A must-have piece of furniture for our Scandinavian neighbors, the height-adjustable desk is increasingly popular. Why are companies leaping and equipping themselves with height-adjustable desks? Why is this new equipment so popular with employees? Let’s discover their advantages together.
What is a height-adjustable desk?
How does a height-adjustable desk work?
Sit-stand desk, adjustable desk, height-adjustable desk … As its different names indicate, the adjustable desk has the particularity of being able to adjust in height. Electric or manual crank, the standing desk thus makes it possible to adapt the height of the desk to several users in the case where they share a desk, but also to adapt the desk of a person to several working postures. It is thus possible to change position during the day to work sitting, standing or sitting standing.
Where do height-adjustable desks come from?
Widely used in Scandinavian countries and North America (6 out of 10 offices are equipped with them in Sweden, and Denmark has made it an obligation for workers to exercise more than 20 hours per week), adjustable desks are also increasingly used in France.
Large groups are beginning to equip themselves with them worldwide, convinced by their results on both the health and the productivity of workers. This is, for example, the case of Facebook, Apple, Allianz, or even La Poste.
What are the benefits of a height-adjustable desk?
Adjustable desk: what effects on health?
Our body is made for movement, yet we spend on average between 7 and 8 hours a day in a seated position, or even more for service sector workers who work constantly seated. This physical inactivity has many impacts on our health (increased risk of heart disease, loss of muscle tone, risk of being overweight). Using a height-adjustable desk counteracts these effects by promoting movement at work.
The effective use of an ergonomic sit-stand desk thus makes it possible to:
· Limit extended stations
· Boost blood circulation
· Limit office pain ( back pain, buttock pain )
· Increase focus and productivity
· Limit the risk of sedentary-related diseases (overweight, heart disease, type 2 diabetes)
Height-adjustable desks: why it’s also a benefit for companies
Sit-stand desks have many beneficial effects on workers’ health and, therefore, by extension, on their productivity.
A worker who is comfortable at his workstation is more productive, in the same way, that happiness at work increases productivity. Therefore, the installation of adjustable desks is also an issue for companies.
Also, the reduction in health problems linked to an ill-suited position makes it possible to lower the cost of absenteeism and occupational illnesses, a profitable investment therefore, when we know that 80% of employees have already suffered from back pain in the office due to an unsuitable position.
Adjustable desk: The first step toward workstation layout
The layout and adaptation of workstations are increasingly present in companies. They are designing suitable spaces and replacing furniture. More and more companies are trying to offer employees a suitable work environment and an ergonomic and functional workstation.
It is with this in mind that height-adjustable desks are becoming more democratic. For 200 to 2,000 euros, it is possible to obtain equipment that allows you to quickly adapt your position to each individual and change your posture regularly. Work is a good habit recommended to preserve one’s health.
Seven reasons to have a sit-stand desk
Why buy an adjustable-height desk?
Office workers carry out jobs subject to physical, organizational, and relational constraints likely to generate significant risks. Musculoskeletal disorders are one such risk. Adopting a height-adjustable desk helps improve your health and counter MSDs. We present to you 7 reasons to have a sit-stand desk.
1. Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of cardiovascular events by 90%. The heart needs to be challenged to stay in good working order.
When you sit at a desk all day, the sport you do in your spare time is rarely enough to compensate for your immobility during your working hours. This lack of stimulation has long-term adverse effects on your heart.
2. Strengthen your muscles
Sitting all day, you do not strain your muscles. Over time, they gradually lose their tone to become flabby.
Your postural muscles (abdominal, pectoral, and back) are no exception. Without them, standing up straight and avoiding back pain from poor posture is hard.
3. Improve your blood circulation
Sitting for long periods slows blood circulation and leads to the appearance of varicose veins and clots. Inactivity affects the excellent elasticity of your veins.
On the other hand, the brain is less irrigated and, therefore, less oxygenated, and the drop in hormonal production can cause stress and anxiety.
4. Reduce the rate of absenteeism due to MSDs
We have already mentioned MSDs. According to one study, 25% of reasons for quitting are related to musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, changing posture during your day reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
5. Increase your productivity
Standing up stimulates your brain and gives you up to 20% more efficiency. You will therefore be faster and save time on your work.
Standing up naturally energizes your body and prevents drowsiness before your screen. You will then be more focused and efficient.
6. Mood Enhancement
Standing at your desk improves mood and reduces depression, fatigue, and tension. People who sit for more than six hours daily show more signs of mental well-being issues than active people.
7. Improved focus
Moving around enhances the creation of new brain cells, which improves thinking and concentration.
Adopt the height-adjustable desk for your health!
A sit-stand desk can only benefit your health and productivity at work.
The Ergostyle premises are open to coworking. If you want to test the benefits of the height-adjustable desk in natural conditions, for a day, or even half a day, it is possible. We will welcome you with pleasure.
