According to many researches and debates over health concerns around the globe, office workers should stand for at least two hours a day – and gradually increase that to four hours. This will help to combat the ill effects of lengthy sitting to a great deal. We all know how prolonged hours of sitting not just impacts our joints, spine and muscles but the functioning of the brain as well.
Based on studies that connect prolonged sitting to increased risk of serious illness and early death, international experts have offered the following guidance:
- Use adjustable sit-stand workstation to decrease sitting.
- Avoid long periods of static standing, which might be as detrimental as lengthy sitting.
- Change your posture and incorporate light walking to lessen possible musculoskeletal discomfort.
Encouraging healthy behavior, employers should caution workers about the risks of lengthy sitting. They also could determine how workers take breaks and use sit stand desks and technology that employs more standing.
Furthermore, many studies have also found that physical activity, even at high levels, does not offset the harm of prolonged sitting. All in all an employee is still at risk to suffer from long-term memory loss due to their sitting habits even if he/she sits for 8 hours a day at work and works out for 1 hour per day at the gym.
Another reason to reduce your sitting time by using adjustable standing desk and incorporate daily physical activity into your life is to protect your brain’s health. The question is how can we take steps to cut down on our sitting time in a busy work day?
The road to a healthy, active office culture may be a long one, but there are surely some concrete steps you can take along the way. Let’s get to the below:
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Step challenges:
Adults walk at least 10,000 steps per day for optimum health according to health experts. Implementing a walking challenge is important. Many organizations have opted for a “30 for 30” model, where employees are challenged to walk for 30 minutes continuously each day for 30 days apart from using ergonomic desks. A gradual pace works good as well, increasing step count each day for 3 months until you reach 10,000 steps per day.
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Standing at lunch:
We often see tall tables with stools at many cafeterias and coffee shops, isn’t it? As they are surprisingly comfortable to eat at, consider standing at these tables during lunch. As a supplement to meeting walking goals, a standing lunch could be worth bonus points in an active office competition. These challenges are usually self-reported. Want a fun twist? Selfies of standing lunch meetings can also be taken and posted on a “wall of fame” in the office!
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Walking meeting challenges:
This one doesn’t even require active office equipment or any electric height adjustable desk! Encourage your employees to schedule walking meetings instead of scheduling meetings in conference rooms. The participants who schedule or attend the most walking meetings can earn prizes and the participation in walking meetings can be tracked using Outlook or Google Calendar. Several apps even facilitate walking meetings.
- Having trouble visualizing a walking meeting? Well, there are many societies which offer a casual environment for an informal meeting between residents to address issues in today’s times. Here participants are made to walk two miles while also addressing neighborhood concerns.
- Still have concerns about implementing a walking meeting? To help your office create a culture with active meetings, one can consider hiring a business/productivity coach. There are countless consultants with this specialty.
- Want to take your walking meetings indoors? By allowing your team to walk and talk with access to computers, conference call phones, and all the other technology your team relies on, a conference room filled with treadmill desks is a good option.
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Standing workstation challenges:
Prolonged standing can be harmful, according to several recent studies so you have to be careful implementing standing challenges. By encouraging employees to use their standing desks for 1-2 hours per day, every day, an ideal standing challenge is the best solution. They usually require self-reporting. You can also create a buddy-system or do a team challenge for extra motivation. Something where employees hold each other accountable for meeting their daily goals.
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Associating standing with specific tasks:
Try challenging yourself to do certain tasks while standing if it sounds daunting to stand for hours on end. Employees could answer emails or conference calls only while standing—for a trial. The habit they develop of standing regularly will stay with them even after the challenge is over.
Enter the stand up desks. To reclaim the healthier, more active life lost to their work ,an active sit stand mobile workstation is among the best ways for employees and other sedentary professionals. Many professionals have already made the switch. Many known firms worldwide recently made headlines by adopting sit stand desks, and working individuals have long since jumped to the mobile workday.
It’s time for the rest of the field to follow suit. These standing desk converters can lend employees healthier, happier lives. Take the first step. We are here to help.
