In a recent study, it was estimated that 83% of employed adults in the UK were using computers, laptops or other portable devices at work. Let us introduce standing desks. Standing desks are an extension of the adjustable desks, with a much more extensive potential height range, allowing use while standing up. These are known as sit-stand desks, offering the potential for both.
A study of 146 NHS office workers tested the effects of sitting desks versus sit-stand over 12 months. Those using the sit-stand desks reduced their daily sitting time by more than an hour on average, over the 12-month period. The workers themselves reported reduced anxiety, better quality of life as well as feeling more engaged and less tired, pointing to the benefits for productivity.
Regarding the health of the participants, the results indicated a small improvement in some types of musculoskeletal problems. Mitigating the effects of a sedentary lifestyle long-term is likely to have much more health benefits.
Standard Adjustable desks
Height adjustable workstations allow the user to adjust the surface to a suitable height, permitting you to try out several heights and work out the most comfortable position. Height-adjustment is also perfect for hot-desking working environments – each user can adjust it to a height that suits them.
While an adjustable desk can eliminate much of the discomfort associated with long periods of sitting at a desk, it does not help the fact that being sat-down for extended periods has been linked to a series of health problems.
Taking away back pain, shoulder strain and a rounded posture, even a comfortably seated person is at risk. Studies have shown that sitting for long periods slows the metabolism, which in turn reduces the body’s efficiency at breaking down body fat and regulating blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
The NHS estimates that being sedentary for most of the day accounts for a staggering 69,000 deaths a year. Studies have even indicated that increased exercise outside of this sedentary time has limited effects: the only thing we can do to reduce our risk is to reduce our time spent sitting.
Standing desk converters
If you’re not yet sold on the idea, or if standing desks are out your budget, there are alternatives. Standing desk converters (like Vari Converters) sit atop your current desk. They are usually less expensive than their committed counterparts and are far more flexible. It’s great if you want to try it out without forking out £300 for a new desk.
Another positive is that they’re usually far more straightforward to assemble than the sit-stand desks themselves. They’re also a lot more portable, meaning you can take your standing desk wherever you go.
There’s a huge array of designs on the market, varying from simple to stylish and the most practical to the most comfortable. For a comprehensive review, check out this guide to choosing a standing desk converter.
Height for Standing Decks
The recommended height for a standing desk is elbow height, allowing your arms to rest at a 90-degree angle. Standing desks, or sit-stand desks, are becoming increasingly popular and thus more and more available on the general market. If manually adjusting your workstation every day seems like hard work, they also provide a range of electric adjustable desks to do the work for you. Unfortunately, standing desks come at a price. If you don’t want to commit to such an investment, there are some cheaper alternatives.
