Recent scientific studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and contributes to the development of colon cancer. As a result, the risk of premature death is 37%[2] higher for women who work while sitting for at least 6 hours a day than for those who sit for no more than 3 hours. For men, this rate is certainly lower but still reaches 17%[3]. This risk is considered low for less than 4 hours spent sitting per day, moderate between 4 and 8 hours per day, and high for more than 8 hours[4]. That is why it is essential to change our daily habits, including those we adopt at work. Why not start by working while standing?

"The risk of premature death is reportedly 37% higher for women who work while sitting for at least 6 hours a day than for those who sit for no more than 3 hours a day."

What is the purpose of alternating postures?

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated a cause-and-effect relationship between prolonged sitting and an increased risk of various health conditions, ranging from mild to severe: circulatory problems, loss of muscle mass, lower back pain, digestive issues, decreased cardiovascular capacity, and even an increased risk of developing colon cancer. In addition to health problems, sitting for long periods is said to have a significant impact on fitness and productivity: people who work while sitting are, on average, more fatigued than those who regularly work while standing.

"People who work while sitting are, on average, more tired than those who regularly work while standing."

Standing, on the other hand, offers many benefits, such as greater freedom of movement and a larger usable workspace. When we work while standing, we engage all of our muscles and reduce the fatigue and drowsiness caused by pressure points that develop when sitting.

However, it is also important to consider the physical strain and discomfort that prolonged standing can cause. It is therefore recommended to alternate between sitting, sitting-standing, and standing positions in order to engage different muscles, promote blood circulation, and reduce physical and mental fatigue. A desk that is height-adjustable—either manually or electrically—makes it easy to alternate between these three positions.

"When we work standing up, we engage all of our muscles and reduce the fatigue and drowsiness caused by pressure points when sitting."

What is a sit-stand desk?

A sit-stand desk is a desk that allows you to switch from a sitting position to a standing position—and to a sit-stand position in between—very easily, using either manual or electric adjustments. Our Delta desks, for example, are equipped with a motor in each leg, allowing for very precise and quick height adjustments using two buttons located under the desktop.

This concept has been around for about a decade in the Scandinavian countries, is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and is gradually gaining traction in European countries. Much more than just a fad, it is first and foremost a philosophy centered on workplace comfort: the majority of employees who alternate their postures using height-adjustable desks say they feel fitter and more alert while working. Employers, for their part, measure the benefits in terms of their staff’s productivity, as well as a reduction in absenteeism due to lower back pain.

A non-adjustable desk with a standard height will therefore suit only a small portion of its users, who all have different body types. In fact, most of the time, the desk surface is slightly too high or too low in relation to the user’s arms, forcing them to hunch their shoulders or raise them. In some cases, the user is also forced to adjust the ideal height of their chair to compensate for this, resulting in an improper sitting posture. These unnatural, forced postures can cause pain in the elbows, shoulders, neck, and lower back.

A sit-stand desk will therefore offer its user a twofold benefit:

• Maintain good posture by adjusting the desk to a height that suits your height and body type
• Adopt a new way of working based on alternating postures in order to work more dynamically and productively

"Adopt a new way of working based on alternating body positions in order to work more dynamically and productively."

In a sit-stand configuration, Delta desks can be paired with sit-stand chairs such as the High5, Capisco, Amazone, or Jumper models. These chairs promote a dynamic and healthy posture and allow users to work with greater mobility, regardless of their industry.

So, are you ready to stand up?

[1] Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health

[2] Source: American Cancer Society

[3] Source: American Cancer Society

[4] Source: www.juststand.org

Check out the product pages for our height-adjustable desks and sit-stand chairs.

Credits: 

Illustrations: ©Azergo 2019