For the 90% of us that work on our computers all day, we are fully aware of at least a few benefits of the standing desk. A flexible desk provides the freedom to alternate between various heights with just the touch of a button and can provide a multitude of benefits to your health. To put it simply, standing desks are infinitely superior to stationary workspaces, and here are five more reasons (you may or may not have heard of) why you need one:
1. Standing desks encourage mobility and increase productivity.
Experts agree people who move throughout the workday are not just happier and healthier, but more productive as well. Along similar lines, active work environments are far more likely to attract quality talent.
2. Standing vs. sitting can help you shed those extra pounds.
An article published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology [1] showed an increase in standing correlated with an increase in calories burned. Researchers examined results of previous studies on standing desks, which included information on 1,184 people. Findings conclude that a person of average weight could lose up to 5 lbs. of body fat loss per year, assuming the person does not increase their calorie intake.
3. Standing promotes up to 20% more mental activity.
According to experts, human brain activity can increase by up to 20% when standing, resulting in significantly faster, higher-quality decision-making processes, even at the end of a long workday. Sit-stand workstation set-ups and continuous standing desks have been shown to increase overall energy expenditure, and heart rate[2].
4. Height-adjustable desks save you time!
Increased efficiency through highly productive work saves time in the long run. Who couldn’t use a few extra minutes or even hours at the end of the day to decompress? It has been estimated that height-adjustable desks increase efficiency by at least 10% [3] , resulting in a good deal of extra time in the year.
5. Height-adjustable desks can help motivate you.
Fewer external complications lead to less stress, frustration, and chronic pain, which in turn creates more motivation for your workday. When you feel better, you do better. Experts agree that daily productivity and crossing things off your to-do list can lead to more fulfilling and enjoyable work lives.
Time to stand up!
Reducing sedentary time can improve your overall physical and even mental health. Therefore, varying between sitting to standing throughout your day is crucial. Experts recommended splitting your time 50-50 between standing and sitting for the most benefit.