New Study Highlights Benefits of Alternative Workstations for Office Workers
A recent study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health has found that alternative workstations, such as standing desks, can be a beneficial solution for both employees and companies.
The Risks of Sedentary Work
Previous studies have shown that sedentary workers are more likely to experience symptoms such as daytime fatigue, hypertension, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Office workers who spend most of their day sitting are at higher risk of developing these health problems.
The Study
To address the impact of alternative workstations on employee health and productivity, a team of researchers measured the computer use and activity levels of 61 office workers over a 10-day period. The study involved three groups: standing, sitting-standing, and traditional seated workstations. Researchers collected demographic data, monitored participant’s workstation computer use, and tracked their physical activity using a silent, covert data-logging software.
Findings
The study found that participants who used standing workstations had significantly higher word counts and more errors compared to those who used traditional seated workstations. Additionally, the standing group had more standing time, less sitting time, and fewer transitions per hour compared to the traditional group.
Discomfort and Productivity
In terms of discomfort, 65% of participants reported neck discomfort, with 80% of the traditional workstation group reporting discomfort in the lower back. However, the standing group reported less discomfort in the lower back. The study also found that the number of keystrokes was similar among the three groups, but the standing group expensed more energy.
Conclusion
The study concludes that alternative workstations, such as sit-stand workstations, can alleviate the risk of health problems from sedentary work while maintaining high productivity. These solutions support the health and well-being of workers while meeting employer expectations.
