The most recent work in this area, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, was based on a major study tracking the health habits of almost 12,000 Australians.
The findings are now piquing the interest of business owners and workforce managers looking for ways to make staff healthier and happier.
Manufacturers have been quick to seize upon the research, with many increasing their supplies of a range of height-adjustable desks, as well as bolt-on options to modify standard office desks already on the market. One US firm even offers a desk with a built-in treadmill!
Dr Maike Neuhaus recently completed a PhD at the University of Queensland on how to reduce sitting time for office workers.
Her work confirms that sitting for long periods increases the risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and a variety of other chronic diseases.
And while standing desks are a rarity in Australian workplaces right now, Dr Neuhaus argues that height-adjustable desks, at least, are a great option for employers who want to lead the way on providing a workplace with a difference. She recommends desk mounts that can be clamped on to existing desks to create a workspace at standing height.
Matthew Bywater runs a promotional products business called 4Promote, based in Sydney, and has been using a standing desk for a month. At first he found his concentration sagging after 20 minutes on his feet; within weeks he began to adjust. “After a month, I found it helped with my posture, increased my core strength and energy levels and also helped me think a lot better,” he says. “Now, I literally think on my feet.”
Bywater hasn’t found any downsides to using a standing desk. “However, I do place a folded yoga mat under my feet for added cushioning.”
Dr Neuhaus believes offering your staff the option to sit or stand is the way of the future, with regular posture variation shown to reduce the likelihood of neck and back pain in office workers.
“I definitely think that employees are better off having a height-adjustable desk,” she says. “After all, a happy worker is always considered to be a more productive one.”
[breakoutbox][breakoutbox_title]Meeting the demand[/breakoutbox_title][breakoutbox_excerpt]These Australian suppliers can help you reshape your office workstations[/breakoutbox_excerpt][breakoutbox_content]
These Australian suppliers can help you reshape your office workstations:
- heightadjustabledesks.com.au sells the Ergotron Workfit-D sit-stand desk ($1,299) and various Mobel height-adjustable desks.
- JP Office Workstations will charge you under $1,000 for a good-looking stand-up desk.
- GelPro (gelpro.com) sells Anti-Fatigue Mats that make standing less tiring.
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