Over the last few years, sit/stand desks have become more common. Many offices now offer them as standard or have at least one available for staff. But the common question remains: is this just a fleeting trend or do these desks provide real benefits?

As ergonomic experts, we firmly believe in the value of sit/stand desk because of their health benefits and ability to relieve spinal discomfort – but we’ll get to that later. First, a little bit of history…

Let’s go back

Although standing desks may seem like a new, fresh idea, they’ve actually been around for centuries. Famous artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh, were known to use standing desks while working. This was said to allow them to work more freely without the constraints of sitting.

Towards the end of the 1800s, standing desks became more common in the workplace. Factory workers, who often worked long hours, found that standing while at their workstations helped relieve back tension and reduce stiffness.Early models required manual height adjustments to suit different tasks.

As technology advanced, so did sit/stand desks. By the 1980s, electric sit/stand desks allowed users to easily adjust the height without strain. Today’s standing desk are offered to us in a range of colours, shapes and sizes to fit any workspace, even remembering our preferred sitting and standing heights. Our favourite height adjustable desk is the Aluforce Pro 140 Height Adjustable Desk.

So, what are the benefits?

Even with standard desks, it’s crucial for workers to take movement breaks every hour. This helps increases circulation, reduce stiffness and help prevent fatigue. But when work in manic, you’re glued to your screen or stuck in a long virtual meeting, taking a break isn’t always easy.

This is where sit/stand desks are great. They allow you to switch between sitting and standing without interrupting your workload or call.

Still not convinced? Sit/stand desks are ideal for taller or more petite users. Standard desks are often too tall or too short, leading to poor posture and discomfort, but adjusting the height of the desk ensures the perfect ergonomic fit. And for anyone dealing with chronic back pain, the option to stand can sometimes be the only real relief.

The Verdict

Sit/stand desks are far from a fad! They’re practical, versatile and promote productivity. Slotting seamlessly into any workplace, the height adjustable desk is a great addition to your set-up.

Before grabbing your own from our ergonomic shop we recommend ensuring it meets your specific ergonomic needs. As advised by HSE, a DSE assessment can help determine the right setup for your comfort and compliance.

Give us a call on 01422 652257, email us at info@posturechairs.co.uk or fill out the form below for more details.