The Stand Up Trend

The Stand Up Trend

Do you want your employees to be more productive? What can you do to improve their engagement and creativity? With the potentially harmful effects of prolonged periods of sitting now recognised, standing desks have gained in popularity. Many studies have been carried out to support the theory and the Occupational Health & Wellbeing website highlights a study of the benefits of sit stand desks. 

What are the benefits?

Sitting down has been described as the new smoking and is detrimental to your health. In 2014, Washington University Business School reported that standing up was not only better for you but promoted ‘greater collaboration and creativity’ during meetings.  According to the learning theory known as ‘embodied cognition’, moving your body helps to reinforce your cognitive processes, so you will actually learn more easily and faster if you’re up and about instead of becoming relaxed and zoning out.

Impact on your health

Men’s Journal Magazine, feature article by Lisa Marshall “Sitting: The Most Unhealthy Thing You Can Do”, reveals latest statistics (March 2015) about the impact sitting all day can have on your health no matter how much you exercise around it. Some of the health implications include:

•   Slower blood flow resulting in clumping of red blood cells in legs

•   20% drop in “good” cholesterol

•   Risk of heart disease becomes up to two and a half times greater

•   Rise in chronic inflammation

•   Doubling risk of diabetes

What can you do to maximise the productivity of your meetings and employees?

As an employer there are many ways that you can influence and encourage your staff to participate in the stand up trend, such as:

•   Encourage moving, standing and stretching

•   Rooms should be laid out to support people standing at the back or in designated standing areas

•   Include standing tables as an option during longer meetings

•   Schedule short breaks throughout meetings to ensure that no one is sitting still for too long

 Create a modern workspace with Meridian 

Here at Meridian Office Furniture, we know the importance of creating a modern and inspiring office environment. That is why our team will work closely with you to design and install personalised spaces that meet your requirements and budget.  

With over 40 years of experience, we know that your office is more than a workplace, which is why we create environments that promote productivity and support the health and wellbeing of your team. Want to find out more about our services and how we can help you? Get in touch with our team today!