Want to know an interesting fact about Standing desks?
The most productive people in history, such as Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Friedrich Nietzsche, Ben Franklin, Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Jefferson, although they had different contributions to society, had one thing in common-
They all worked at a standing desk
So, working at a standing desk to improve overall performance and output is not new. Standing desks have health benefits, but do they actually boost productivity?
Well, read along to find that out.
The Problem: Sitting & its Detrimental Effects
For many people, the traditional workplace setting means hours and hours of sitting at their desks with (rare) pauses for walks around the block or down the hallway.
Taking breaks is important while you are working. Movement is important.
It's crucial to reassess your focus, and sitting for too long is (literally) dangerous for your health. Take movement breaks every 30 minutes. No matter how much you exercise, sitting for excessively extended periods can be a risk factor for early death, as per experts.
Apart from its effects on health, sitting for an extended period also hinders, rather than helps, productivity.
- Discomfort and Pain: Sitting for long periods strains your back and muscles, leading to aches and stiffness. This discomfort can be distracting and make it difficult to concentrate on tasks.
- Reduced Blood Flow and Energy: Prolonged sitting restricts blood flow, particularly to the brain. This can lead to fatigue, sluggishness, and difficulty focusing – all enemies of productivity.
- Diminished Cognitive Function: Sitting for long stretches can negatively impact cognitive functions like memory, creativity, and problem-solving. This can make it harder to complete tasks efficiently.
Did you know?
According to a report, being physically inactive means employees lose between 2.6 and 3.7 days of productivity in a year compared to those who are physically active.
It is high time for employers to focus on the quality of performance their employees give rather than just measuring their time spent at desks.
The Solution: Standing Desks & Its Benefits
Office ergonomics plays a part in improving the productivity levels of employees. Employers should promote healthy practices such as taking a break every 30 minutes and moving around to relax muscles and improve focus.
Another shift in the office ergonomics that can improve productivity is standing desks. Yes, standing desks enhance the overall performance of employees.
As per a study conducted in 2016, call centre employees with sit-stand desks were 46% more productive than employees who sat in the office.
Standing desks benefit employees in their productivity levels in the following ways:
- Increased Brain Activity: Standing can improve blood flow to the brain, increasing alertness and focus. This can translate to sharper thinking, better problem-solving abilities, and a greater learning capacity.
- Enhanced Creativity: Standing desks can promote a more active work style, which can spark creativity and innovative thinking. Moving around and changing positions can help employees approach problems from different angles and generate fresh ideas.
- Reduction of Distraction: Sitting for long periods can lead to restlessness and fidgeting, which can be distracting. Standing desks can help employees stay engaged by minimizing these distractions and promoting a more focused work style.
- Increased Energy Levels: Standing burns more calories than sitting, even in a stationary position .This slight increase in activity can boost energy levels and combat fatigue, leading to a more productive workday.
- Better Time Management: Standing desks can encourage employees to take micro-breaks throughout the day to stretch their legs and move around. These short breaks can actually improve focus and concentration, leading to better time management and a more efficient work style.
Should you make the shift now?
While the benefits of standing desks for employee productivity are compelling, employers should contemplate some considerations before switching this shift company-wide.
Here's a look at some key factors:
- Employee Preferences: Not everyone enjoys standing for extended periods. To accommodate individual preferences, consider offering a mix of traditional and standing desks or desks that convert between the two.
- Available Floor Space: Standing desks can have a larger footprint than traditional desks. Carefully measure your workspace and consider the sizes of standing desks to ensure there's enough room for employees to stand comfortably, move around their desks, and access necessary equipment.
- Cost: Standing desks can be more expensive than traditional desks. However, this can be weighed against the potential employee productivity, health, and morale gains.
Remember, the focus should be on creating a healthy and flexible work environment that empowers employees to work at their best.
Standing desks are a powerful tool in achieving this goal. The potential improvements in employee well-being, focus, creativity, and overall productivity can significantly outweigh the initial investment.
How do you make the transition from sitting to standing at work?
The decision to incorporate standing desks into your workplace is a positive step toward employee well-being and productivity. However, planning and support are key to a successful transition.
Here are some ways to ensure a smooth shift from sitting to standing at work:
- Start Slow: Don't expect employees to jump straight into standing for eight hours daily. Encourage them to begin with short standing intervals throughout the workday, gradually increasing the duration as they adjust.
- Offer a Choice: Not everyone will find standing desks equally comfortable. Provide a mix of traditional and standing desks or desks that convert between the two.
- Invest in Comfort: A comfortable standing experience is crucial. Provide anti-fatigue mats to reduce pressure on feet and ankles. Adjustable keyboard trays and rest space for arms ensure proper ergonomics while standing.
- Educate and Train: Offer training sessions on proper posture and desk adjustment for standing work. This helps prevent discomfort and potential injuries.
- Encourage Movement Breaks: Standing for longer periods can also lead to fatigue. Hence, promote regular movement breaks throughout the day, even for standing desks. Suggest short walks, stretches, or simple desk exercises to keep blood flowing and muscles engaged.
These tips can facilitate a smooth transition to standing desks and empower your employees to experience its several benefits.
Bottom Line
Standing desks offer a compelling alternative to sitting. Companies can make an informed decision about incorporating standing desks by considering employee preferences, workstyle compatibility, and available space.
With a smooth transition plan that includes adjustable furniture, educational resources, and encouragement for movement breaks, employers can unlock the potential of standing desks and empower their workforce to achieve new heights of productivity and well-being.
Looking for the perfect standing desk to boost productivity?
Check out the standing desks collection at Onergon, which elevates your office ergonomics with our products at competitive prices.
Visit our website today and transform the way your employees work!