Why And How Should Height-Adjustable Desks Be Used?
Height adjustable desks have gained massive popularity in offices. They allow for a quick and uncomplicated posture change, from sitting to standing and back to sitting. The amount you invest in a height-adjustable desk will pay off in several ways. It will help avoid back pain, neck pain and will improve performance and productivity. It also improves the motivation of employees and reduces downtime. There are enormous advantages of using height-adjustable desks for employers and employees.
Our body functions best whenever it remains active. But in the everyday office setting, it is common to sit for long hours in the same position and this can lead to joint wear and tear or stiffening. This is why it is crucial to have an ergonomic office chair. It is also important to stand up regularly while you are working and move whenever possible. Frequent change of position is highly recommended. A lot of experts suggest sitting for about 60% of the working hours, standing for 30% of the time, and moving for the remaining 10%. There are several design measures that can make the workplace more ergonomic and beneficial for your health. This includes alternating between sitting and standing, taking short breaks, and always maintaining the right posture. To make the most of your health when at work, you must consider using a height-adjustable desk. It can bring benefits in several areas. But it is important to be aware of how and why the desks can be used for maximum benefits. Let’s take a look at them.
Why should you use height-adjustable desks?
1. Reduce the risk of a heart condition
It is a well-known fact that exercise can compensate for being seated at work all day but if you sit for long hours every day, it will not work. It is important to engage in some form of physical activity and if you cannot find the time during the workday, simply stand up while working. Studies have shown that when you stand during work hours, it has several benefits for your health. It is shown that sitting for long hours can have a negative impact on the physical and mental health and heart. The HDL level in the body will increase and it will lead to a high risk of a heart attack. In some cases, it can lead to strokes or heart attacks which is a frequent cause of death across the world.
2. Build healthy muscles
Standing all day will not do the job. It is important that the spine remains activated and this will happen when the muscles and spine move regularly. Hence, you must change the position regularly, and even when standing, take a quick walk when possible. When you sit for long hours, the muscle activity in your legs is zero. In the worst case, it could lead to bone degeneration which is hard to reverse. When you switch between the sitting and standing position, the muscles relax to a great extent.
3. Protects the ankles, knees, and spine
A height-adjustable desk is an ideal solution for your ankles, spine, and knees. When you switch from sitting to standing, it will keep the body and mind busy and will also keep you healthy. It will protect the knees, spine, and ankle significantly. It will also reduce the occurrence of back and neck problems that have become very common today due to stress and wrong posture.
4. Enhances mental health
During the working day, you will come across many situations that cause stress or require you to make decisions quickly. If your mind is alert, you will be able to do so. When standing, your brain activity is higher by 25% and this can result in better decision making. Even at the end of the long working day, the desk will keep your mind alert and active. It will bring flexibility and will make you more open-minded.
5. Reduces chronic illnesses
Height adjustable desks are very positive in terms of preventing back problems or avoiding cardiovascular diseases. They can also promote better health and wellbeing in the long term. If you remain seated for long hours, the body’s ability to break down glucose is reduced and your muscles will become insensitive to the insulin. This can lead to less energy and low sugar utilization. Lack of movement can also lead to the development of diseases like diabetes and if you have a standing desk, you can sit and stand to maintain energy and ensure glucose breakdown.
When can you use a standing desk?
You can have a standing desk for performing several tasks. Most work in the office can be done at the desk. But it is best to get used to sitting and standing and then stand for long hours. Anything in excess can be harmful. So take it slow and start by standing for 15 minutes initially. Activities like telephone calls or emails can be done while standing. You can also take a brisk walk when talking on the phone. You can gradually change this habit and switch between the two. It will become habitual with time. After you are accustomed to working standing, it will feel normal to complete the tasks sitting and standing.
How to use the height adjustable desk?
The height-adjustable desks are ideal when you want a comfortable and uncomplicated transition between the low desk and a high desk. The manual adjustment will not be efficient and it could be time-consuming, especially if you have to carry it out several times in the day. Further, the motivation to make the transition also decreases if it is associated with manual effort. Hence, the height-adjustable desk will do the job. It is quiet, quick, and easy. The desk is considered to be highly ergonomic and useful in terms of productivity, and mental and physical wellbeing.
Choose the desk carefully and take a trial run to see if you are comfortable in it.
