Many office workers often find themselves sitting at a desk for long hours at a stretch. On average, working adults with a steady 9 to 5 find themselves sitting at a desk for more than 7 hours every day. What they do not realize, however, is the long-term effects this would have on their health.

The prototypical working behavior of the average adult is a trap for a sedentary lifestyle. Not only is sitting for too long bad for the muscles of the legs and back, but it also increases the risk of health problems like heart diseases, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

Sitting for long periods has also been linked to health concerns like obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and an abnormal cholesterol level.

Since the typical workspace calls for a desk space where all the work is carried out, what can be done? Other than the walk breaks recommended to every adult, another favorite solution is a standing desk.

A standing desk is built like any other office desk but designed to be used while standing. These types of desks have been around for quite a while and have only just started becoming mainstream as more and more people become aware of their not-so-hidden benefits.

Over the years, standing desks have evolved from simple structures to having various designs and ergonomic features. These standing desks are of multiple purposes, often coming as a home standing desk, an office standing desk, and even a home office standing desk.

Some standing desks have a fixed height, while some are adjustable height desks to double as sitting/standing desks. This type is popularly known as the sit/stand desk.

Some desk designs even come as an electric standing desk with pre-installed USB ports so the worker can get all the work done at their desks. All designs, however, have the same goal in common… to provide less sitting time and, essentially, better health for all office workers.

Contrary to popular opinion, you are not required to be at your standing desk all day. It is good to alternate between sitting and standing while you work by remembering to take 30 minutes to 1 hour standing breaks for every 2 hours you sit.

Why are standing desks so important, anyway?

Some of the benefits of using standing desks include:

1. Lower Risk of Obesity and Weight Gain

Studies show that almost 1000 calories are burnt from standing each week.

Weight gain is caused by ingesting more calories than you use. Obesity is caused by excess weight gain. Both are a result of a lack of exercise.

While sitting at a desk, it is straightforward to slip into a very inactive lifestyle, marked only by the lunch break commute. Standing uses additional 13 percent energy in 8 hours. Because it requires more energy than sitting, it helps to burn the excess fat acquired during every lunch.

lose weight

2.Reduce Back and Neck Pain

Sitting for too long can be harmful to the spine.

One prevalent complaint from office workers is back and neck pain.

Sitting at a desk for a long time can put a strain on the back and neck muscles. Uncomfortable chairs and lousy sitting posture mainly cause this.

Studies on employees who use standing desks have noted a 32 percent less complaint of lower back pain in weeks of using the desks.

Standing desks gives your spine a break that it needs, taking away the strain from having to sit for hours.

reduce back and neck pain

3.Lower Blood Sugar Level

Looking for an easy way to reduce your blood sugar level spikes effectively? Grab a standing desk from the nearest store.

In 2013, a study of 10 office workers showed that standing for about 180 minutes after lunch reduced their blood sugar levels by 43 percent. This further proved that taking a stand saves lives.

Office workers find it normal to grab lunch and immediately go back to sitting at their desk, barely taking more than a few steps when needed. Given that there is a slight but noticeable increase in your blood sugar level after every meal, it is safe to say that not working off that meal might be killing you.

Using standing desks can help burn calories, effectively helping to manage your blood sugar level.

lower blood sugar level

4. Increase Productivity

Workers can function better and focus on getting more work done when they are not concentrating on their discomfort.

Standing desks help workers loosen their tense muscles and also helps to get the blood running back into their legs.

electric standing desk

5.Reduce Risk of Heart Diseases

Unbelievable as this might sound, standing desks play a role in reducing heart diseases. This was first debated in 1953, after which a study of bus conductors whose jobs involve a great deal of leg time. This study showed that individuals who stood all day had half the risk of heart-related diseases.

An even more recent study showed that a sedentary lifestyle increased the risk of cardiovascular death by 90%.

reduce risk of heart diseases

6.Improve Mood and Energy

Sitting all day can be tiring.

Working while sitting requires fewer muscles than when standing. As such, it might feel limiting and uninspirational, making workers feel too relaxed.

Working while using a standing desk helps to improve alertness, energy, and overall disposition towards work.

office standing desk

7.Reduce Stress

A study of several individuals who used standing desks showed that 33 percent felt less stressed when not hunched over their workstations.

Standing desks enable individuals to shake out their tired limbs and ease their straining muscles, helping them think, and in essence, feel better.

home standing desk

8. Longer Life

Take away the health risks of a usually sedentary lifestyle and you are presented with a much healthier individual.

Standing desks help workers to achieve a better physical state. While standing desks might look like all the activities you need, a standing desk should not substitute actual exercise.

  • Regularly alternate between sitting and standing

  • Adjust your desk to the correct height

  • Do you prefer mesh of leather office chairs?

  • Angle your computer screen to eye level, reposition the mouse and keyboard if necessary

  • Consider accessories like arm supports and Anti-fatigue mats.

Little things go a long way. Substituting your desk for a standing desk is one of them.

keep healthy

Wrap Up

SAn organization with a healthy workforce will stay productive, and one way to achieve this is by creating conducive working conditions for all employees. You can go through our catalog to see different standing desks available for you to buy.