Post-pandemic, 84% of workers who tried working from home for the first time said they wanted to permanently switch to hybrid work. Working from home is a popular option, and many have seen positive effects, such as an increase in their productivity and curbing the risk of burnout. The problem is that many people have never had to work from home before — their home-office setup is less than adequate for working long hours at a laptop or computer.
Bad posture and sitting down for long periods can lead to concerning health conditions, like obesity and high blood pressure. Plus, after a while, sitting down can become uncomfortable. Fidgeting and readjusting all day can have a real impact on your productivity at work. Over the past few years, the benefits of a standing desk have caused a spike in popularity. A recent study found that standing desks can increase productivity and overall health — especially as you burn more calories standing up than sitting down. But those aren’t the only reasons to invest in a standing desk, as we’ll look at below. If you want to find out more, keep reading.
Standing Desk Position
Standing desks aren’t practical to use for every task. You might prefer to do certain aspects of your job sitting down — like writing or intensive research. Don’t limit yourself to standing all the time; try and get a routine in place. It can also be difficult to transition from sitting to standing, so try standing at your desk for 15-30 minute intervals. The most important thing is to reach a balance that feels comfortable for you.
The way you stand is also a major factor in your comfort. Standing for extended periods with locked knees or heels can cause lower back and leg pain. The hack for this is to keep your knees slightly bent and loose. Wear supportive shoes and perhaps a good standing mat to accompany your standing desk. Non-slip desk mats are also a wise option, so your laptop or monitor stays in place in use.
We’re all slightly different heights, so an adjustable standing desk is the way to go. They use hydraulics to lower and raise the desk to your preference. It’s time to reap the benefits of a standing desk at work!
Related: Which Desk Height Is Best for Me?
The Benefits of a Standing Desk
Improve your health and productivity working at home or in a busy shared office. Investing in a standing office desk is a simple and effective way to enhance your performance and wellbeing. Let’s get into some of the benefits of a standing desk.
Calorie Burner
Standing up at your desk burns roughly 100-200 calories per hour compared to sitting down (6-130 calories). It’s not a monumental difference, but the calories all add up over time. Another benefit of a standing desk is changing the way you approach work. Standing up at work creates little shifts in your activity, like walking around more — in turn burning more calories.
More Energy
Standing up at your desk might burn more calories, but that doesn’t equate to losing energy. In fact, it’s rather the opposite. A recent ergonomic study found that using a standing desk made 66% of employees feel more productive and 87% more energised — even if they just stood for an hour. The phrase “think on your feet” has never been more apt.
Helpful for Your Health
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — good posture is everything. Using a standing desk helps ensure this. Keep your monitor at eye level, 20” from your face, with about a 20-degree tilt. Shift your weight between your legs and avoid leaning on one side. Standing at work can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and improve back pain, which avoids putting pressure on your lower back.
Be aware of your wrist positioning as you work. If you’re using a standing desk, keep your arms bent at around a 90-100 degree angle. Allowing your wrists to slack and rest on the keyboard can lead to arm and wrist discomfort and, worse, carpal tunnel syndrome.
Standing up at work can improve your circulation. Moving your legs gets the blood flowing throughout the body and keeps you more active. Standing can actually help you feel healthier — and when you feel good, you’re much more likely to be in a better mood and more focused.
Smart Standing Desks
The best kind of standing desk is a smart one. Smart standing desks have additional features like USB charging ports, wireless chargers and even touch screen controls. Adjust the height of your smart desk, sit down, stand up and revel in an ergonomic home office setup optimised for your productivity and health. Plus, with extra technology built-in, your workday just got a whole lot easier. You’re welcome.
Purus Life has curated a collection of office and bedroom products that maximise your sense of wellbeing. Browse our full range of office furniture and accessories to find an ergonomic home office solution.
