What you need to know about Standing
While we’re always supportive of organisations being less reactive and more proactive, in our August Newsletter, we highlighted some considerations with regard to organisations switching to standing working environments. Perhaps these are good intentions, inspired by the apparent rise in preventative, all-too-common ailments and complaints, but is this really the best thing for your workforce? We would discourage DSE users to stand for excessive periods of time – and here’s why:
The act of sitting is in itself not bad – This may sound like a bold statement initially but not every time we sit, is it bad for us! Yet, it may not be a surprise to any of us that of course sitting for long periods of time, day in, day out isn’t necessarily good for us either. Sitting for short periods of time is of course a normal way to relax!
Standing all day could be as detrimental – we’re not saying you should never get standing, but excess standing can sometimes lead to awkwardly shifting weight from one side of the body to the other, resulting in back pain; thus it is possible to substitute poor sitting posture for poor standing posture! HAG, the ergonomic seating specialists, indeed highlighted “standing is not the key to reversing the effects of prolonged sitting” in their recent infographic.
No one really knows how long you should stand for – There have been so many conflicting recommendations on optimum standing times. While many Apps such as the Varidesk Desktop or Mobile App allow users to set the times they wish to stand and sit during the working day, users are on occasion under a deceptive impression that standing for longer and longer is always better for them. Creating awareness in this regard with users is therefore fundamental if you’re thinking of implementing standing desks or platforms within your organisation.
Suitability of IT equipment – You should also consider whether your existing IT equipment is suitable for the type of sit-stand set up you are considering implementing. For example, while portable platforms such as Varidesks may be a more affordable option for some businesses, they may need to purchase cordless mice and keyboards to prevent problems with tangled, trapped and short leads.
Individuals with specific needs – It’s important to take into account user requirements and restrictions. For example, will the user have physical difficulty in raising a platform, and is an electric desk more suitable for their personal needs?
Worth bearing in mind – It’s the lack of ‘regular movement’ that could be detrimental – and perhaps it’s not enough to just introduce a bout of exercise at the weekends! – Which may not in itself offset a sedentary lifestyle! We’re built to move – and bend – and stretch. Creating varied activities within every work role, and encouraging employees to move, is just as important.
If you would like further assistance on implementing sit-stand set ups, then please get in touch. We can help you with group posture training, product quotations, installation and setup and ongoing expert aftercare to support your initiatives.
Remember! It is important to recognise that is not just the workplace to consider! – We may sit for a large proportion of our day at work but we’re often sedentary at home too! Whether it’s watching TV, relaxing over dinner, commuting or sleeping. So while you’re considering all the above points, what can you do to encourage your employees to consider taking an overall more active lifestyle?