Alternative ways of working that are healthy for you explained …
Posted on 19th May 2023
For every 1 to 2 hours you sit in your office, 1 hour should be spent standing! (source)
What’s new with standing desks?
According to Flexispot.com we should alternate standing and sitting by about 50% each way in a full day. Within that, you should alternate sitting and standing about every quarter to half hour. Your body acclimatizes to sitting within 30 minutes and your lower body muscles switch off.
Standing desks or sit to stand desks have been around for a while now. But now they are not only known for improving circulation and decreasing back pain, studies by brain scientists at University College London, also show they help to increase productivity and the prevalence of work-related traits (such as problem-solving).
With the rise in hybrid working or a work-from-home culture, it’s more important now than ever to understand the benefits of investing in a standing desk. And to also understand and consider which ones are best suited to your at-home workspace.
You don’t have to go all out like Amazon has to welcome employees and teams back into the office with a community banana stand, free hot drinks and a Dogs at Work programme, but as an employer and business, you do need to consider other factors to make the office or workplace appealing, comfortable and functional. It doesn’t have to be all waterfalls, fish tanks and terrariums, living walls and sun loungers like Amazon according to recent reports.
More simple and achievable ways are sit to stand desks for flexibility and productivity, soft seating for relaxing at lunch or when brainstorming and meeting space that welcomes online and in person workers and meetings.
Musculoskeletal support should be a priority for employers, which has been said for a while but very recently too. It is important for employers to recognise their role in helping to prevent the potential impact of musculoskeletal issues and minimise further risks. Read more here
Repetitive movements, using a computer, poor posture and sitting at an inadequate desk without back and neck support can lead to poor musculoskeletal health and related sickness absences. Acute back pain, for example, becomes chronic after 21 days, which can significantly impact an employee’s physical and mental health, and their ability to work.
Sit to Stand desks and Electric desks
Whether you refer to these desks as sit to stand desks or electric desks or height adjustable desks, all these desks allow some working from home or in their office to stand whilst working.
There are many health benefits spoken about with sit to stand desks and the price of these has significantly dropped since they were first brought to the market.
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