Standing Desk - Business Productivity Coach

The Pros and Cons of Standing Desks

Pros and Cons of Standing Desks

Standing Desks-The Fad and the Facts

Standing desks continue to gain popularity as studies have shown that sitting at work can increase a general feeling of overall sluggishness, a higher risk in disease and if that isn’t enough an increase in mortality.

The research on the effects of a standing desk are still in the works. Here are the pros of a standing desk.  Researchers have found there is an overall increase in:

  • Alertness and mood
  • Weight loss (Hello! You can burn up to 320 calories by standing at your desk!)
  • Good cholesterol
  • Overall health

The cons of a standing desk:

  • Standing doesn’t affect or increase your overall productivity or cognitive function. Thinking on your feet, well, it doesn’t really mean it actually happens.
  • You have to be vigilant on the ergonomics of a standing desk. Check the Wave Productivity Pinterest page for correct ways to set up a standing desk.
  • It can take a toll on the legs, knees and feet. Standing desks can cause varicose veins and knee pain. Using an anti-fatigue mat can help.

Check out IKEA. They have affordable standing desks with electronic adjustments. There are tons of hacks and do it yourself standing desks. Remember ergonomics is important in creating a desk that works for you. A big focus is should be on your posture. Whether you are sitting or standing make sure you are not slumped over. This can cause decreased oxygen to the lungs and brain.

What researchers have found is that a work day with a standing desk isn’t the cure all. The best work day being one, where there is movement and a mixture of sitting, standing, and rest. Researchers are continuing to study the effects of treadmill desks and desks with bike equipment built in. Check out Treadmill desks. It takes some getting used to as you walk and type or read. Give yourself a good week at the treadmill desk to get adjusted to using it as a work space.

It’s Jimmy Fallon, host of the Tonight Show that sums it up best-

“A recent study shows that standing at work for long periods of time is bad for you. After earlier research indicated that sitting for too long at work is bad for you. So really the only thing we know is…work is bad for you.”’

 

 

Margo Crawford is a Productivity Coach and Professional Organizer with Wave Productivity. She works with entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals to help them get more focused, organized and productive in their workplace.  By phone, she coaches nationally and is available for in person sessions in Arizona, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. If you want to get more organized in your office call 602-677-8275 or email [email protected]