How do standing desks enhance your office furniture?

If you’ve ever sat for most of the day and then done this for days on end, you know the mental and physical toll this plays on your health. With Australian workers coming back to the office, companies are looking for ways to improve productivity and well-being, and this one answer might surprise you.

Standing desks, otherwise known as sit to stand desks or height adjustable desks, aren’t new, but there is a growing trend of standing desks being used to enhance office furniture. They can be either electronically or manually adjusted and come in a range of colours, shapes, sizes and combinations.

Why Sit Stand Desks Are Good for Ergonomic Offices

Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workspaces and equipment in a way that promotes efficiency, comfort and safety for individuals. When applied in an office setting, ergonomic principles aim to enhance comfort and wellbeing for staff taking into consideration factors such as posture, body mechanics and equipment design.

Importance of Ergonomics in the Office

Ergonomics plays a vital role in maintaining good health and productivity, and for creating comfortable and supportive work environments. Traditional office furniture often lack proper ergonomic features, like creating poor posture due to slouching over the desk, having non-adjustable heights, lack of wrist support, insufficient leg room and inadequate storage, all creating issues for your diverse employees.

How Sit to Stand Desks Work

Adjustable height options in standing desks allow users to find an optimal desk position that promotes proper posture, reduces strain and minimises the risk of musculoskeletal issues. By alternating between sitting and standing, office workers can combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting, promoting movement and creating a healthier work routine. You can even buy a single desk, like the Ovation Back 2 Back that has two stations, where if one employee wants to stand, the other can sit, adjusting as they like. These options accommodate users of different heights, body types and ergonomic preferences, ensuring a suitable and comfortable working position for everyone.

3 Productivity Benefits of Standing Desks

Three benefits to productivity include:

Mental Well-being and Stress Reduction

Physical activity has a positive impact on mental health and stress reduction. Standing desks encourage movement and can help alleviate stress, enhance your mood and create a more positive and productive work environment in office settings.

Increased Energy and Focus

Sitting for extended periods can make you feel lethargic and decrease your concentration levels. By standing, you stimulate blood circulation, increase oxygen flow and experience a natural boost in energy and focus. Standing desks can reduce feelings of stress and fatigue, and increase energy levels and mood of office workers.

Enhanced Productivity and Creativity

A misconception is that height adjustable desks can hinder workers’ ability to complete daily tasks, such as writing. While they take some time to get used to, an updown desk has no significant negative impact on normal work tasks, with one study revealing there was no impact on the characters typed per minute or typing errors. Considering how standing improves mood and energy, a standing desk is more likely to boost productivity due to heightened brain activity, improved cognitive function and encouraging a more engaged and innovative mindset.

Health and Wellness Benefits of Standing Desks

Standing desks can also contribute to a healthier workspace.

Improved Posture and Spinal Health

Sitting for long periods of time can lead to poor posture and back pain, a common complaint among fulltime workers in offices. A study found that participants reported up to a 32 per cent improvement in lower back pain after several weeks of using standing desks. This is because standing desks promote better alignment and reduce the risk of strain on your spine, resulting in improved posture and a healthier back.

Reduced Sedentary Lifestyle Risks

Prolonged sitting is associated with various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. It also increases the risk of diabetes and even early death. Studies also show that by using a standing desk in the office, you can lower blood sugar levels, especially after lunch. By incorporating standing desks, you can reduce the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle and promote better overall health.

Weight Management and Calorie Burn:

 Standing can burn more calories compared to sitting, helping with weight management. By simply standing during work hours, you can increase calorie expenditure and potentially achieve a healthier weight. Research has found that compared to an afternoon of working while sitting, the same amount of time standing burns over 170 additional calories, which comes to almost 1000 extra calories burned each week from standing, rather than sitting at your desk each afternoon.

Considerations When Choosing a Standing Desk

There are various types of standing desks available, including an electric standing desk, manual and converter models. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the available space and office layout when selecting a standing desk. Ensure that it fits well into your workspace and complements your workflow. It’s also important to evaluate the cost and value of standing desks, taking into account that investing in ergonomic office setups can result in long-term cost savings for organisations. By reducing workplace injuries and associated medical costs, absenteeism and turnover rates, employers can save money in the long run. Remember, investing in a standing desk is an investment in your productivity, health and well-being.

Standing desks have become a game-changer in office furniture. There are numerous health benefits of standing, so sitting less and standing more is an important lifestyle change for anyone, but most importantly, office workers. Many businesses across Australia have already fitted their office spaces with standing desks, so it might be time to consider if this is beneficial for your staff members. Split your time 50-50 between standing and sitting and see how it can benefit you.


It's time to take a stand. If you want to experience the benefits of standing desks and are interested in enhancing your office furniture, get in touch with our experienced team at NPS Commercial Furniture to see which combination will work best for you.