September 11, 2014 - Mike Dilke
It is often said what happens in the USA ends up happening here sooner or later. An article that is a review of the Back App chair also looks at American office habits and says that they are going through a Renaissance in active office furniture with standing desks, treadmill desks, desktop risers, and adjustable height conference tables slowly transforming the workplace for the better.
This type of approach is being seen, somewhat, here in the UK and there have been plenty of articles and media attention given to sit/ stand desks and how we should spend less time sitting. However the article makes the point that to get rid of office chairs completely is 'not realistic, and it's not even healthy.'
America does have a problem with sedentary lifestyles (as do we) and promoting standing is generally a good thing but a balance is needed. The article points out that too much standing can lead to fatigue and varicose veins so we need a situation where office workers can switch between sitting, standing and walking. The walking can be walking up the stairs rather than taking the lift or even on treadmill desks.
The general idea that employers should try and take on board is that helping your staff to keep moving will keep them healthier and that has got to be a good thing for the bottom line.
The article referred to is here - http://www.workwhilewalking.com/back-app-active-chair-review
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