Although most of us can’t imagine office work without traditional sitting desks and swivel chairs, more and more people are coming around to the idea of standing desks, which have the potential to revolutionise the way we all work in offices. Why is this unusual concept of standing all day long in front of a computer screen so widely debated? Does it have any benefits? Which is better: a sitting or a standing desk? Let’s find out!
Issues related to the sedentary lifestyle
Studies show that sitting many hours in front of a computer screen can lead to several health problems that develop over time. People who are sedentary are more prone to diseases and hospitalisation. They also have an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The reduced blood flow in the legs and brain can also decrease their productivity at work.
A debate on standing desks
The ongoing debate on the dangers of the sedentary lifestyle has encouraged companies to look for solutions to activate office employees physically. One of the most recent solutions to this problem are standing desks. The debate over their advantages continues, and it seems that standing is much healthier than sitting. There have been numerous studies where researchers looked at whether standing desks can help us feel better. It turns out that the beneficial impact of standing desks can be valuable but not always suited to everyone.
The pros of standing desks
One of the most frequently cited advantages of standing desks is that they allow you to keep fit. It is generally true that standing requires more effort than sitting, which directly translates into a larger number of calories burnt. However, the difference is minor and certainly won’t make you lose excess weight. However, there is another important advantage of standing desks that can have a huge impact on your well-being – standing desks are known to reduce back and neck pains. Why? When you stand, your muscles are not tense the way they are when you sit for too long. What is more, standing is thought to improve blood circulation, reduce the amount of blood sugar and cholesterol, and increase employee productivity at work. Isn’t this just perfect?
The cons of standing desks
Even though the pros of standing desks seem to be considerable, we cannot forget about the dangers related to prolonged standing at work. If employees use their standing desks on a regular basis, they may experience several health issues. This includes knees, pain in the hips and feet and bad distribution of blood in veins, which may lead to varicose veins. We should also take into consideration that standing desks may not be comfortable enough for every task. For example, it is much easier to write things down when sitting.
What is better: sitting or standing?
There is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether it is healthier to sit or stand while working. Although using a standing desk can help ease muscular pain and improve blood circulation, it can also lead to severe health complications when used excessively. Therefore, if you want to take care of your employees’ well-being, give them a choice so that they can find the necessary balance between sitting and standing.
If you want to equip your office with standing desks for all employees upon their request, consider introducing a desk booking application. The system will make it easier for you to manage the office space and assign standing desks to particular employees. Thanks to a desk booking app such as Deski, your employees will be able to book standing desks whenever they feel like it.
Choose a desk-booking app with a simple, yet powerful interface. We can help you find an optimal configuration for your office. Booking a desk should be nothing but a single click! Get familiar with Deski – a desktop and mobile web app with real-time reservations. Set your own reservation rules and separate office space – it’s all up to you! If you have any questions about our hot-desking solution, let us know!