Let’s be honest, meetings aren’t at the top of our favourite activities list, especially when they tend to drag on without clear outcomes.
One of the simplest yet highly effective ways to enhance both efficiency and collaboration among fast-paced work environments is by incorporating stand-up meetings.
But what exactly are stand-up meetings, and why are they becoming a staple in progressive workplaces? You’re in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll dive right into what makes a stand-up meeting unique and why many teams find them beneficial. We also look at some of the best desks and tables designed to facilitate these quick, effective gatherings, so you can create a work environment that encourages movement, collaboration, and also productivity.
What Are Standing Meetings?
As it suggests in the name, standing meetings are simply meetings held standing up, rather than sitting down. The idea behind a standing meeting, rather than one sitting down, is to promote better health and alertness among participants, as standing can increase energy levels and enhance concentration, leading to more productive interactions.
Stand-up meetings are typically facilitated by standing meeting or conference tables, allowing participants to engage in discussions while standing.
Standing tables are often adjustable in height, allowing for flexibility in use and accommodating different preferences and needs.
At Ergo Desks, we have a wide collection of standing meeting tables, from large open meeting tables to smaller flexible tables for more active areas, and even standing desk frames that can be paired with a desktop sized for your requirements.
Not sure which is best for your office? Give our experts a call on 020 8064 0064, we’d love to help.
The 4 Key Benefits of Holding Stand up Meetings
1. They Help Energy and Focus Levels
One of the main benefits, and reasons why standing meetings are becoming more popular, is that standing while having a discussion helps participants stay alert and engaged.And science can back this up! Sitting for long periods of time in the workplace has been linked with low vigour (energy and enthusiasm) and job performance, whereas standing up has been linked to a boost in energy, mood and performance.
In fact, one study showed that standing for one hour during the workday increased productivity for 66% of workers, while 71% felt more focused and 87% reported feeling more energised.
Using a standing meeting table or table for these meetings can further support this by providing a comfortable height for note-taking or sharing visuals, which can enhance engagement and reduce distractions.
This leads us nicely onto the second point…
2. Encourages Faster and More Efficient Decision-Making
Standing has been proven to boost alertness and concentration, and without the comfort of sitting, individuals are more inclined to stay more present and engaged in the meeting.
Also, having to stand, in some instances pushes people to be more direct, leading to quicker, more effective decision-making. Teams get straight to the point, as there’s less room for side conversations or lengthy monologues, as there sometimes would be if all participants were sat next to each other.
3. They Foster Collaboration Among Participants
In the same breath as the point above, standing meetings encourage more collaboration among participants as they create an environment that is open, informal, and focused, which naturally brings teams closer together.
This is especially important in situations where quick problem-solving and team alignment are needed, for example during project kick-offs, daily check-ins, or when tackling urgent issues that require immediate team input.
Holding a meeting in a standing set up also naturally reduces the tendency for one person to dominate the conversation, encouraging more people to voice their opinion.
4. They Promote Better Posture
Beyond the mental benefits, standing meetings also bring with them a wide range of physical benefits for all participants, too! These benefits are especially significant in corporate settings where individuals are required to sit at their desks for long periods of time.Interestingly (or scarily), the average employee spends around 5 and a half hours sitting at their desk, and up to 90,000 hours in their lifetime. Think of the damage all those hours of sitting is doing to your body.
Standing, however, naturally engages the back, shoulder, and abdominal muscles, which promotes a neutral spine alignment that can counteract the slouched position many people develop when sitting for extended periods in office jobs.
Standing also allows you to shift your weight and have a stretch, which helps avoid the stiffness and poor posture that can result from sitting still.Learn more about the correlation between standing and improved posture here.
The Best Desks for Stand Up Meetings
Here are our top 3 desks/tables for standing meetings in the workplace:
1. Atlas Standing Meeting Table
First we have the fan favourite - the Atlas standing meeting table. This is a versatile two-legged tin motor meeting table for smaller boardrooms and collaborative areas where standing up for meetings provides a lively atmosphere.
Available with 2.4 x 1m barrel style and D-end shape tops in our full range of décor options and 3 frame colours.
This height adjustable meeting table is a functional solution to transform traditional mediocrity into thriving, energetic and healthy collaboration.
The Atlas standing meeting table is the answer to agile, dynamic meetings.2. Crown Standing Desk
The Crown standing desk is another high quality workstation, most commonly used by those in management positions or as a versatile meeting table for actively cooperative offices.
The dual motor powers the unique four legged frame, which is capable of lifting up to 100 kilos, while the aesthetically pleasing sight of a four legged height adjustable desk also provides an aura of authority for the user.
The Crown also comes with overload protection, thermal protection, and anti collision detection, while covered by a 7 year warranty.
Some call the Crown desk 'royalty' among standing meeting desks.3. Collaborate Standing Desk Frame
The Collaborate is a powerful quadruple motor frame manufactured in Sweden which can accommodate a bespoke top size of 2.4 x 1.2m.
This frame has a weight capacity of 160 kilos and is available in three frame colour options and a large range of desk tops.
The Collaborate standing desk is designed for the modern and dynamic offices where not only individual work but meetings are done in an active, fast-paced manner.
How Ergo Desks Can Help
At Ergo Desks, we have a wide range of standing meeting tables and desks in stock, all available for next working day delivery if ordered by 3pm.
Need additional help choosing a desk? Get in contact with our expert team with any questions. You can also contact us via the handy live chat feature on our site, or via email at info@ergodesks.co.uk.
Otherwise, our standing desk blog provides more useful tips on using a standing desk for a more balanced lifestyle.
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.
