The business and health benefits of a standing desk

The link between employee wellbeing and productivity has long been known. In fact, a whopping 71% of office workers believe their employers should do more to proactively prevent health issues in the workplace.

One simple, practical measure you can take to promote employee wellbeing, and with it productivity, is to introduce standing desks.

Research has shown that using a standing desk can increase workplace productivity by a staggering 46%.

How do standing desks improve health?

To begin with, standing desks improve posture, dramatically reduce back problems and other health issues. In turn, they cut down on sick days. Additionally, workers using standing desks stay more alert and focused every day, allowing them to be more productive during their working day.

The benefits of sit-stand desks

A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind and vice versa. The benefits of each are no longer seen in isolation. Using standing desks has been shown to significantly lift the mood, with workers reporting lower stress levels and higher energy levels. A happy workforce is a productive workforce.

A standing desk can also help shrink waistlines. Simply by standing up to complete an afternoon’s work, an individual can burn around 170 more calories than if they were sitting. During a working week, that adds up to 850 calories, which ultimately is good news for anyone with one eye on the bathroom scales.

It’s long been known that standing is good for office workers’ tickers. Standing lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, by drastically cutting the amount of time spent in the sedentary sitting position.

Back pain can be debilitating and depressing. It can also lead to absenteeism and compromised productivity across your team. Studies have shown that using a standing desk can have extremely positive effects on both upper and lower back pain.

• 71% of UK workers say that the longer they sit at their desks the harder they find it to stay alert.
• A third of workers have suffered from work-related back and/or neck problems.

Sources: Healthline (Benefits of a standing desk)