Adjustable Height Desks for Your Office

Research has shown that sitting down for extended periods of time can be hazardous to your health, even if you are a very active person otherwise.  In a recent article in The New York Times, it was revealed that sitting down for just one hour decreases your body’s ability to burn fat by up to 90%, and sitting for longer periods lowers levels of HDL “good” cholesterol in your blood, as well as slowing your ability to metabolize insulin.  This puts everyone with a desk job at risk for type II diabetes and heart disease.

For this reason, the latest trend in office furniture is the adjustable height desk.  These desks allow employees to raise and lower their work surface throughout the day, thus allowing them to sit or stand while they continue to work.  Studies have suggested standing just 15 minutes each hour can counteract the ill effects mentioned above, giving you a healthier and more productive workforce.  As a bonus, standing relieves pressure on the low back that can lead to pain down the road, prevents loss of muscle mass, increases circulation, and improves alertness.

To keep your employees productive and out of the doctor’s office, adjustable height desks are a wise investment.  There are a variety of types to meet the space and financial needs of your business.  They come in different shapes, such as L-shaped or pedestal, and different finishes, such as laminate and solid wood top.  There are also three main types of adjustment you can choose from:

  1. Electric- These are operated by a quiet motor within the base of the desk, move at the push of a button, and have the highest weight capacities;
  2. Pneumatic- These rest on a hydraulic gas cylinder and are easily lifted by hand; and
  3. Crank-Adjustable- These desks are moved by a crank that you turn by hand.