Work Desk Ergonomics
Most of us are responsible for sitting down for far too long and far too often – but is there really any harm in it?
Almost all desk jobs, whether in an office or at home, generally mean that you’re going to be sitting down for most of the day. We’ve all heard the health benefits of getting up, stretching, and taking short breaks every so often, but should we be doing something more?
One of the newest crazes to sweep offices across the land is the standing desk – seeming turning desk-culture on it’s head. The new products introduce a different way of doing things, with the promise that it could be better for your health and wellbeing.
A good number of people have already become standing-desk converts, so there could be something in it. But which option is the best: sitting or standing at work?
Should You Be Sitting at Work?
Most people are still sitting at work, it’s the classical option and one that most offices are equipped to accommodate. If everyone in an office switched to standing desks at once, it would likely cause a small amount of chaos.
While it is easier to sit down for most people, there are some health concerns with sitting for too long, and especially sitting in the wrong position. Sitting at work can change your metabolism, and recent research has delved into the possibility that it can increase the risk of certain conditions, like heart disease. Prolonged bad posture also has its concerns, causing aches and pains as your muscles are made to work harder.
Is Standing at Work the Best Option?
Standing at work is a relatively new fad, but it certainly has its benefits. Prolonged standing can help to improve your blood circulation and even reduce your blood pressure. When you’re standing, you’re also expending more energy, so it’s like a constant mini-workout.
However, constantly expending this extra energy is not always what is best for your body. Your muscles are going to be put under a different kind of strain, and your joints are likely going to suffer some of the consequences of being on your feet all day, every day.
Which Side of the Debate Wins the Day?
We all want to enjoy a working environment that promotes good health and that is comfortable, but each option seems to be at the extreme side – sitting all day can have a negative impact on your body, but then so can standing. To get the optimum environment for you, it’s all about what finding what works, but keeping in mind the most important message of both – movement.
If you decide that sitting is the right option for you, then specialist chairs, like ergonomic chairs, could be of real benefit; offering support and comfort. If you decide to test out one of the intriguing new standing desks, then it’s important to make sure it is the right height, and suitable to work at – to avoid hunching over your keyboard and mouse.
At the end of the day, if you’re comfortable, supported, and able to work, then you have the winning combination for an optimum working environment.
