The Benefits of a Sit-Stand Workstation
Do you know how many hours the average office worker sits in a day? It's shocking!
The average office worker sits around 10 hours per day. This leads to a sedentary lifestyle which increases employees' chances of serious health risks that include back and neck pain. Thankfully, the implementation of ergonomics in the workplace can help put a stop to these health risks.
An important element of ergonomics in the workplace is the implementation of a sit-stand workstation. A sit-stand workstation gives the ability to easily switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the workday. So, if you're wondering, what are the benefits of a sit-stand workstation, have a look below.
Sit-Stand Workstations Reduces Chronic Pain
One of the most common complaints from office workers is chronic back pain. The human body was designed to stand and move throughout the day. So, sitting for long periods of time can cause strain to the muscles and joints which can lead to this chronic pain.
By introducing sit-stand workstations, office workers will be encouraged to stand throughout the day. With an increase in movement, office workers will notice a reduction in chronic pain. This can be seen in a study conducted by Standford University. The study introduced a combination of 46 Ergotron WorkFit sit-stand workstations. The study found that 78% of workers that used a sit-stand workstation reported that they had a pain free day compared to when they worked at regular sitting only workstations.
Sit-Stand Workstations Improve Mood and Energy Levels
Sit-stand workstations encourage movement throughout the workday. Moving throughout the day prevents low mood and energy levels. This is because when you move, your body pumps fresh blood and oxygen to the brain which releases mood-enhancing chemicals.
This can be seen in a study that found 87% of people who used sit-stand workstations reported an increase in mood and energy level. Alternatively, when these workstations were removed, the participants reported a decrease in their mood and energy levels.
A common misconception about a sit-stand workstation is that it can hinder the ability to complete daily tasks at work, such as typing. While it may take some time to get used to, standing at work has no negative impact on getting work done. Considering that standing reduces chronic pain and increases mood and energy levels, sit-stand workstations can help increase productivity at work.
To keep your employees' productivity levels high, it is important to communicate that they should be alternating between sitting and standing positions every 30 minutes. To encourage that they switch between positions you can implement a timer that reminds employees when to change positions.
Are you Ready to Take a Stand?
The introduction of a sit-stand workstation can improve physical and mental health. It can also lead to an increase in productivity in the workplace. So, are you ready to take a stand and introduce sit-stand workstations to your workplace?