When it comes to achieving a healthy balance between productivity and personal wellness in the modern workplace, one simple yet transformative tool is gaining significant traction: the standing desk.
With an emphasis on promoting mobility and mitigating the adverse health effects of prolonged sitting, standing desks offer a compelling answer to the contemporary workplace’s most pressing challenges. Moreover, companies like Vari are leading the pack with their innovative solutions, such as the Vari Electric Standing Desk, setting the new standard in ergonomic office solutions.
The Dangers of Prolonged Sitting
Before we explore the benefits of standing desks, it is worth underscoring the problem we’re aiming to solve: the health implications of long sitting hours at work. Studies reveal that sitting for prolonged periods is linked to numerous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer [1]. Moreover, a sedentary work lifestyle contributes to physical discomfort and mental health challenges, including increased stress and reduced cognitive function [2].
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, as more individuals work from home, often without the proper ergonomic setup.
For many, the dining table or couch has become their makeshift office, increasing the strain on both body and mind.
Standing Tall: Health and Productivity Benefits
The simple act of standing, as opposed to sitting, can yield a myriad of health and productivity benefits. Here’s how:
1. Your Best Posture is Your Next Posture: No single posture is “perfect” in and of itself. What’s clear is that our enemy is staying put in a single position for an extended period of time without change. Standing desks encourage movement and posture changes throughout the day, helping to alleviate the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Regular use can lower the risk of weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes [3].
2. Increased Energy Levels: Standing stimulates circulation, leading to increased oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing alertness, and overall energy levels. It can even be an excellent solution for that mid-afternoon energy slump without needing another cup of coffee [4].
3. Enhanced Productivity: Increased energy and improved focus from standing can boost productivity. A study by Texas A&M University found that stand-capable workstations increased productivity by an astonishing 46% compared to traditional desks [5].
4. Reduced Back Pain: Back pain is one of the most common complaints of office workers who sit all day. Numerous scientific studies indicate that standing desks can dramatically decrease chronic back pain caused by prolonged sitting [6].
5. Improved Mood and Energy Levels: Standing desks have been linked with a positive influence on overall well-being. Participants have reported less stress and fatigue than those who remain seated all day [7].
Vari: The Future of Standing Desks
Now that we understand why standing desks are vital for contemporary workplaces, it’s time to talk about a brand that exemplifies the pinnacle of ergonomic office solutions: Vari.
Vari has garnered recognition for its superior quality, design, and functionality, with the Vari Electric Standing Desk taking center stage. This desk seamlessly transitions from sitting to standing height at the touch of a button, fostering adaptability without compromising workflow. Moreover, its sleek design, durability, and customizability make it an ideal fit for any work environment, be it corporate offices or home setups.
Not only do we recommend Vari’s many different versatile options for standing desks to our patients, but we recently bought their 72”x30” to show it off in the gym space of our clinic in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Below is an honest video review of the setup and installation process of the Vari Electric Standing Desk (Reclaimed Wood Top). We honestly are astounded at the ease-of-installation, the customizable heights, and even the aesthetic of this table. Vari has not paid us even 1 cent to write this article, but if you’re interested in checking out one of Vari’s electric desk or desktop stations, we’ve put together an Amazing Amazon List of our favorite versions right here!
A Call to Action: Rethinking Workplace Priorities
Companies must prioritize creating healthy, adaptable work environments for their employees. Transitioning to standing desks like Vari’s innovative solutions is an investment in employee health, happiness, and productivity – a worthy objective in the light of the evolving work paradigm.
For employees working remotely, companies should consider providing support to establish ergonomic home office setups. By integrating standing desks into their workplaces, companies can facilitate a culture of well-being, yielding a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.
To conclude, standing desks are not a passing trend – they’re a solution, a path towards healthier work habits and increased productivity. The Vari Electric Standing Desk showcases the very best of what these products can offer, combining cutting-edge technology with top-notch design. As we reshape our workplaces, standing desks are an essential piece of the puzzle, poised to revolutionize our approach to work, health, and well-being. Let’s stand together for a healthier, happier future.
SOURCES
[1]: Owen, Neville, et al. “Sedentary behavior: emerging evidence for a new health risk.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings 85.12 (2010): 1138-1141.
[2]: Thosar, Saurabh S., et al. “Effect of prolonged sitting and breaks in sitting time on endothelial function.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise 47.4 (2015): 843-849.
[3]: Katzmarzyk, Peter T., et al. “Sitting time and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise 41.5 (2009): 998-1005.
[4]: Buckley, John P., et al. “Standing-based office work shows encouraging signs of attenuating post-prandial glycaemic excursion.” Occupational and environmental medicine 71.2 (2014): 109-111.
[5]: Garza, Julia L., et al. “Call center productivity over 6 months following a standing desk intervention.” IIE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors 4.2-3 (2016): 188-195.
[6]: Lis, Ashleigh M., et al. “The impact of long-term sitting on vascular health in desk-based workers.” Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 58.9 (2016): e247.
[7]: Pronk, Nicolaas P., et al. “Reducing occupational sitting time and improving worker health: the Take-a-Stand Project, 2011.” Preventing chronic disease 9 (2012).
