Do Standing Desks Improve Productivity?
The answer to this question is still up for debate, but there are a few compelling arguments in favor of standing desks.
First, standing desks can help to improve your posture and reduce the risk of developing back problems. Second, standing desks can help to increase your caloric burn, which can lead to weight loss over time.
And third, standing desks can also help to increase your focus and concentration by giving you a more active workspace.
Pros of Standing Desks
Let’s start with the pros. First, as we mentioned earlier, standing desks can help to improve your posture and reduce the risk of developing back problems. This is because when you stand, your spine is in a straighter position than when you sit.
This straight position takes pressure off of your discs and nerves, which can lead to pain relief. In addition, standing also helps to strengthen the muscles in your back and abs, which can further improve your posture.
Second, standing desks can help to increase your caloric burn. This is because when you stand, your muscles are forced to work harder than when you sit. As a result, you end up burning more calories throughout the day.
Over time, this calorie burn can lead to weight loss. In fact, one study found that participants who used standing desks burned an average of 54 more calories per hour than those who sat at their desk all day.
And third, standing desks can also help to increase your focus and concentration. This is because when you are standing, your body is in a more alert state than when you are sitting down.
As such, you are more likely to be able to pay attention to the task at hand and stay focused on it for longer periods of time. In one study, participants who used standing desks reported feeling less fatigued and more productive than those who sat all day.
Cons of Standing Desks
Now let’s take a look at the cons of using a standing desk. First, if you have preexisting back or joint problems, then using a standing desk may not be the best idea.
This is because standing could aggravate these conditions and make them worse over time. If you have any concerns about whether or not a standing desk is right for you, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first.
Second, some people find that they get fidgety when they stand for long periods of time. If this is the case for you, then a standing desk might not be the best solution for staying productive at work.
Instead, you might want to consider investing in a treadmill desk or an adjustable sit-stand desk so that you can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
And third, although there are some potential benefits to using a standing desk, there is also a lack of long-term research on the subject matter. So far most of the studies on standing desks have only looked at their short-term effects on productivity; however, it’s unclear whether or not these benefits last over time.
More research needs to be done in this area before any firm conclusions can be drawn about the productivity benefits of using a standing desk.
Conclusion
The verdict on whether or not standing desks improve productivity is still out; however, there are some compelling arguments in favor of using one at work.
If you’re thinking about making the switch from sitting to standing during your workday, be sure to consult with your doctor first if you have any preexisting back or joint problems—as continued use of a standing desk could worsen these conditions over time.
Allen Joe
Allen is a stay-at-home dad and freelance writer. He writes for the home office blog, where he covers topics like organization, productivity, and home improvement. Allen loves spending time with his wife and two young kids, and when he has free time he likes to golf, read, and cook.
