So it’s been about 90 days with the desk. I set a goal to use it for a few months and see how it has affected my work life, mood, productivity, and also collaboration with others. I’d like to share my thoughts.
I’m very happy with the results and I’m glad I took the plunge and tried it. Working while standing feels beneficial for a few reasons.
Benefits of a Standing Desk
It’s easy to move around. Often times I don’t have the luxury of working on only one thing at a time. If I’m working on a few different things at once, it enables me to be more agile. I could sketch on one side of my desk and also take notes on the other. Walking back and forth to chat with colleagues or looking at something on my neighbor’s screen is easier.
It’s also helped me feel better about my health. As a result I feel myself trying to be proactive about posture and even counting my steps. It’s a great way to be more active and less stationary, instead of sitting staring at a screen for 8 hours. There is a lot of research citing constant sitting isn’t great, and breaking that up with standing feels right. I feel like I sleep better at night as well.
The collaboration is also a great aspect. As I’m sure my team mates could attest to, having the inviting space for them to walk up to feels more productive. It allows them to look at what I’m doing on the same level and offer critique and feedback. It’s a refreshing way to collaborate and share ideas.
My One Reservation…
Now the reservation I have is that standing all day isn’t great either. We have these great Herman Miller ergonomic chairs, but sitting all day isn’t ideal. I believe the best solution is a mixture of sitting and standing. Being able to work standing and then change to work sitting in an easy way is the ultimate solution. I find myself now standing in the morning when I first come in. I make my coffee, I catch up on what I need to do that day, and it helps me wake up and energize for the day. After lunch if I just want to sit down and do some sketching or research it’s nice to be able to sit and focus a little without feeling fatigue. I have a stool so I can alternate between sitting and standing at my desk. I now find myself switching a few times a day, trying to alternate between the two. Ideally a motorized option would allow me to use this great chair, but also stand with ease.
In conclusion, I’m happy that I tried this. I was wary but hopeful at the start, and now I see why people talk so highly of this sort of change. I can confidently say that a standing desk is a great option to offer employees. I feel better at work, I am more comfortable transitioning, and I don’t get distracted as often as when I’m sitting for long periods of time.
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