Cast your mind back twenty years and consider how different the average office was compared to now. Cluttered with cubicles, designed to fit as many people as possible, the workplace was somewhere people wanted to escape.
Over time, however, designers have transformed offices into places that staff are happier to work in. From ergonomic chairs to breakout areas, modern technology has helped to enhance workspaces and boost productivity.
One innovation loudly championed by office designers is the standing desk.
What are standing desks?
Standing desks, also known as sit stand desks and height adjustable desks, are office desks which can be adjusted for either seated or standing use. They allow for a greater amount of movement and can be altered to meet the user's specific needs. With the push of a button or the turn of a handle, these innovative desks can be effortlessly configured for sitting or standing.
Guided by science, height adjustable desks have been engineered to help relieve the various complications associated with sitting for prolonged periods. The ability to work whilst standing has been proven to reduce the risks of muscular strain whilst improving focus. Sit stand desks are revolutionising the way we work.
Are sit stand desks good for you?
Boasting a range of performance and health benefits, height adjustable desks have been proven to:
● Improve posture
● Boost energy levels
● Increase blood circulation
● Enhance productivity
● Raise calorie burn
These results are impressive and can go a long way towards improving employee well-being and performance.
Stand-up desks also offer far greater accessibility than traditional desks. The ability to raise and lower the height of the desk makes them a particularly good choice for wheelchair users or those with disabilities. Sit stand desks can help create a more inclusive workspace.
Are sit stand desks worth it?
Research suggests that standing desks are worth investing in. A year-long study conducted by the Center for Active Design established that sit stand desks offer a noticeable improvement in the wellbeing of users.
Randomly selecting 48 participants from an office, they provided half with height adjustable desks and half with traditional seated desks. After a year of use, employees were asked to complete an extensive questionnaire to determine the exact benefits of sit stand desks.
The study found that when users were using sit stand desks:
● 65% felt more productive and focused
● 47% experienced fewer aches and strains
● 65% felt better outside of work
● 88% found them easy to use
It’s no secret that healthy staff are often more productive staff, so it makes sense to consider introducing electric height adjustable desks in the workplace.
What are the best adjustable standing desks?
Because sit stand desks are designed for a variety of functions, it’s almost impossible to decide which is the best of the best. Fortunately, despite the number of designs available on the market today, there are some electric desks that stand out.
● Herman Miller Ratio Sit Stand Desk
Designed with classic Herman Miller engineering at its heart, this Herman Miller desk is a customisable and adjustable piece of office furniture with optional risers. The perfect solution for seated and standing work, the aluminium-framed screen means that the desk provides privacy as well as flexibility.
A height adjustable fixture which sits on top of an existing desk, the Humanscale Quickstand ECO is a workstation that facilitates standing work without the need to invest in a completely new desk. Complete with an adjustable keyboard platform and available in different finishes, this Quickstand is a nicely portable solution for flexible working.
● Elite Mobile Sit and Stand Meeting Table
Adjustable desks aren’t just for individuals; they’re ideal for entire teams to make use of. The Mobile Sit and Stand Meeting Table from Elite is perfect for employees to gather around when presenting ideas or catching up.
Sit stand desk FAQs
As office furniture experts, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about stand-up desks. If you have a question we haven't answered, call us on 01603 722483 and one of our friendly customer service team will be happy to help.
How do you adjust the height on sit stand desks?
Adjusting the desk depends on the model you purchase. Some will have a crank that raises and lowers the height of the desk, some have a push pedal at the base, and others have electronic mechanisms to perform this task. You’ll find the instructions for your desk in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
What height should a standing desk be?
The height of your desk will depend on the type of desk and your height. As a general rule your elbows should be in line with the top of the desk and your monitor at eye level. To find out more about the height of your desk, read our handy blog here.
How long should you stand at a standing desk?
Research indicates that you should stand for one hour to every one to two hours you spend sitting. This means that for a standard eight-hour shift, you should stand for two to four hours and sit for four to six hours. This combination is thought to be the perfect ratio to keep workers happy, healthy and productive.
How much do standing desks cost?
Like all pieces of office furniture, adjustable desks are available at a range of prices. The price point will be determined by your specific preferences. Browse our selection of stand-up desks to see our price range.
Sit stand desk range at Office Furniture Scene
We believe that standing desks are an essential piece of office furniture for the workplace. Not only does it help increase productivity and staff satisfaction, but can also contribute to your team’s happiness and health.
To learn more about standing desks, give us a call on 01603 733483 or email us at info@officefurniturescene.co.uk. We’re always on-hand to help you decide on the perfect desks for your office space.
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