COVER STORY
SIT-STAND UP AND BE HEALTHY!
Tim Hanwell, osteopath and co-founder of office design and ergonomics
consultancy Officeworks, explains why we need to take care when utilising sit-stand equipment, to reap the long term benefits of healthy posture and regular movement.
Sit-stand workstations are in high demand as the UK catches up with its Scandinavian neighbours in rolling out this new way of working. Research shows that sit-stand workstations and meeting tables can improve productivity and wellbeing, but without proper guidance these potential benefits could be overshadowed by new risks arising from poor posture and excessive standing.
Just as sitting has been declared ‘the new smoking’ by some, counterclaims also state that excessive standing can compromise health and wellbeing, too. The real benefit of sit-stand is not just in mitigating the long term side- effects of prolonged episodes of sitting in a chair over many years. The key is in the regular movement it facilitates and encourages.
Alternating between a sitting and standing position is a personal choice, but changing every 20-30 minutes is a good idea.
Software packages integrated with electronic sit-stand desks such as KI’s Work2 Sit-Stand collection can be a useful way of reminding us when to make the change and monitor performance. The software can also be programmed with a user’s ideal sitting and standing height, eliminating the risk of incorrect adjustments when switching from one position to another. This is particularly advantageous for people in flexible workspaces who can carry their pre-programmed height memories with their laptops to new workstations each day.
With the introduction of sit-stand desks, we have witnessed dramatic improvements to the health and
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stand furniture:
http://tiny.cc/sit-stand-correctly
ABOUT KI EUROPE KI Europe’s furniture helps the world’s
“CHANGING EVERY
20-30 MINUTES IS A GOOD IDEA.”
leading organisations create happy, healthy, high performing working and learning environments for their people. Bringing together good design, advanced engineering and sustainable resources, KI’s products are durable, flexible and offer excellent value.
Part of KI (Krueger International, Inc.), one of the world's largest independent furniture manufacturing groups, KI Europe’s headquarters and showroom in Central London is supported by an established network of manufacturing facilities and distribution partners across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Please visit the KI Europe website at
www.kieurope.com or telephone 020 7404 7441 for more information.
ABOUT OFFICEWORKS Officeworks provide complete
wellbeing of a number of patients. But it is essential to use these workstations appropriately in order to realise their potential benefits, rather than creating new risks in the office environment.
KI and Officeworks have created a flyer, and a 2-minute video guide to help users best adjust their new sit-
twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
workplace consultancy from office design, interior branding and space planning, to fit-out and refurbishment services. We aim to create healthy workplaces that actively drive success and productivity. Please visit the Officeworks website at
www.officeworks.co.uk for more information.
“KI is a leading provider of sit-stand workstations, with clients including EY, Facebook and Philips. Work2 Sit-Stand desks & benches are designed and manufactured in the UK.”
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