Standing Desks in the Workplace: 7 Key Benefits

Standing desks in the workplace are hugely popular. Workplace research consistently shows that too much sitting is detrimental to health, but there are solutions for office workers. Numerous studies have demonstrated that alternating between sitting, walking, and standing desks is vital for health, and staying active during the workday can also improve mood and mental clarity. These benefits extend to employers as well, with studies indicating that standing desks can increase productivity, job satisfaction, and workplace communication.

If you're considering adding stand-up desks to your facility, here are seven key benefits of using standing desks in the workplace, along with strategies for integrating them on a 1:1 or shared basis.

What is a standing desk in the workplace?

Standing desks, also known as adjustable workstations or stand-up desks, allow you to work while standing rather than sitting. While you could improvise a standing desk by stacking books, there are many commercially available options at various price points. Portable stands can convert any fixed desk into a standing workstation, mid-range sit/stand desks are widely available, and custom-built standing desks can be tailored to specific needs.

Active workstations go beyond standing desks by including ergonomic chairs, floor pads, balancing boards, and other add-ons aimed at improving user health.

The benefits of using standing desks

Standing desks have become increasingly popular as scientific evidence continues to support their benefits. Here are the main advantages for both employees and employers:

Boost productivity and workplace communication

A 2018 study, Stand Up to Work, found that adjustable desks improved productivity, job satisfaction, and workplace communication. Over one year:

• ​Participants using standing desks felt more active, refreshed, awake, limber, and energetic.
• ​61% reported that standing desks positively impacted their health outside the workplace.
• ​The study also suggested social and mental health benefits, including improved job satisfaction, coworker communication, and work efficiency.

Reduce back pain

The average American office worker sits for about 15 hours a day. Excessive sitting can offset the benefits of exercise, and poor posture can lead to spinal disc compression and degeneration. Studies have shown that standing desks can help reduce back pain:

• ​In the Stand Up To Work study, 47% of participants with height-adjustable desks reported significant reductions in upper back, shoulder, or neck discomfort.
• ​The Take-a-Stand Project found that reducing sitting time by 66 minutes per day reduced upper back and neck pain by 54% and improved mood after four weeks. Removing the standing desks reversed these improvements within two weeks.

Improve cardiovascular health

Research dating back to 1953 found that bus drivers who stood all day had half the risk of heart disease-related deaths compared to those who sat. A 2013 review of 18 studies with nearly 800,000 participants linked a sedentary lifestyle to a 90% increase in cardiovascular mortality and a 147% increase in cardiovascular events compared to an active lifestyle. Standing during the workday supports cardiovascular health.

Lower blood sugar levels

Excessive sedentary time is linked to a 112% greater risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies show that standing after meals can reduce blood sugar spikes:

• ​A UK study found that standing for three hours after lunch reduced blood sugar spikes by 43% compared to sitting.
• ​Another study found that alternating between standing and sitting every 30 minutes reduced blood sugar spikes by 11.1% on average.

Improve memory and boost mood

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Standing throughout the workday can improve mood and energy:

• ​The Take-a-Stand Project found that participants using standing desks reported less stress and fatigue, with 87% experiencing increased vigor and energy, 71% feeling more focused, and 66% feeling more productive. Returning to traditional desks reversed these benefits.

Burn more calories and reduce weight gain

While standing burns more calories than sitting, the difference is modest:

• ​A 2014 study found that standing while working burned over 170 additional calories in an afternoon compared to sitting.
• ​A 2016 study found that sitting burned 80 calories/hour, standing burned 88 calories/hour, and walking burned 210 calories/hour. Standing for three hours burns only about 24 extra calories compared to sitting.

Although standing desks are not a silver bullet for weight loss, they offer other significant benefits. For those prioritizing weight loss, treadmill desks may be more effective.

How to offer standing desks in your facility

Height-adjustable desks are important for fostering employee well-being. If providing every employee with a stand-up desk isn't feasible, shared standing desks are a practical alternative. Desk booking software can make standing desks bookable in advance or on the spot. IoT sensors can also facilitate free addressing for standing desks.

If you want to create a workplace that encourages movement and well-being, consider integrating standing desks as part of your office design.