Coworking spaces have grown in popularity over the last few years, especially as remote work has significantly increased and more people are freelancing. There are plenty of benefits to sharing a workspace. It’s a great way to combat loneliness, boost creativity, and share ideas with others.
Plus, many coworking spaces across the country are becoming pretty trendy to attract work-from-home employees. Some feature libraries, free printing, and even outdoor workspaces. However, if there’s one area lacking coworking spaces, it’s desk variety.
While that might not seem like a big deal, it’s essential to keep in mind that traditional desk layouts aren’t for everyone. You might consider installing standing desks if you own or manage a coworking space. Not only are they getting as popular as working from home, but they can benefit everyone who comes into your space in multiple ways.
Let’s take a closer look at why every coworking space should use standing desks and how you can purchase, assemble, and maintain them.
The Case for Standing Desks
It’s easy to assume that standing desks are just a fad or that they won’t age well in a modern workplace. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case. A Society for Human Resource Management report states that standing desks are among the fastest-growing employee benefits globally.
It’s not hard to see why they’re increasing in popularity or considered so beneficially. The health benefits are second to none, especially for people who would otherwise be sedentary throughout their workday. Some of the health benefits of standing desks include:
● Improved circulation;
● Decreased risk of diabetes;
● Better posture;
● Reduced back pain;
● Better mood;
● More energy;
● Greater productivity.
Standing desks can also help to improve chronic pain for workers who live with it. Poor posture and underlying health conditions are some of the most prominent causes of chronic pain, so being able to stand all day while improving posture can make a big difference.
Having standing desks in your coworking space can also serve as a way to attract remote workers. It places health and wellness at the forefront of your design, a perk many people are looking for nowadays. Office wellness initiatives, like utilizing natural light, encouraging employees to spend time outdoors, and installing indoor plants, are all major draws for prospective employees who want to prioritize their overall well-being. Standing desks can be a big part of that, as well.
What To Look For
Not all standing desks are created equally. A quick search online will find plenty of manufacturers and styles. However, it’s essential to choose the proper desks for your workspace if you want to elevate your office.
Luckily, there are a few easy considerations when deciding on the best standing desks for your coworking space. First, consider that multiple people will use every desk. Employees will come and go, and everyone might have a different purpose while using the desk. With that in mind, it’s a good rule of thumb to choose standing desks with wide adjustment areas. That way, both the shortest and tallest people who use the workspace will be able to adjust it to fit their needs in a matter of seconds, so they can work comfortably while taking advantage of the benefits.
It’s also important to consider the depth of the desks you’re choosing. If you’re able to buy a standing desk in person, be sure to measure the depth. Look at the dimensions in the description if you buy your desk online. Anything less than 30 inches of depth can cause eye strain and other types of discomfort since it will force most workers closer to the monitor than they would be otherwise.
If you’re considering installing standing desks in your coworking space, don’t be afraid to ask some of the people who utilize the space what they’d like to see. You can survey the people who share the space about everything from the style of the desks to the layout they would most appreciate. Different standing desk designs are better suited for specific spaces. Knowing what would work best with your coworking community can require a bit of conversation and planning.
Maintaining an Office Space With Standing Desks
Standing desks should be a pretty high priority when it comes to having a coworking space with features remote workers actually want. Once you finally decide to take the plunge and install them, make sure to educate yourself on how to keep them properly maintained so multiple employees can utilize them for years to come.
There are plenty of things you can do to maintain and care for your standing desks, no matter how often they’re being used. First, make sure you know the material your desks are made of, as different materials benefit from different cleaning methods. Some of the most common materials are:
● Bamboo;
● Wood;
● Laminate.
Laminate and bamboo desks are easier to clean and more resilient. Wooden desks are beautiful and can stand the test of time, but they often need a little more TLC to keep looking shiny and new.
Please ensure everyone in the coworking space knows how to respect the desks and treat them properly. It’s a good idea to have signs posted or a handbook everyone can agree to. Some of the best practices for caring for standing desks include:
● Using coasters for drinks;
● Cleaning up any water spills immediately;
● Writing with something else underneath;
● Not putting your weight on the desk.
While these might seem like common sense measures, it’s easy for everyone to become a little forgetful when they’re in the middle of a long work session. Having those reminders can make a big difference.
Now is a perfect time if you’ve been on the fence about getting standing desks for your coworking space. Everyone will reap the rewards. You’ll draw more people to your space, and with the proper care and maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy your investment for years to come.
