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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Work should buy me a stand up desk

107 replies

Marue · 21/10/2015 18:32

They are really digging their heals about this. It costs maybe 400 that they can detuct against tax and they would of paid a 5 figure amount to an employment agency to requit me.

I don't ask for much at work, I've bought in my own special keyboard and mouse and my training has all been done locally the last few years so saved many times the cost of the desk on hotel and transport expenses.

The company is doing very well and not short of money.

I'm kind of taking offence that they don't want to make this small investment too make my working life better. Aibu?

OP posts:
Axekick · 21/10/2015 18:37

Tbf offices I have worked in would need a solid case that it will improve your working life or resolve a health problem to do it.

If thy give you one just because you want one and think it will make your life better, then they will have to get everyone one.

Also depends on wether you have a set office/desk.

I do love a stand up desk though.

saucony · 21/10/2015 18:39

It depends. Do you have a health problems?

Babytookacupwoo · 21/10/2015 18:39

I don't really see what tax has to do with it, any operating costs are offset against tax, that's how you get your profit Hmm

It would be a problem in my company too, they only order special desks for H&s reasons

saucony · 21/10/2015 18:40

**any health problems.

PennyHasNoSurname · 21/10/2015 18:46

Do you have health issues / additional needs that require specialist equipment?

Original poster
Marue · 21/10/2015 18:46

Doesn't everyone have back problems thats been working in an office for a while?

Anyway I've been referred to a chiropractor before from my gp and this would help my back.

It still seems very mean of them to not spend this small change to make my working life a lot better. Doesn't endear me to want to stay with them, so they might of not spent 13-15k in employment fees to receive me.

OP posts:
saucony · 21/10/2015 18:50

Ask to be seen by Occ Health.

Tarzanlovesgaby · 21/10/2015 18:50

Doesn't everyone have back problems thats been working in an office for a while?

no
do you excercise, stretch?
is you workspace adjusted to your height?

Original poster
Marue · 21/10/2015 18:51

I mention the tax to say it costs less than 400 quid to make me happy.

The seem to look after the pennies but ignore the pounds.

OP posts:
Babytookacupwoo · 21/10/2015 18:51

Ime recruitment fees are forgotten once paid and come out of a different budget (if you do leave quickly they'll be refunded anyway) and £15k isn't a lot really anyway.

Original poster
Marue · 21/10/2015 18:52

If £15000 isn't a lot then surely £350 is nothing?!

OP posts:
GruntledOne · 21/10/2015 18:53

If you disappear after being there a short time, they can probably recover at least some of the recruitment fee.

Have you actually tried a stand-up desk? Are you sure you really want to use one all day? I find standing in the same place for long periods of time much more tiring than walking about.

mileend2bermondsey · 21/10/2015 18:54

You sound exhausting OP. From the sounds of it you don't need a stand up desk, you'd just like one. If thats the case and you are that passionate about it buy your own.

Babytookacupwoo · 21/10/2015 18:55

£15k isn't a lot for recruitment fees, which they had to pay to fill the role. They don't have to buy you a desk. And if you've only just started why would they be concerned about your back problem? You did that working somewhere else. I think you're being a bit picky. New jobs are supposed to be exciting

StackladysMorphicResonator · 21/10/2015 18:58

If you have a genuine disability that means you require this desk to be able to work, then your company can claim the cost back through the Access to Work scheme. If it's just that you don't sit up straight or would prefer to move around then YABU. Buy your own desk.

Devora · 21/10/2015 18:58

Why do you think it would make your working life better, OP? I know some people do need stand-up desks (we have a couple in my office) but I'm not convinced all of us do. I have arthritis and a bad back; I would find standing at a desk all day every bit as difficult (more so) than sitting down all day. What works for me (and most) is to vary your posture: every half hour, get up and move around; go for a walk at lunchtime; have short meetings standing up etc.

GruntledOne · 21/10/2015 18:59

Did you tell them about your back problems before you started, and did you raise this issue then?

GreatFuckability · 21/10/2015 19:00

what makes you say shes only been there a short time?! says training over a few years, and also that a chiro reccomended the desk. i dont think you are being unreasonable.

Babytookacupwoo · 21/10/2015 19:01

Just because OP is talking about recruitment fees. Why would you give them a thought I'd they'd been paid years ago?

Babytookacupwoo · 21/10/2015 19:02

*if

Witchend · 21/10/2015 19:02

My back is made much worse by standing still for periods of time.

Have you an official medical opinion that it would make it better?

ilovesooty · 21/10/2015 19:02

I would suggest you ought to buy your own unless you have a diagnosed and documented disability.
I would also suggest that you sound like very hard work and that's not really something likely to endear you to your employers.

BuggerLumpsAnnoyed · 21/10/2015 19:02

I wanted work to buy me a unicorn as it would make me happier and therefore more productive. The tight bastards haven't so I know how you feel

RatherBeRiding · 21/10/2015 19:03

I have back problems. Not from working in an office environment, which I have done for decades, but for other reasons. Every office I've worked in I have requested (not demanded) a bog standard typists chair as I cannot work in one of those "executive" type chairs - they make my back ache just looking at them. Every employer to date has been more than happy to meet this request but if they didn't I would request an Occ Health referral.

Have you been seen by Occ Health? Just being referred to a chiropractor is no reason to buy you a £400 desk - not without a clear medical rationale. Otherwise everyone in the company would be within their rights to ask for a fancy piece of kit just because they thought it would make their work environment more pleasant.

Original poster
Marue · 21/10/2015 19:06

I've got one at home a few months ago and now when I'm at work I really notice my back getting worse .

The requitment fees were paid 18 months ago and are non refundable now obviously.

Hard work for wanting a workstation that is comfortable for me that has been recommended by specialist s and now is so mainstream its very cheap?

OP posts:
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