Over the last few years, the standing desk has become something of a hot topic, both in the mainstream media and within the office sector. Increasingly, public health bodies are trying to reduce the amount of time people spend sitting down. And with good reason. Recent studies have linked a wide range of health problems to this distinctly modern habit, from diabetes to cardiovascular disease. But are standing desks the solution? Or are they simply a fad?

What even is a standing desk?

To state the obvious, a standing desk is a desk that allows the user to work whilst standing up. They usually come fitted with an adjustable mechanism that allows the user to achieve the correct height for his or her posture. This allows the user to use the desk as a standard sitting desk too, which is great for offices with a hot-desking policy or for users that want to have the choice. with their sharp rise in popularity, standing desks now come in a wide range of designs so you don’t need to worry about finding one that’ll fit your office’s aesthetic.

The case for standing desks

If sitting all day is so unhealthy, then why not just stand? This, essentially, is the theory behind the standing desk. By standing up, the user is reducing the time they spend in a sedentary state along with a number of health benefits. Several studies demonstrate the psychological and physiological benefits of standing desks including a reduced risk of weight gain, a reduced risk of heart disease, alleviation of postural problems and mood and energy boosts.

The case against standing desks

There’s always something, right? Well, with standing desks, it comes down to the quality and quantity of research that’s been done so far. Many of the studies that have been conducted simply aren’t conclusive. Either because of the small sample size of participants or because of poor quality methodology. Additionally, further studies have shown that the use of a sit/stand desk does relatively little to reduce the user’s time spent sitting down. So, ultimately they could just be an unnecessary spend.

The bottom line

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. If you wish to try standing desks in your workplace, you may we rewarded with a healthier, happier and more productive workforce. But don’t be surprised if the investment doesn’t pay off. Each business is different and you may find that your money might be better spent elsewhere. If you’re looking for ways to improve your workforce’s productivity, download our free guide. Or if you want to know how your workplace can be optimised, find out about our free consultation service.