The Importance of #SitLess and #MoveMore at work

According to the Get Britain Standing campaign the typical office worker spends a 70% of their time sitting at a desk.

Increasingly experts recommend reducing our sitting time at work by the widespread introduction of ergonomic solutions to relieve some of the physical stresses associated with sitting all day.

Interestingly the productivity benefits are also becoming increasingly understood. A Texas based health company conducted a study on standing desks in their call centre with fascinating results. Over 12 months they witnessed a 17% increase in productivity.

The best way to reduce sitting-related issues is to stand up (between 2 – 4 hours during the working day according to Active Working and Public Health England expert guidance report 2015). This is done best by mixing up standing, sitting and walking as much as possible. Increasingly experts are building the evidence that standing desks and Active Working principals provide a long-term solution, addressing the issue at its source by creating an upright workstation which encourages greater movement and improved posture. Whilst an office chair with ergonomic features such as lumbar support, adjustable height and arm rests can provide benefits, chairs by themselves merely relieve some of the symptoms without treating the root cause.

Sit-Stand Desks (ie Standing Desks) Provide Versatility

Our lifestyles today make too easy to sit and also ignore the body's need for regular movement and an upright position. Sit-Stand desks (ie Standing Desks) provide an easy and convenient way to change positions and relieve some of the stresses that a seated job can cause.

There are so many benefits of standing which make standing desks valuable in the workplace. Beyond ergonomics, one of their primary benefits is their versatility. Most sit-stand desks are adjustable and can be adapted to both seated and standing heights that are comfortable for a wide range of users. Approved user guidelines are very important to ensure best practise and avoid common mistakes.

A standing desk can be easily adjusted to sitting or standing height. There are a variety of mechanisms:

• Desk Risers / Desk Converters are simple and a low-cost solution to “Get Started” with minimum interference to the working environment
• Electric Standing Desks are the most popular solution, easy to use and prices have come down. Electric desks use little power and certain brands measure your sitting time and provide PC user prompts. We suggest looking for a 5 year warranty.
• Pneumatic / Counterbalance Desks adjust by releasing and locking a lever to alter height. They require moderate force to push down and can easily be raised upwards. For optimum performance it is essential to firstly identify the proposed weight loading for each desk.
• Crank / Winding Handle sit-stand desks use a cog and wheel system to elevate the desk. A more traditional solution with mixed reports of reliability. Being slower and less practical it has become less popular over time.
• Hybrid Desks combining both counterbalance and winding handle functionality are a recent development and may be a popular solution although currently more expensive

Optional keyboard trays and monitor arms will add even more versatility. An Anti-Fatigue Mat is also recommended to increase movement and provides multiple benefits for users of Standing Desks.

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