In previous decades, companies often focused on improving their organisational culture to boost employee morale. After all, the happier their employees were, the harder they worked, and the less employee turnover the companies experienced. While this system worked in the past, current research shows that workplace happiness goes beyond company policies. In fact, it mainly comes down to how comfortable and productive the employees feel, which is why many companies have been investing in adjustable desks. We look at the results of these studies as we seek to understand the link between adjustable desks and workplace happiness.
Linking Workplace Happiness to Adjustable Desks
There is no denying that standing desks have become commonplace in many workspaces, with many employers and employees terming them as game changers. In fact, this trend has become so popular that more companies have been relying on manufacturers like Desktronic.co.uk to set them up for success. But does science back the notion that these desks work like charms in office spaces?
Why, yes! Here are the reasons underpinning this trend:
Movement Betters People’s Moods
The typical office employee spends most of their day sitting, save for their bathroom and coffee breaks. Over time, this continuous sitting takes a toll on their energy levels, more so as the day progresses. They feel tired and may even exhibit signs of mild depression.
Studies have shown that working while standing combats these negative effects. Each time an employee takes a break from sitting, they get to stretch their body, alleviating the discomfort of continued sitting. Standing also promotes blood circulation, which results in higher mental clarity. Best of all, alternating between sitting and standing reduces muscle tension, which allows employees to feel much better overall.
This combination of benefits ultimately results in lower stress levels in the workplace and makes employees more enthusiastic about their work lives.
Productive People are Happier
Strict deadlines and huge workloads are some of the stressors that weigh heavily on employees. Often, employees choose to bury themselves in their work as they try to keep up with the increasing demands. After all, if they do not hit their targets, they risk subpar performance reviews.
For years, employees have thought that working longer hours is the answer. But now, adjustable desks have offered an alternative. How? Studies have shown that people who work while standing can be up to 45% more productive than those who work while seated!
This increase in productivity comes down to three things. First, standing increases an employee’s energy levels by promoting higher blood circulation –the more energetic people feel, the faster and better they work. Second, working while standing forces employees to engage in several senses, which makes them more alert. Third, employees feel like they are in more control of their work if they can juggle between sitting and standing per their needs.
Combine these three factors, and you have alert and enthusiastic employees who can reach their targets faster. And with the stress of looming deadlines and high targets out of the way, employees are happier!
Comfort Reduces Stress
Think of the typical office employee who spends hours working while seated. What kind of problems do you think they have? If your mind is gravitating towards issues such as poor posture, back pain, and stiff joints, you are correct. Little by little, those long hours take their toll on people’s health, resulting in high stress levels that can cause unhappiness.
Can standing solve this? Yes – in many ways. For one, it improves people’s posture, which helps them address and prevent musculoskeletal issues that dampen their moods. Second, it encourages people to move more, e.g., the shuffling of their feet or the simple up-and-down motions of sitting and standing. These periodic micro-movements release tension in the body. And three, it stretches people’s limbs, resulting in more relaxation and less physical discomfort or pain.
With such a multi-pronged approach, it’s no wonder that employees’ cortisol levels drop when they start using adjustable desks. And we all know that the better people feel about themselves, the happier they are!