Sit-to-stand Workspaces: The Benefits of Movement in a Sedentary Job
The world has changed significantly in the past few years; fallout from geopolitical, health, and economic shifts have created an atmosphere of change within global economies. A more competitive job market, as well as a shift from blue-collar jobs to technology based openings, have prompted a change in the way people think about their work. As job seekers search for a better work-life balance, many employers have been forced to examine the way in which they allow their employees to do their jobs. One of the biggest areas we’ve seen this shift is in remote work.
After nearly three years of largely mandatory stay-at-home protocols, many employees have become comfortable working from home. The flexibility to do your work while also tending to the everyday needs of your home is extremely enticing. SAAS companies such as Zoom and Webex have helped pave the way for virtual business communications. Employees aren’t the only beneficiaries of this new lifestyle, however; employers have saved millions by ditching their brick and mortar locations, allowing reallocation of funds to other areas of their businesses. But not everything is roses with the new work-from-home model. Individuals are facing new challenges surrounding overall health and mental well-being when combining their home and office spaces. One of those challenges is the way we prioritize our health. Although travel to and from the office seemed somewhat mundane, it forced individuals to get out and move.
When we think about health we tend to correlate eating healthy and exercising to a better overall well-being. While working from home may give you a leg up on healthy eating, allowing for more at-home cooking, it certainly leaves something to be desired when we consider exercise. Even if we go to the gym consistently, it’s easier to remain sedentary throughout the day when you aren’t forced to get up and move. We go from bed, to desk, to bed, with less need for movement. While our overall job performance and productivity may rise, we’re forced to consider the question of how to minimize stagnation in our new, more sedentary work environments.
One way in which we can combat stasis is by forcing ourselves to move, even in the smallest ways. We can make conscious efforts to take more steps throughout the day which may include something as simple as walking to the dining room or walking down the block. We need to remind ourselves that although we may no longer have a break room, the need for breaks remains. Perhaps an even more granular perspective towards how we can encourage movement is by simply standing.
This is where a sit-to-stand desk or adjustable height desk comes in. These ergonomic and often stylish alternatives to a traditional desk and ergonomic chair gives their owners the ability to work in either a sitting or standing position. Oftentimes using a mechanism to raise the desk, one has the option of how high or how low they would like to be seated or standed. Coming in a variety of colors and styles, remote workers are sure to find a desk that fits their personal style as well as their budget.
Whether you’re exploring the opportunity to work remotely on a full time basis, or you’re currently working remotely looking for ways to stay active and healthy, you should absolutely consider a sit-to-stand desk for your workspace. With various information continually published about the benefits of movement, prioritizing simple changes in your routine that promote activity will not only benefit you physically, but mentally as well. With so many options out there, you’re bound to find a product that fits your needs.
