When we look at the research from 2022 to now, research increasingly supports the nuanced benefits of sit to stand workstations in the office environment. Studies back the idea up that standing while working at a computer can improve postural health. When we stand we have better posture compared to sitting and when we stand, and sit back down, we sit with improved postures. Standing can allow us to slightly boost productivity but the studies are mixed. On the other hand, most articles do not support that standing reduces the risks associated with sedentary behavior. It can, however, reduce lower back pain through reasons of posture. Excessive standing can also be deleterious, introducing problems with circulation and fatigue. So the bottomline is that it is best to switch frequently between sitting and standing. It is ideal to alternate between sitting and standing every 30–60 minutes. It is best to have some sort of reminder built in to your work routine. It could be as fancy as a software program or as simple as a timer. Either way, it is human nature to need a nudge here and there when we are concentrating on just "getting the job done."

Studies have explored ergonomic designs of sit to stand adjustable desks mentioning the importance of flexible workstations to be able to adjust the height of work surfaces to the appropriate height for the work that is being performed. For instance, the seated writing and reading height should be higher than the seated keyboard and mouse height. Sometimes for versed touch typists, it might be better to have the keyboard height lower to best reduce bilateral shoulder flexion and desk interference with the mobility of the arms when typing.

The notion that standing helps with concentration has such mixed outcomes with recent studies. Most studies do not show either a decrease nor an increase in productivity or concentration from either standing or sitting. This is why it should not have an impact in decision making. Standing is a sedentary behavior at a computer desk. We are not moving our muscles and therefore the metabolic effect is minimal. Which is why a lot of articles are mixed on this. Subjective analysis shows an overwhelming parade of increase in satisfaction without any negative effects of having an electric standing desk. From experience as an ergonomic consultant, this is especially true when it is provided after the employee has a fixed height desk.

Studies show that the duration of standing does not provide much effect after just about 10 minutes of standing. So its a good strategy to get a short bout of standing in every hour. The benefits include improved posture and reduced lower back pain. If you want to learn more about how to implement standing desks in your office, contact Ergobility today.