7 Benefits of Standing at Work - Standing Desk Ergonomics

Standing Desk Ergonomics: Get the Position Right

You may hear the word ergonomics associated with office furniture and computer equipment. Ergonomics refers to the way designers create equipment to align comfortably with the shape of the human body. Using biotechnology and design engineering, office furniture manufacturers have some ingenious solutions to help you have better posture while you work.

Another aspect of standing desk ergonomics to consider are measures to prevent knee and leg strain. Standing for a long time with your knees locked or wearing heels can cause stress to your legs and even your lower back. Keep your knees loose and slightly bent. Look for a comfortable standing mat that’s made to accompany the desk and wear comfortable, supportive shoes while you stand.

7 Benefits of Standing at Work
Whether you’re working from your home office or working from a busy shared space, a standing desk is a great option to improve your health during the workday. Here are 7 benefits of standing at work.

1. Burns Calories
Standing burns more calories than sitting, even if you simply stand still. Now, the calorie difference between standing versus sitting isn’t huge. Standing burns about 100-200 calories per hour, while sitting burns 60-130 calories. But over time, it can add up.

The other calorie-burning benefit of standing at work is the shift in your mindset. When you’re standing up, you’re more likely to keep your mind in “wellness mode.” You’ll walk around a bit more often throughout the day. You might do some leg lifts or take a quick break with some squats or jumping jacks. These little shifts in activity help you burn more calories during your workday.

2. Gives You an Energy Burst

Small movements and active moments throughout the day help you stay awake and alert. You feel more engaged when you literally “think on your feet.” If you’re feeling sluggish throughout your workday, adding a few periods of standing can help you get back some of that energy and enthusiasm.

3. Improves Posture
Using a standing desk with proper ergonomics can help you have good posture at the computer. Your monitor should be at eye level, about 20 inches from your face at a 20-degree tilt, while you should bend your arms at 100-degree angles at your sides. Wrists should hover comfortably above the keyboard, with weight shifting between legs.

If you’re regularly standing, the right posture position will start to become second nature and doesn’t put the compression on your spine that sitting can. Sitting for more extended periods can put pressure on your back and discs, leading to back, shoulder, and neck discomfort.

4. Reduces Back Pain
Like poor posture, you may think back pain is caused by sitting, but it’s not something that you have to live with or accept as part of work. If you have a comfortable chair designed with back and lumbar support and alternate with periods of standing, you will likely remedy your minor back pain.

5. Helps with Wrist Position
It’s good to be cognizant of your wrist position and strain on your body while you work. If you use a standing desk, you can keep your arms comfortably bent at a 90-100-degree angle. This is often a more ergonomic position and may even improve your typing speeds!

6. Keeps Circulation Going
If we look back at human evolution, our bodies were made to move. When we stand, we improve our leg muscles, our balance, and our core strength. We also prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. When people sit for a long time (such as on a plane), blood may slow and pool in their legs. In the worst cases, this can lead to a blood clot.

7. Boosts Your Mood and Focus
Finally, if your workday seems long and you find yourself distracted, standing up can give you a focus and mood boost to increase your productivity. A study at Texas A&M University found people who stood up at work in a call center were 50% more productive.

Standing helps us feel healthier, and when we feel well, we’re often in a better mood. Participants in standing studies at work have reported improved mood as a peripheral benefit of standing at work. So if you’re having a slow workday (or feeling down), get on your feet!