To improve concentration, fight back pain, promote blood circulation... The sit-stand desk has many virtues, but what do the experts really think? We asked a professional ergonomist and a furniture specialist. Here's what you need to know!
How can you recognise a sit-stand desk?
First of all, you should know how to distinguish a sit-stand desk from a conventional desk. The NF EN 527-1 standard distinguishes 3 variations with regard to the height of the work surface:
- desk with fixed height: 72-75 cm
- desk that can be adjusted or changed in height: 73-85 cm
- sit-stand desk: 68-135 cm
The sit-stand desk: good for your health
The sit-stand desk makes it easy to change your working position, either sitting or standing, by raising or lowering the work surface. This avoids an overly static posture, a real plague in office life!
The sit-stand desk also prevents back pain: whether it is tension in the neck, back or shoulders ... the sit-stand desk helps to prevent pain and relieve muscle tension.
It favours blood circulation: the fact of getting up and then sitting down, getting up again, boosts blood circulation and notably reduces the risks of weight gain.
Finally, the sit-stand desk improves concentration: changing positions regularly throughout the day allows you to breathe while stimulating the body. This feeds the body more oxygen and promotes better concentration at work.
Sit-stand desks: what do experts think?
"Spending 20% of the day standing instead of sitting is good for the body, which is why sit-stand desks are so good for workers' health. But take your time to adjust your desk properly when you change position: a badly adjusted desk is a source of muscle tension, which does not relieve back pain!"
Evelyne Yalbir (ergonomist at Ergonomades)
"The human body is not made to sit all day! The sit-stand desk is an excellent alternative. This trend, which is very popular in Scandinavian countries, is gradually making its way into French companies. Note that there are different models, from desks with manual or electronic height adjustment to sit-stand work platforms that can be placed on the desk."
Nicolas Rabadeux, furniture specialist at Bruneau.
