We seem to come to a choice between a fixed height desk or a standing desk. Or in some cases, using a standing desk we already have available. A lot of workers will feel the need to have one if the rest of your coworkers have one already or start talking about it. However, in many cases, the first month will be an experimental phase of curiosity and excitement which then drifts to relying on old habits of constantly sitting all day again. Is it important that we do stand? The answer really depends on your lifestyle, age, and job. Some jobs involve frequent position changes, getting up out of the chair, etc. These are all factors that help reduce the ill effects of sedentary seated positions. Studies have explained that fidgety folks tend to naturally battle out these factors.
A lot of influences of converting to standing desk solutions stem from sedentary work. What we don’t consider is that sedentary work includes standing in a single position. So in order to battle out the sedentary behaviors, we need to incorporate movement. This can come in the form of frequent microbreaks of walking such as grabbing a cup of water, or a bio-break every 30 minutes. It can mean talking the stairs or parking far away for others. However you can sneak in some movement in, do it!
The side benefit that is actually of greater importance than standing is having a desk that can adjust to exactly the correct height sitting. This comes to a surprise to a lot of people. Seating offers comfort and stability all while promoting concentration. That’s why we have chairs in the first place! A properly designed and adjusted chair provides lumbar support and adjustable features to accommodate various body types. It’s of upmost importance to do this in order to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. However, prolonged sedentary positions bring up health concerns including cardiovascular disease.
Standing desks have gained popularity and have become commonly built in furniture for offices. These do allow for improved workstation adjustability which leads to better posture which can reduce the chances of a work-related ergonomic illness. However, don’t forget that standing for extended periods may be uncomfortable and can also be just as bad for you as prolonged sitting. Remember to switch it up between sitting and standing positions frequently, ideally once each hour for at least 10 minutes.
A balanced approach involves incorporating both sitting and standing into the work routine. Utilize adjustable desks to get properly adjusted sitting. Take regular microbreaks, and participate in ergonomic assessments to get personalized solutions which are crucial for creating an ideal workspace. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance that aligns with individual preferences and promotes a healthy and comfortable workspace. If you or your business needs an ergonomic assessment reach out to Ergobility to inquire about our services today!
