Their advantages have been appreciated by users, who say they have been feeling much better since they started working at those desks

Not long ago desks with an electrical height adjustment were perceived more of a curiosity. Nowadays they are gaining more and more popularity and are expected to become a standard soon. Their advantages have been appreciated by users, who say they have been feeling much better since they started working at those desks, and employers. For employers, purchasing modern and trendy solutions is not just an image-building activity. Wellbeing in the office has a powerful impact on the health of employees, which translates into their productivity. Furthermore, modern furnishing allows to optimally use office space and improve work organisation.

The function of height adjustment in desktops and all office furniture addresses the need to improve working conditions. Before, the focus of attention was on the shape of furniture pieces to reduce back problems caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Now, with the advancements in medicine the significance of physical activity started being noticed.   

Back pain is one of many consequences of long hours of sitting on a job. The research shows that physical inactivity causes up to 1/3 cases of coronary heart disease, 1/4 cases of diabetes and nearly as many cases of colon cancer, and 1/5 of cases of breast cancer. These are life-threatening diseases and that’s why, physical inactivity is defined as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality.  

However, attempts to balance these threats with additional sporting or recreational activities in many cases turn out to be futile. Researchers claim that jogging, aerobics or gym workouts won’t produce the expected results if we go on sitting long hours in the same position. That doesn’t only refer to sitting at the desk, but also sitting in a car or sitting in front of a TV set.

What are the ideal time intervals for different positions then? Researchers suggest that every 30 minutes of work should include 20 minutes of sitting (on ergonomic chairs, of course) and 8 minutes of working in a standing position. The remaining 2 minutes should be spent moving (it can either be a short walk or stretching). Sticking to these recommendations doesn’t have to be a nuisance. The available apps to operate desk drives will allow to program the right intervals and register changes in the position. To the users, it can be lots of fun or a challenge.

Changing workplace habits and spending less time sitting will increase comfort, regulate metabolism, and improve physical and mental wellness, which will result in increased creativity, motivation and job satisfaction.

What do the figures show? LINAK, a Danish company which produces high-quality drives for desks with a height adjustment, refers to the research group of 6,000 workers in an international corporation. After three months of using desks with a height adjustment, 65% of the respondents stated their wellbeing improved. And as more time passed, the percentage increased and managers observed that sickness absence got significantly reduced, too.

That in turn indicates measurable savings. No wonder, health-related office modifications can appear to be profitable investments. According to James Levine, Director of the Mayo Clinic/ Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative, every dollar spent on increasing physical activity at work shall bring from 3 to 7 dollars in profit.

One of the biggest advantages of desks with a height adjustment is their flexibility, which allows to adapt them to the present needs. That feature fits into modern trends. The interior arrangement or furniture won’t be a limitation anymore. On the contrary, it is the qualities of the furniture and its functionality that make it possible to easily and smoothly create one’s own space.

The desks with a height adjustment, besides their obvious function of being designed for individual work, are also perfect for brief team meetings. It’s been proved that standing meetings are efficient. They are much shorter and produce better results.

The ease of changing settings (or functions) makes the furniture ideal for co-working spaces. Many different workers can use the same workplace and all of them will feel comfortable at it.

Apart from getting to know the findings of the research carried out all over the world, we shouldn’t overlook the natural and spontaneous opinions expressed by the desk users. These opinions are often quite emotional: ”Since I started working at a desk with a height adjustment I haven’t had any back pain!” or ”When my colleagues observed a positive change in me they immediately wanted such desks, too!” or “Once you check this desk, you’ll love it!”

Why would we need any more recommendations?

See our office desks for standing while working