The benefits of standing work: Why you should change the way you work

In an era where a sedentary lifestyle is emerging as a major health challenge, sit-stand work presents itself as an innovative solution to reinvent the way we work. This article explores in depth new work postures , the harmful effects of prolonged sitting work , and the multiple benefits of sit-stand work .

By adopting these changes, you could not only improve your physical health, but also boost your daily mental well-being.

Towards new ways of working

For many years, seated work has been the norm, despite its sedentary nature. However, over the last two decades, a new approach to work, inspired by the Nordic countries, has emerged, placing greater emphasis on ergonomics and well-being at work .

Sit-stand work: a dynamic balance

Sit-stand work , a new approach to work that has quickly captured the hearts of workers around the world, finds its place at the heart of office design trends in 2024 . This innovative approach is a true revolution in the way we approach our working days.

This method consists of alternating between a sitting position and a standing position , thus reducing the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle . An ideal solution for varying working postures , encouraging mobility, stimulating blood circulation, and in particular preventing back pain. By adopting this method, office workers benefit from an ergonomic workstation which contributes to their physical and mental well-being by bringing more dynamism into their daily lives.

The Walking Desk: working on the move

Difficult to reach 10,000 steps per day, as recommended by health authorities? Imagine being able to work at your desk while walking . This was made possible thanks to the “ Walking Desk ”. This trend, straight from the United States, is starting to gain ground in France and attract more and more workers who do not have time to walk or do physical activity.

This revolutionary concept transforms our workstations to encourage physical activity and combat a sedentary lifestyle . Whether calling or typing, you can accomplish your work tasks while engaging in light physical activity. A radical change that not only promotes cardiovascular health, but also stimulates creativity and productivity with a boost of energy.

The negative effects of prolonged sitting work

Today, our lifestyles are very sedentary . If we trace one of our typical days, it becomes obvious that we spend a large part of our time in a seated position : whether on the way to work, for lunch, all day at our workstation , on the drive home, and on the way home in the evening relaxing on the couch.

When we think about the number of hours we spend sitting, it's quite concerning.

And yet, we are aware that this prolonged sitting poses numerous risks to physical health . Indeed, this static position promotes the development of musculoskeletal disorders , poor blood circulation, and increases the risks of weight gain, even obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.

Beyond the physical consequences, prolonged sitting work also has repercussions on our mental well-being. Being sedentary can contribute to stress, mental fatigue and reduced motivation. Thus, establishing new, more ergonomic working practices becomes essential for our physical and mental health.

The benefits of sitting-standing work

Better physical and mental health

Sit-stand work offers a range of benefits for physical and mental health.

On a physical level, this practice promotes better posture , improves blood circulation , reduces pressure on the spine and thus fights against back pain .

However, it is crucial to maintain good posture to reap the full benefits. Indeed, if you adopt a standing position but your back is curved and your head tilted, this will be of no use and will increase your joint and muscle pain. It is therefore essential to ensure that you keep your neck and back in a straight position, by correctly adjusting the screen layout and desk height.

On a mental level, this method promotes a more dynamic approach to work, thus avoiding monotony. Indeed, sitting almost static all day in front of your desk can become burdensome for the mental well-being of certain people. Thus, the possibility of diversifying working postures plays an essential role in maintaining an optimal balance between physical and mental health.

Increased concentration and productivity

Introducing sit-stand work into the professional environment can lead to a significant boost in productivity and energy. By maintaining light physical activity, this approach stimulates concentration , encourages creativity , and maintains a constant level of energy throughout the day. Indeed, sitting can quickly lead to mental fatigue , and sometimes even a feeling of confinement and boredom . On the contrary, standing allows our body to be in movement and provides an overall energy boost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the transition to new ways of working , in particular with sit-stand work , represents a crucial step in combating a sedentary lifestyle . By understanding the risks of prolonged sitting and embracing the benefits of sitting and standing , you can revolutionize your daily routine. Embrace balance for a harmonious professional life, promoting optimal health, increased productivity, and enhanced general well-being. Sit-stand work thus becomes much more than just a professional practice – it becomes a real lifestyle.