Are Standing Desks Worth it?
Are standing desks worth it and should you consider investing in one? The answer to this primarily revolves around the standing up vs sitting down debate and your preference towards it.
A standing desk allows a person to stand up comfortably while working, rather than sitting down. It may also be referred to as a stand-up desk or a sit-standing desk, and can be fixed or adjustable. They have become increasingly popular over recent years due to their health and productivity benefits.
In this blog we’ll speak a little bit more about:
- What a standing desk is
- Are standing desks worth it?
- The pros and cons of sit-standing desks
- The differences between standing up vs sitting down whilst working
What is a standing desk?
Standing desks are designed to encourage a standing posture. They are higher than your conventional office desk and offer many different advantages as a result, as we will discuss later. Most standing desks are adjustable, so you can change the height to suit your own height, or switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
These are increasingly common in offices as employers seek to promote alternative working environments. They’re also often used in home offices now too, with the rise of working from home culture.
What are the pros of standing desks?
- Reduces Risk of Weight Gain: Standing burns more calories than sitting. The difference isn’t massive but it will add up over time.
- Decreases the Risk of Heart Disease: According to research, prolonged sitting is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Standing more during the day will promote movement and better circulation.
- Reduces Back Pain: Using a standing desk can reduce back pain as it encourages better posture and reduces pressure on your lower back when compared to sitting for prolonged periods.
- Supports Better Posture: Improving your posture will reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues in the future, like neck and shoulder strain.
- Improves Energy Levels: Standing can lead to higher energy levels, less fatigue, and improved mood when compared to sitting down.
- Boosts Productivity: Having an improved mood and energy levels will more than likely lead to a boost in productivity. Less lethargy means more efficiency.
What are the cons of standing desks?
- Not Suitable for All: People with certain health conditions, such as arthritis or varicose veins, may find standing desks uncomfortable or even harmful. Pregnant women may also find standing for long periods uncomfortable or inadvisable.
- Space Considerations: Standing desks often take up more space than traditional desks. This could prove to be a concern in smaller work environments, especially if you work from home. Setting up your monitor to ensure it is at the correct height and ergonomic to work with can also be tricky.
- Extra Equipment: To set your monitor and workstation up properly, you may require additional equipment, like a monitor stand. This will add to the overall cost of your arrangement.
- Cost: Speaking of cost, are standing desks worth it in terms of the initial outlay? High quality standing desks can be expensive, especially if they are adjustable or electric desks. This makes them a significant investment compared to conventional desks.
What are the differences between sitting desks and standing desks?
Both sitting and standing desks have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. The choice between them often depends on your individual health needs, work habits, and preferences. This will ultimately decide the question are standing desks worth it?
We’ve compared some features side by side in the table below to help you make a decision.
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Sitting Desk |
Standing Desk |
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Posture and Positioning |
Sitting at a chair provides support to the back, neck, and legs. But sitting for long periods can lead to slouching. Most sitting desks are at a standard height, so your chair and monitor must be adjusted to achieve ergonomic comfort. |
Standing encourages better posture, reducing the likelihood of slouching. Desk height is adjusted so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when typing, and the monitor is at eye level. Switching between sitting and standing helps maintain good posture and reduces discomfort. |
|
Health Implications |
Prolonged sitting is associated with a range of health risks, including obesity, heart disease, poor circulation, and metabolic syndrome. However, sitting desks are generally more comfortable for long, focused sessions that require prolonged concentration. |
Standing desks can mitigate some of the risks associated with prolonged sitting, and encourage movement. However, standing for long periods can cause fatigue and discomfort. Switching between standing up vs sitting down means you benefit from both approaches. |
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Productivity and Work Style |
Many people find it easier to concentrate and work for longer periods while seated. This is especially true for complex or detailed tasks, like writing or drawing. |
Standing desks can boost energy levels and productivity, particularly for tasks that involve research, planning, or collaboration with others. |
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Ergonomics |
This may include adjusting the chair height, backrest, armrests, and monitor placement to support a healthy posture. |
This focuses on desk height, monitor placement, and the use of anti-fatigue mats to reduce strain. |
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Cost and Space |
Sitting desks are generally more affordable and more widely available. They often require less space in your office or home, and need fewer additional accessories. |
Generally more expensive and may include extra costs for additional equipment to make your workstation ergonomic, like a monitor stand. They also typically require more space. |
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Flexibility |
Not much flexibility as these desks are fixed in height. You can change your chair and your accessories around your workstation but that is it. |
Many standing desks offer height adjustability, allowing users to switch between sitting and standing, and supporting a more dynamic working environment. |
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Aesthetic and Office Dynamics |
Sitting desks have a traditional appearance and are widely accepted in most office settings. |
Standing desks often have a more modern and dynamic appearance, which can contribute to a contemporary look for both the office and your home. |
Are standing desks worth it for you? Get in touch to find out for sure!
If you want to speak to a member of our team, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to have a chat, discuss your requirements and find the right solution for you.
You can also browse through our extensive range of office desks and executive office desks, including our collection of commercial office desks and home office desks. We also have a choice of designer office desks if you want something more up-market.
If you’d rather get up close and personal with our products and our friendly sales team – please come and see us at our showroom in Huddersfield. You can pop in or make an appointment to speak to one of our representatives, who will be more than happy to help.
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