Standup Desks Revisited

It seems everyone is interested in stand-up desks these days.  Recently, we saw a report on our local news station promoting all the benefits of adjustable work stations.  To this we say, “We know, and we’re happy you’re helping to pique interest in this wonderful innovation in office ergonomics!”

Great River Office Products first blogged about the VariTask stand-up desk in June 2011.  (We’ve re-posted that article here for your convenience.)  Since that post, we’ve found more statistics and fun facts about why stand-up desks are such a great innovative product.  We’ve noted a few below.

• 82% of workers want flexibility in the desk height
• Flexibility keeps workers on task longer improving productivity
• Worker’s compensation costs tend to go down with adjustable work station height
• An average of 280 more calories are burned per day due to just two more hours of standing

Stand Up, Sit Down Yes, Yes, Yes!

Reprinted from June 21, 2011

Great River Office Products blog

I sit too much, you probably sit too much, and in fact most American workers sit too much.  We spend at least 8 hours per day sitting at our office desks.  All of this sitting is not good for your neck, shoulders and back.  The good news is there are things you can do to make the necessity of sitting at your desk more comfortable.

Most of the time, your desk is a stationary, non-adjustable piece of the ergonomic equation.  Instead you’re forced to make ergonomic changes to other things like your chair.  While it’s very important to have an office chair that fits your personal needs, we’re found a wonderful desk that is also adjustable thus opening other options for good ergonomics and better worker productivity.

The Mayline VariTask desk is an adjustable computer work desk that allows you to go from a sit-to-stand position.  It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, is easy to assemble, and adjusts to 14” overall from 26” to 40”.  The adjustment is quick and simple too.  A push button electric activation moves the desk to your desired height in just 18 seconds.

Adjusting your desk height helps in finding your neutral body position at your work station.  Neutral body position is attained when the body is naturally aligned and stress and strain on muscles, tendons, and joints is reduced.

The ability to move to a standing position also helps with mid-day sleepiness.  Instead of curling up under your desk for a nap, the VariTask allows you to move into a full standing position thus helping to keep drowsiness to a minimum.

The adjustable desktop makes it easier to attain the best possible height for your computer monitor.  Good monitor height reduces strain on your neck and shoulder muscles.

You also want to consider getting up and moving around with a mini break.  It actually makes you a more productive worker.  A short break wakes you up, helps to minimize eye strain, and gives you a chance to do some helpful stretches.

If you need to be in long telephone conferences, consider getting a wireless headset that allows you to freely walk about your space during the call.

Stand up, sit down, walk about, do some stretches, and keep moving.  You’ll feel better and get more done at the office!

For more tips on office ergonomics, check out the ergonomics category on our blog.  www.greatriverofficeproducts.net.