Research has suggested that excessive sitting - regardless of how much exercise you do - is linked to being overweight, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer¹. While there are steps that desk-based employees can take to become less sedentary at work, such as taking the stairs and regular breaks, it's no surprise that employers are increasingly considering the health and productivity benefits of reducing the time employees spend sitting in one position at work.
From standing-only desks to sit-stand desks, there are a few options available to help achieve the recommended two hours of standing each working day² or to help accommodate an individual's health needs.
Here are three things you might not know about these types of desks.
1. Regulations about suitable equipment apply to all types of desk
There are minimum requirements for the provision of suitable equipment and the working environment (Display Screen Equipment Regulation 3) and sit-stand desks are no exception. For example, there has to be sufficient leg room to allow postural changes and the height of the work surface should allow a comfortable position of arms and wrists. Equally, the space provided should take adequate account of the range of tasks performed, the position and use of hands and use and storage of working materials and equipment.
2. A mix of positions is best
Just as sitting down all day isn't ideal, nor is standing in the same position for a prolonged period. It's important that employees move around so a mix of good-postured sitting, good-postured standing and walking during breaks should be encouraged to ensure they vary their posture and height often. Some tasks lend themselves well to a particular position. For example, short meetings, phone calls and sorting through papers are well suited to standing up, whereas sitting down could be more conducive to tasks which require high concentration.
3. Don't underestimate the importance of appropriate footwear
Employees should be encouraged to wear shoes that enable them to move around, stand and sit comfortably without hindering their range of postures. For example, high heels position the foot at an unnatural angle and push forward the centre of gravity, making the wearer more unstable. This puts pressure on the spine and can lead to discomfort, whereas flat, cushioned shoes enable greater stability and comfort for a range of postures and tasks.
¹ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/sitting-and-sedentary-behaviour-are-bad-for-your-health.aspx
² http://www.nhs.uk/news/2015/06June/Pages/Office-workers-of-England-stand-up-for-your-health.aspx