How to Stay Active in the Workplace: It's Easier Than You Think

October 25, 2018

By: Cathie Ericson

Turns out that a "desk job" doesn't mean that you have to sit for hours a day, given the rise of standing desks that are transforming workplaces. And that's good news for those of us who might be afflicted with a new malady, known as "sitting disease," which can affect people who are inactive for more than 6 hours per day, says JustStand.org.

Surprisingly, even regular bouts of physical exercise that meet the recommended levels of suggested activity don’t combat the harmful effects of sitting. That’s a problem in today’s work world where sedentary jobs have risen 83 percent since 1960 and now account for 43 percent of all U.S. jobs. 

The good news is that there is an obvious, and easy, solution: Stand up. This is the premise behind Office Depot’s line of active furniture. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice for your office.


Decide to bring wellness to your workplace with a standing desk

 

"Work-life fitness” might be the new mantra to accompany “work-life balance,” and active furniture can help. That’s because standing burns about 0.7 more calories per minute than sitting, finds researcher Dr. John Buckley, who equates standing up three or four hours during a typical work day to running 10 marathons over the course of a year.

And the good news is that using a standing desk has been shown to increase productivity by 46 percent.


Decide what type of standing desk works best

Z-lifts. X-lifts. Hovers. These names might sound like a spacecraft fleet from a blockbuster movie, but they actually are just some of the styles and designs of standing desks that will contribute to effortless movement. Another helpful option is an addition such as the WorkPro® Perform Desk Riser Designed by Humanscale, which can transform most existing desks into an elevated work space.

Try out a few styles to find one that has features you need, such as seamless movement and no levers. A minimal footprint—in other words, a standing desk that occupies less space than the competition—can be on your list of “must-haves” to seamlessly integrate into your office. Try to Assess the lightness of the desk, and of course the design.


Measure twice, buy once

Yes, the old adage is, “measure twice, cut once” and we believe it serves as great advice for choosing a standing desk. You’ll want to make sure that your desk has a work surface that rises to the height you need for good posture. Then, measure the work surface to ensure there is ample room for your keyboard, mouse and any other organizational tools you typically keep on your desk.


Consider ergonomic elements

As you bring wellness to your workplace, the last thing you want to do is invite issues with your neck, back, shoulders or wrists that can arise when your posture isn’t aligned. Consider a standing desk or add-on like the WorkPro® Perform Desk Riser Designed by Humanscale that can incorporate true ergonomics to allow you to maintain correct posture. Another element to consider is whether your monitor can adjust by tilting or rotating to contribute to the ergonomic adaptability and reduce eye strain.


Remember that quality always matters

Not sure what image would work best if any image at all because it is a check list of what to look for when selecting a standing desk.

Try to make sure you’re buying from a reputable company that will offer a standing desk that is commercial-grade quality, and ideally one with a 5-year warranty. That will ensure that the elements that attracted you in the first place, such as seamless movement and no levers, continue to work perfectly over the years. Try to make sure that you have put it through its paces before committing:

  • Does it have effortless movement?
  • Does it incorporate true ergonomics?
  • Will it be easy to assemble?
  • Have you verified it occupies a minimal footprint?

Try to make sure you “stand” for nothing less than the best as you seek to integrate active furniture into your office.


All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.