making the request itself.
Timing is key when presenting your proposal for a standing desk. Consider the current priorities of your organisation, their budget cycles, and any upcoming office renovations or reconfigurations that could present a good moment to introduce standing desks. If you can schedule your request at a time when key decision-makers are most receptive, your chances of success will be much higher.
In addition to getting the timing right, nailing the delivery of your request is essential. Try to schedule a meeting in person. Face-to-face meetings allow you to better demonstrate your enthusiasm for the proposal, but it will also give you the chance to address any doubts and clarify any misconceptions in real-time, making sure the decision makers have a clear understanding of the proposal and its benefits.
If you think you could be eligible, don’t forget to mention reasonable adjustments during this conversation. If your company’s process requires a doctor’s note, make sure you book an appointment with your GP to arrange next steps.
Conclusion
Requesting a standing desk at your workplace is a proactive step toward improving your health and performance. By understanding the benefits of standing desks, conducting thorough research, and presenting a compelling proposal, you can advocate for a standing desk in work and be successful.
However, if you're unsuccessful in your request, don't be discouraged. You can speak to a Disability Employment Adviser or seek the support of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding further action. You can also get the opinion of a medical professional, such as your GP, to support your claim with a doctor's note. Be persistent, but patient and respectful with your need for a standing desk, to advocate for yourself and current and future employees who would also benefit in the long-run.
Looking for a standing desk for your home, office or workspace? Check out our full collection of standing desks, available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm. Our desks come with a 7 year warranty, 30 day risk free return, as well as access to a UK-based customer service team to answer any questions that you might have. Otherwise, our blog provides more useful tips on using a standing desk for a more balanced lifestyle. Feel free to contact us with any questions, with the handy live chat feature on our site, or via email at info@ergodesks.co.uk.
Are you an employer? Learn more about how Ergo Desks can help with ergonomic solutions for your office.
