You've probably seen some of your coworkers and bosses standing as they work, typing away at their desks. The only thing missing is the chair, which is probably pushed off into a corner of the room for later.
It's a fact: standing desks have taken to the business world like television took to American families.
But what's all the hype about? Is a standing desk a worthwhile investment?
In one word, yes. There are more benefits of standing than you may realize. By the time you're done reading this article, you'll think so, too. Don't be surprised if you start searching for your own desktop riser.
Sedentary Lifestyles
Technology may have made our lives too easy. Sedentary lifestyles have become a plague, amounting to an average of 12 hours of sitting time for the regular Jane or Joe in a single day.
It's not our fault; many jobs require employees to sit at a desk, staring at a computer screen and type or talk the day away. However, these habits are becoming an issue.
The rising cases of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are a direct outcome. That's why many corporations are trying to put a stop to the negative health repercussions of sitting.
Apple is one such company. At Apple headquarters, CEO Tim Cook has ensured every employee has a standing desk. "We have given all of our employees, 100%, standing desks. If you can stand for a while, then sit, and so on and so forth, it's much better for your lifestyle," Cook said in a recent interview.
What Is a Standing Desk Riser?
The definition of a standing desk is obvious, but what in the whippersnapper is a riser?
A riser, also called a desk converter, is a unit that's placed on top of your desk at the home or the office. It lets you lift your screen and keyboard up whenever you want to stand.
Don't worry; it's not just for your monitor. Risers usually have a space dedicated for your keyboard and mouse, too. That means you'll be comfortable while you work.
The Benefits of Standing Using a Riser
We're sure you're already starting to see the potential benefits of these devices and of standing at work. However, it might surprise you how much a riser can impact your life.
Price
First, let's get one thing out of the way. Standing desks are quite expensive, but risers and stands come at a fraction of the cost. You can buy a simple one for your computer or tablet for as little as $39.99.
That's not even on sale.
So don't let yourself fall victim to the green worry monster. You don't have to buy a standing desk to be able to work on your computer or laptop with your legs straightened.
Portability
Unlike standing desks, risers don't weigh a ton. That means you can carry them around to your heart's content.
Want to stand at work? Bring your riser. Then bring it home with you so you can use it on your personal laptop.
You bring the added benefits with you.
Productivity
Some studies show that standing increases workers' ability to dream up and share new ideas. Yet another study conducted by Draugiem Group found that standing desks increase production by as much as 10%.
The group's research also found that concentration increases with the use of risers or standing desks.
Posture
Standing also helps your posture. When we work in chairs, we tend to slouch. Even using a riser when sitting can create better posture; by putting the monitor at eye height, we tend to sit straighter.
Improper posture can lead to back pain, which is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide, and other health issues, such as arthritis.
Weight
An experiment conducted by the Mayo Clinic discovered standing at work may prevent weight gain and encourage weight loss. According to the research, standing burns more calories than sitting. In fact, a person who stands burns .15 calories per minute more than when he or she sits.
It may not sound like much, but it accounts for an extra 54 calories a day and about 5.5 pounds per year.
Blood Sugar Levels
Additionally, standing can improve blood sugar.
Researchers found that when 10 participants stood after lunch for 180 minutes, their blood sugar levels were 43% lower compared to when they sat.
Heart Disease
Standing can even lessen the chances of heart disease. In a study involving about 2,600 people over the age of 60, researchers discovered that adults who sat for an average of three hours a day were a third less likely to die of cardiovascular disease.
This may be a direct consequence of healthier blood sugar and reduced weight gain.
Improved Mood
Don't you get tired and irritated sometimes at work? You know the time period. You look at the clock constantly, counting the minutes until freedom.
Using a riser to stand while working may make this period disappear altogether.
We've already covered how standing can affect your posture, but what we haven't touched on is how it can affect your mood. Straight postures send signals to the brain that increase feelings of confidence.
It lifts your mood, optimizes your breathing and gives you an energy boost. By the time that usual slump period rolls around, you may not even notice it.
"I don't get the 3 o'clock slump anymore, I feel active all day long," Facebook recruiter and standing desk advocate told the Wall Street Journal.
No New Desk
And, finally, one last benefit of risers. This one has less to do with health and more to do with a sense of possession.
You love your new desk, right? It's spacious. It's perfect.
You don't want to get rid of it.
The good news is that with a riser, you don't have to. You set the riser on top of it and off you go, still enjoying the same desk and the same space you did before.
Except now you get all the added bonuses of standing on the job.
Ready to Purchase Your Own Riser?
Alternating between standing and sitting at work is great for your health. Further, it will make you feel better all day long.
Those are just a few benefits of standing.
Are you ready to look into a riser? If so, Uncaged Ergonomics has everything you need. From risers to stands to desks, we have it all.
Next time you step into work, bring a brand new riser with you and rock the day away.