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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Standing Desks

47 replies

Cookie84 · 09/06/2015 20:26

Not the right forum I know but I'm trying to persuade my work to buy some standing desks for our office. I've done tons of research in terms of stats but I don't know many businesses that actually have them in their offices so don't get a personal perspective.

So my question is, does your office have standing desks and what do you think about them? AIBU to ask for them for the office? Smile

OP posts:
Andrewofgg · 09/06/2015 20:29

As long as nobody has to use them or is put under the slightest pressure to use them. And as long as your management don't mind seeing so much money and floor-space being wasted.

Original poster
Cookie84 · 09/06/2015 20:30

I meant to say that they would be variable height so could move from standing to seating very easily for anyone that needed or wanted it

OP posts:
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 09/06/2015 20:31

We're getting a couple apparently. As long as they don't expect me to use them I'm not bothered but I know at least one person is quite excited.

MyCarHasBrokenDownAgain · 09/06/2015 20:32

Hmmm ... something went round our office about these, with a suggestion we get one. I think the response was decidedly underwhelming tbh, as it's not been mentioned since!

BackforGood · 09/06/2015 20:36

Never come across them, but I can't say they appeal to me.

Andrewofgg · 09/06/2015 20:40

Since I normally read long documents with my feet on the desk the idea does not appeal to me at all!

Jelliebabe1 · 09/06/2015 20:42

We have a few for people who have back problems and need to stand and sit at work. However we require a DR's/physio letter suggesting it. We don't just dole them out to people who just fancy them... However ours are electric.

SparkleInParis · 09/06/2015 20:45

My workplace has purchased a standing desk for a colleague with a specific medical need. It doesn't take up any more space but was more expensive (variable height rather than fixed standing). My colleague is very grateful and says this has enabled him to stay in work and continue to support his family. I think this is reasonable but think it couldn't be justified for the rest of us. A quick walk to the filing room is enough for me to stretch out the kinks from standing. If your office was moving location or changing furniture (my workplace seems to do this fairly often) it may be worth asking for these tables for those who want them.

blue42 · 09/06/2015 20:47

I'm self employed but I bought one for my office 6 months ago - it's brilliant! The key is not so much in standing all day but being able to switch between standing and sitting, as well as moving around while you're standing. I personally think that all day standing would be as bad for you as all day sitting, so for maximum effect I'd seriously recommend an ergonomic chair as well.

I also find my productivity is way up, especially in the hour after lunch, and for the first hour in the morning.

So no, definitely not U to ask for them. The problem is, they aren't cheap. I think there may be some grants available but am not certain. But you never know unless you ask...

Original poster
Cookie84 · 09/06/2015 20:51

I'm only suggesting this because we are looking to change office or do up the one we have. I'm a bit disappointed that people are not more enthusiastic for the idea, it has so many health benefits and sitting looks like the new smoking from the stuff I've read. Oh well. Maybe I'm just a keen bean.

OP posts:
Homemadeapplepie · 09/06/2015 20:56

There are some in one of our offices, the electric type. Bought for people with back problems but they seem to be popular with other colleagues who use them sometimes when the bad-back people are off shift. If you bought some as hot desks you would probably find them well-used but I imagine they are a bit more expensive than conventional desks.

MrsCaptainReynolds · 09/06/2015 20:58

Get occupational health on board. I have a standing desk, much better for your back. Mine was ordered by occ health and paid for through Access to Work.

I also have one at home, it's a great sewing desk!

Wideopenspace · 09/06/2015 20:59

There was a report out recently from maybe the BMA but I may have made that up saying that 2 hours of standing desk time (ideally rising to 4 hours) will improve the health of the UK by some massive percentage.

I realise my stats are vague Grin but google it!

Pipbin · 09/06/2015 21:02

I believe height adjustable/standing desks are mandatory in Norway. The theory being that you can adjust the height to suit even if you are sitting. Very helpful for tall people.

AyMamita · 09/06/2015 21:03

I think they're a fantastic idea. We have some in my office (the electric adjustable sort) and they don't take up any extra floor space!

Why not try to persuade your work to get just a couple first as hot desks, as a sort of trial? I bet they will be popular!

Scoopmuckdizzy · 09/06/2015 21:04

We have a couple in our office for members of staff with back problems and benefit from being able to work standing if they choose.

We also have a treadmill desk which is fantastic (although takes a bit of getting used to at first!)

GinSoakedBitchyPony · 09/06/2015 21:05

I don't spend much time in our office, mostly home based, but we have 4 of these desks and we like them so much that We've asked for more. The ones we have can be altered to seated too. I want one at home. I find that I feel more energetic on the days that I've been standing more.

thehumanjam · 09/06/2015 21:06

I think they would make me want to do a wee every 5 minutes. Anyone else get that?

GeorgeYeatsAutomaticWriter · 09/06/2015 21:08

I have one. It's electric, and fantastic. Takes up the exact same space as my old desk - in fact, electric legs were fitted to my old desktop.

This article might give you some good ammunition, OP.

Original poster
Cookie84 · 09/06/2015 22:18

Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
InanimateCarbonRod · 09/06/2015 22:22

I've got one. Anyone who wants one justs asks facilities. It comes with an app that tells you time to sit down. You can put any amount of time for standing and sitting. I couldn't go back to sitting all day after using it. I've had mine about 8 months now and love it.

tulipgrower · 09/06/2015 22:26

We all have them, we don't have a fixed seating allocation, and you can easily set your desk height to your stature. But I rarely see people using them standing up.

MrsNextDoor · 09/06/2015 22:27

ApplePie I don't like the sound of "The Bad Back People" Shock Spooky!

Wh0dathunkit · 09/06/2015 22:29

I've worked in an office which had adjustable desks, some were electric which went up to standing height, and others were manually adjustable which went down low enough for my tiny proportions. I'd say about 30% of our office population adjusted our desks in some way. I was just soooo pleased to be able to sit at a desk with my feet firmly on the floor, and my shoulders in a comfortable position that I didn't take advantage of the standing desks. I've been office based since leaving uni nearly 20 years ago, and those were the only desks I've ever felt remotely comfortable at shame the job was shite

I'm just hoping that the office refurbishment we're going through now is going to produce desks which shrink down far enough for me. And if they shift up high enough that I could stand (which wouldn't be very far!), I might even give that a try. I can see that the 2pm slump may be sideswiped by standing up...

Tulipblank · 09/06/2015 22:29

We all have them in our office. Electric ones which go up and down. I like the fact that they're adjustable, but I tried it fully extended......I lasted about 5 minutes! Not comfortable in heels.