Are sit-stand workstations healthy?
Are sit-stand workstations healthy?
It is proved that sitting long behind a desk is not good. Is working standing better? Opinions are divided about this but everyone agrees, is that alternate between sitting and standing work is healthier than sitting all day. Man is not naturally made to sit (still), so the change certainly can not hurt.
Considerations to work standing. To avoid health problems with standing work, it is good to keep in mind the following points:
The workplace shall be such that the employee has the choice to perform the work standing or sitting.
If the work can be performed while sitting, then that is recommended. But prolonged sitting is not desirable. The best thing is to alternate sitting and standing.
Make sure your work desk has the correct height, and beware of foot space.
Health benefits
Standing work contributes to a better blood circulation and increased productivity. You can alternate sitting and standing work. Sit-stand desks and sit-stand tables are a good and ergonomic alternative to the traditional desks. The idea behind the sit-stand workstations that you alternate between sitting and standing. Ergonomic research has shown that this has a positive effect on the incidence of typical office complaints.
Recent Comments
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The best thing since sliced bread Loes!
I made my own "sit-stand" workstation from material I already had available……… Cost zero!
Best of all I can already feel the health benefits, and actually enjoy the ability to keep up some form of movement, alternating between sitting and standing.
I've even installed a stationary cycle and a mini trampoline in my office, how's that for being a health fanatic……!
~Arthur
I did a post on having a laptop stand for better posture and the dangers of sitting too long if you care to have a peep Loes.
http://hifi-electronics.com/desk-stand-for-laptop-computer/
I use a sit-stand work station and love it! I agree, it is healthiest for the body to alternate between sitting and standing vs doing one or the other all day. My station easily pops up and down making it a breeze to alternate sitting and standing throughout the day. Even better is to try moving around a bit when standing...(e.g. calf raises, stretches, marching, etc.) Hard to do those things while typing, lol, but not so hard while reading.
Carol
I have moved away from sitting a few years back and I spend a small percentage of my day sitting now. At first it was a bit of a tough transition as you don't realize how tiring it is on your legs/feet standing for 10-12 hours per day, but your body gets used to it.
A healthy mix is a good idea and our bodies are not meant to sit all day, they weren't built for it and if you sit at a desk for a sustained period of time in your career you are almost guaranteed to have back issues.
It is also to have some form of movement while you are standing up as it can be static as well. There was a cool kickstarter awhile back (full production now) that I have considered for this. It's pretty cool.
http://www.wurf.com/
Enjoy your new upright work environment Loes!
Yeah, I am just not sure if it would be annoying or would serve a practical purpose throughout the day (prevent things like achilles strain, plantar fasciitis, lower back strain, etc).
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You have a great point on sit-stand. More companies need to research this topic to take care of their employees.
The awareness of companies in all areas is slowly but surely going forward