Member Article

How furniture can get staff moving in the workplace

Finding the time to exercise around a nine to five job can be a difficult task and the sedentary nature of many occupations is encouraging employers to look for ways to keep staff active, even at their desks. From the perspective of overall workforce wellbeing, this can be beneficial for the health and happiness of employees as well as enhancing concentration and productivity.

In fact, key findings from the 2017 report, Britain’s Healthiest Workplace (BHW), show that those who lead a healthy lifestyle and are active take less time off work for sickness than employees who are not.

Introducing office furniture that promotes physical activity and can be used consistently throughout the working day can prove to be the ideal solution without businesses having to break the bank.

Height-adjustable desks

Public Health England has recommended that office workers should spend two to four hours of the working day on their feet. This will ensure that employees are not negatively affected by a sedentary lifestyle, for example, experiencing a decrease in energy levels and possible aches and pains due to sitting down for long periods.

However, standing for this amount of time is unrealistic as most office workers need a computer screen to carry out their daily tasks. The introduction of height-adjustable desks means workers have the flexibility of either sitting or standing. As such, this kind of furniture makes it possible for employees to stand for the recommended amount of time and capitalise on the associated health benefits.

In order to make the use of height-adjustable desks a habit, managers should take responsibility by setting allocated times where a whole team should work standing up and reward those that meet standing targets.

Alternatives to traditional seating

To avoid health problems caused by sitting and to aid circulation and boost energy levels, standing benches or high tables, also known as ‘poseur height’, could be used.

A particular benefit of bringing in alternatives to traditional seating is that it can be incorporated smoothly into existing office furniture schemes without causing too much disruption. A combination of high tables, stools, benches and poseur height swivel chairs gives employees the choice to either stand or sit down and accommodate their equipment as they wish.

Exercise and stability balls

Employers can provide exercise and stability balls to stimulate casual activity during work breaks. Exercise balls require staff to maintain balance by using small, constant movements which work postural, leg and abdominal muscles. Exercise equipment like this can improve posture as well as minimising back pain and strengthening ab muscles. Modifying office design with a focus on employee wellness does not have to be expensive or difficult and providing furniture in the workplace which encourages employees to move more can ensure they stay active at work, even if the job is sedentary. Doing this can lead to behavioural change, productivity and financial gains, helping to keep workers happy and healthy whilst boost a business’ all-important margin.

Greg Stewart is Head of Furniture at Office Depot

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Office Depot .