Americans have been known for worker longer hours and days than most people in other regions in the world, and while this portrays a strong work ethic, it has also contributed to higher levels of stress and health-related issues that plague our country.  

The sit-down job setting earned its credibility and level of prestige after the Industrial Revolution (News - Alert) passed, and workers no longer had to stand long hours on their feet. So in comparison, working at a computer station is in fact, considered an accomplishment, but now it is up to the industry to learn to adapt to the now growing problem with these types of settings.

Standing vs. sitting has been proven to be more beneficial for a workers’ health, as those who do nothing but stand burn hundreds of calories more than a group of individuals sitting all day. Sit-to-Stand workstations allow workers to easily change positions and improve not only computer-related injuries, but overall health, like being able to exercise.

For those businesses on the fence about purchasing the Sit-to-Stand workstations or designing their offices around this notion, here are ways to help businesses adapt to the changes.  

How to create a healthier ROI

Recently, a whitepaper discovered by the U.K.-based Workplace Savings And Benefits publication found that when businesses go to great lengths to design an office space for the comfort of their employees, health risks are drastically reduced and employees are happier, thus, producing higher levels of productivity. According to Ergoweb, a previous “The Ergonomics Report” article, Evidence: Investing in Adjustable Workstations Produces Healthy ROI, showed how for user-adjustable workstations at a global financial firm produced a lower total cost of ownership and a significant return on investment .

Deciding Who Needs a Sit-to-Stand Station

Not every person will need a Sit-to-Stand station, as some workers incorporate arduous physical activity into their daily schedule, whether they take the time to work out on their lunch breaks or after work, they are active. However, there may be workers who have specific physical issues, suffer the inevitable effects of aging or are glued to a chair all day without the ability to get up. Whatever may be, finding out which workers fall under the category of needing such a station will help businesses save time and money when making such a decision.

Figuring out a Budget for the Sit-to-Stand Station

In a time during such economic crisis, the idea of redesigning an office, or designing one with the Sit-to-Stand in mind, may give businesses the idea it will be a costly project, yet this is not the case. There are many furniture design companies, like Interior Concepts, that are known for cost-efficient furniture designs and lifetime warranty. In the end, choosing a design company that uses its ultimate space-saving techniques to produce a durable environment will provide the most financial benefits.

Consider Going ‘Green’

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has thousands of members working together to help build industries that foster greener friendly roots. One of its most widely recognized building programs its LEED, a green building rating system. Green buildings attract more buyers and tenants who are looking to lower their operating costs and have a healthier indoor environment, reduce health hazards and, by installing energy conservation and green projects, businesses can save thousands per year and a staggering annual return on investment.

Make Sure Workers Utilize Their Stations

It is important that businesses take the time to properly educate their workers on why and how they should utilize the Sit-to-Stand workstations, since this concept is fairly new to the workforce industry. Once this type of work setting becomes a social norm, workers will no longer feel embarrassed or out of place standing or stretching during office hours. Enforcing these types of health codes and creating awareness campaigns through work settings like these could change the way people think about their health.