Although it’s self-evident that sitting for hours upon hours every day is bad for your health, many office workers feel that they have no option. After all, you can’t go for a jog while you’re filing reports for the month, right?

As we adjust the way we think about office furniture, motion, and productivity, an entire industry has grown around the idea of moving while in front of the ubiquitous computer screen. Not only are there the obvious health benefits of keeping a worker’s body in motion, such as unhealthy stemming weight gain and maintaining a healthier metabolism, but there are other incentives for employers to consider the purchase of standing furniture and other office furniture alternatives. For instance, if workers are enjoying improved health thanks to alternating between standing and sitting, it could translate to lower health care costs for their employers. Plus, studies have shown that employees feel more alert and less bored if given the chance to stand up when they work.

So, what office furniture solutions are available for organizations looking to make the workers more physically active? Perhaps the most well-known products on the market are the adjustable height tables that can be lowered for working in a seated position then raised to accommodate a standing worker. Some of these desks resemble drafting desks in that they can move up or down, often through the use of a lever. Others are operated through electronic means, with the capability of programming multiple height settings. The less expensive and less drastic change would be adding on to the existing desk. There are rails available that mount to the top of the work surface while holding a worker’s monitor, keyboard, and mouse. These rails can then be raised and lowered as you change positions throughout the day.

If you want to go beyond moving from sitting or standing to include more physical activity, there are other solutions available. Some people have been known to install treadmills under these standing desks to increase their activity level even more. Although walking on a treadmill set at a low speed might not seem worthwhile at first blush, walking throughout the day can result in a tremendous metabolism boost as compared to sitting in typical office chairs.

If you want to buck the office chair without needing to get a new desk, you can opt for sitting on a therapy ball, which, in theory, will require you to continually move your muscles to support your back and maintain your balance. Some studies have shown that using these balls may not be any more effective than sitting on stools, but it might make workers more conscious of their posture and motion throughout the day.

Although many of today’s options come with hefty price tags or lengthy installation times, it’s important to put the expenses into perspective. If switching out office furniture can keep workers happy, healthy, and productive, it may be well worth the initial investment in new office furniture!

Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in workplace design. His writing focuses on office furniture, workplace layout, and related topics. His work has been featured on multiple office furniture websites.

Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in workplace design. His writing focuses on office furniture, workplace layout, and related topics. His work has been featured on multiple office furniture websites. http://www.liquisbusinessinteriors.com/

Author Bio: Charlie O\’Brien is a professional writer specializing in workplace design. His writing focuses on office furniture, workplace layout, and related topics. His work has been featured on multiple office furniture websites.

Category: Business Management
Keywords: office furniture, used office furniture, standing office furniture, office chairs, office desks