(01) 6111 025 | (061) 303 666 sales@m2.ie

Everything you need to know about Height Adjustable Desks

by | | Interior Design

Why it is important to use your sit-stand desk!

The majority of the Irish working public spend their day at a desk, this means being inactive most of the day. However, neither our bodies nor our physiques are made for this inactivity, studies show that sedentary behaviour leads to lifestyle related diseases. Using a sit-stand desk can reduce sedentary behaviour significantly, decrease the risk of lifestyle related- diseases and increase our daily well-being.

On average we spend 12 hours a day sitting, that’s 60-70% of our day spent sedentary. With a height adjustable desk you are achieving reduction in sedentary behaviour by replacing the time you spend at work sitting with segments of standing.

Research shows that sedentary behaviour is independent of physical activity. Meaning it is not enough to exercise regularly – you also need to spend less time sitting. There are many health consequences to being less active, some of which include a 30% greater risk of heart disease, fatigue and back pain. Physical inactivity is the 4th leading risk factor for global mortality.

Sitting – what happens when we sit too much

  • By getting up and out of your chair throughout the day, you engage postural muscles that “switch on” this is essential to good health. When you sit all day, your health goes into decline.
  • According to scientists, when we sit the “enzymes that are responsible for “burning fat just shut down.” This can lead to retention of fat, lower good cholesterol and spark the overall reduction in the metabolic rate.
  • Additionally, lower demands on the circulatory system while sitting results in a slow down of heart activity and blood flow which will accelerate fatigue.

Prolonged sitting reduces body movement making muscles more likely to pull, cramp or strain. It has been associated with a high incidence of back complaints, discomfort in the lower extremities and increased muscle loading of the neck and shoulder muscles.

Five things you can try today

  1. Talk face to face instead of emailing
  2. Go for walks at lunch time
  3. Place the printer as far from your desk as possible
  4. Have walk and talk meetings
  5. Use the stairs instead of the elevator

Don’t stand all day

Do not replace prolonged sitting with prolonged standing, the misconceptions about the use of height adjustable desks have resulted in confusion. The end goal is not to stand all day.

 

Effects of Prolonged Standing:

  • Sore feet
  • Swelling of the legs
  • Varicose veins
  • Static muscle fatigue
  • Low back pain
  • Stiffness in the neck and shoulders

Why not try 2 hours a day of standing that is divided up into 15 minute segments spread out across the day.

Standing, not just a boost to your health

Standing, not just a boost to your health

Productivity at your desk increases 10-20% when standing. Users of sit-stand workstations claim to be more alert, task-driven and overall more positive.

  • Research shows a direct link between healthy employees and improved performance
  • Meetings are kept short, focused and efficient
  • Better posture and reduced risk of back pain
  • Higher energy levels, especially in the afternoons

Employees who use height adjustable desks are 71% more focused, 66% more productive and 33% less stressed. Other research proves that using height adjustable desks leads to improved work productivity, quality, efficiency and a greater sense of collaboration among groups of employees.

Reduces sick days

Using height adjustable desks on a regular basis will reduce the number of sick days. Applying physical workplace activity programmes have proven to reduce sick days by up to 32%.

Standing up while working is a habit to which your body needs to adjust

Getting Started

Important tips when using a height adjustable desk:

  1. If you, for medical reasons, are in doubt whether you can stand for 5-15 minutes every hour, you should consult a doctor
  2. Standing up while working is a habit to which your body needs to adjust. Start small, try standing 5 minutes at a time
  3. It is important to vary between sitting and standing. Standing up all day is not healthy either – it is the variation that matters
  4. Over time, stand 15 minutes every hour, accumulating to 2 hours a day
  5. Make it part of your daily work to shift position

 

Standing Ergonomic tips

  1. Avoid strain on your neck and head
  2. Have enough workspace on your desk
  3. Wear shoes that do not hurt your back
  4. Avoid prolonged sitting – stand up whenever you can
  5. Take short breaks and walk away from the desk
  6. Make sure your desk supports the weight of your arms

Got any questions for us?

90% of our staff use sit stand desks every day. If you have any questions, concerns or are thinking about fitting out your workspace with Height Adjustable Desks then please don’t hesitate to contact us on
(01) 6111 025 | (061) 303 666 or by using the form below.

We really believe in the benefits of Height Adjustable Desks and would be more than happy to discuss them with you while helping you find the right solution for your office.

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