Traditional desks have a reputation that lets the workers sit for an extended period. This can be harmful to their health. Not only does it put pressure on their bodies but it also reduces their concentration and productivity at work.
The problem is that modern society wants to sit for long periods of sitting every day. That problem is compounded when people are sitting time on cheap, non-adjustable office chairs. It forces the body’s muscles to strain while sitting. When muscles tire, posture becomes low and health issues arise.
Remaining in one position too long even if it is ergonomically correct can hurt your overall health. You should alternate between sitting and standing during your work hours and at home to avoid circulatory problems and other health issues. When changing position, avoid placing too much pressure on anyone's body part.
There is a great deal of scientific research about sit-stand desks in the past decade, finding the next steps for how to use these desks to better benefit people in the workplace.
We will examine the effects of a sit-stand desk in the following domains: behavior, physiological, work performance, psychological, discomfort, and posture.
The use of a sit-stand desk got workers to sit less and stand more. However, there are many drawbacks with sit-stand desks stemming from physiological outcomes. Early users thought that these desks would be the miracle cure for obesity, but users were not getting the results they expected. According to researchers, physiological effects were the examined extensively, but within that domain, there were no immediate results when it comes to obesity.
Health Benefits of Sit-Stand Desks
There are health benefits to using sit-stand desks, such as a slight decrease in blood pressure or low back pain relief, but people can’t burn enough calories to lose weight with the sit-stand desks. Though these are mild, certain populations might benefit greatly from even a small change in their health routines to achieve positive outcomes with sit-stand desks.
It should have an orientation on how to properly use them; like any other tool, you need some practice to get the full benefits out of it.
There are many factors to effectively use a sit-stand desk. Such as desk height, monitor height, amount of time standing, and using an anti-fatigue mat.
But the basic ergonomic concepts seem to be overlooked. Many workers started getting sit-stand desks and started using them without knowing how to use them. The usage of the sit-stand desk will differ from person to person, and the direction will better able to suggest dosage for a variety of workers in time
Standup desks allow you to change position at any time of the workday. This can let you switch your work position any time you want to. This alternating between sitting and standing is good for the mind as well as the body.
Sit-stand desks create a better working environment. Keeping your body active all day reduces the risks of back pain and other discomforts. These desks meet people’s health needs very well. It can also improve your psychological health. Many studies prove that standing desks increase the brain’s performance and boost your energy level.
There are numerous physical health benefits of using standing desks. They enhance your posture and avoid all the health problems link with excessive sitting. But, one area hasn’t been studied when discussing the usefulness of a standing desk. This about a connection with your psyche. It reduces your stress level, keeps you energetic, and improves your concentration.
Standing Desks and Psychological Health:
1. Improve your mood:
Excessive sitting can cause stress and anxiety. When standing at your desk. It improves movement. Your posture is important here. Your energy level will be higher, and in a better mood when standing at your work.
2. Increase brain’s performance:
When standing, it keeps your body active which makes your brain active. It improves blood circulation that pumps fresh blood and oxygen to the brain. It aids your brain to be alert, increasing your concentration and improving productivity.
3. Activate psychological power:
When we stand and work, it keeps the other parts of the brain occupied with menial tasks when we are fully focused on the other things that need our concentration. This psychological thing happens automatically. We make unconscious small movements like finger tapping or shuffling feet when we stand and work. It improves our concentration.
4. Improve your creativity:
Standing at work improves productivity since it enhances brain performance. While standing, you unconsciously balance your body and use your muscles. It keeps your brain occupied. An active brain works better and helps you become more creative.
5. Assist you in stress management:
Stress at work is commonplace. When it comes to meeting deadlines, workers have stress on their bodies and their brains. This causes harm to their health. Standing at work aids in managing your anxiety level. Concentration is better for your work, assists you to manage your task correctly.
Finding the right height for sit-stand desks
Average Office Desk Height
The average static work desk or table is between 28 and 30 inches tall, which works well for individuals in the 5’8” to 5’10” range. But what about people who do meet those height requirements? Getting an adjustable, ergonomic office desk that can adjust from 22 inches up to 33 inches high. With the adjustable office desk, you can achieve the healthiest and most comfortable desk height for everyone.
How to Find the Right Desk Height
Standard measurements for the correct desk height for you in the workplace or home office don’t take into account individuals’ body sizes. People of the same overall height might have different neck lengths, torso lengths, forearm lengths, upper arm lengths, etc.
The best way to get the proper desk height is to ensure that your desk surface and keyboard are at the elbow level when seated at your desk or standing at a stand-up desk. Now, it is easier can use your keyboard and desk optimally. With shoulders relaxed and forearms bent at the right angle.
Conclusion:
Sit-stand desks are not only great for the physical well-being of the worker but also the psychological well-being as well. The sit-stand desks should also have the right height requirement not only for the average height workers but also for other body types of workers.