Summer 2018

SIT / STAND
Convert any standard desk in to
a sit-stand desk with Metalicon
i-stand. Gain the health and
productivity boost of a sitstand
desk plus monitor arm
at a fraction of the price. Fully
adjustable without the use of any
tools. Visit their website to find
out more and request a quote.
Tel: 01502 533 444
www.metalicon.com
OKIN Office
Solutions
If you believe good service,
a quality product and value
for money are important
attributes of a supplier, you
will not be disappointed
by what they have to offer.
To find out more please
contact them on:
Tel: 01296 611 681
DewertOkinSales@pmgb.co.uk
www.dewertokin.com/products/office
Fellowes
Sit-Stand Mats
Sit-Stand mats provide a cushion
for standing and are an important
accessory for any sit-stand
product
ActiveFusion Sit-Stand Mat (8707101)
• Unique shape promotes stretching
and movement
Everyday Sit-Stand Mat (8707001)
• Encourages subtle movement to
prevent fatigue
For more information or to
discuss a trial contact Fellowes
Tel: 00800 18101810 or
email: rmonk@fellowes.com
Bestuhl UK are thrilled to present their new brand identity: Workstories, which
fully encompasses the diversity of their portfolio. They are now represented
by 5 amazing brands, carefully curated from across the globe to create a highly
flexible and coherent collection of furniture and accessories. From desking to
breakout, power to storage, there is very little they cannot achieve.
Tel: 020 3735 5224
info@workstories.com
www.workstories.com
Should we Sit or Should we Stand?
Sit/Stand desking solutions have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years and have
been identified as one of the most important emerging trends in the office furniture industry.
The ability to switch easily between sitting and standing positions while
remaining at our workstations has been promoted as the latest development in
employee well-being, although attention-grabbing headlines offering conflicting
advice have created some confusion.
The publication of several studies identifying risks linked to prolonged periods
of sitting down, or ‘sedentary behaviour’, have certainly contributed to the
increasing demand for sit/stand solutions. The associated risks with sitting for
long intervals include increased chances of developing diabetes, heart disease
and obesity, leading to comparisons being drawn with unhealthy activities such
as smoking. However, standing for long periods of times has its own associated
risks due to the strain this can place on our bodies. So, should we be sitting or
standing at work?
Employee well-being is key to the success of any company and the average
office worker spends a large portion of their time sitting down. Public
Health England have advised that we all look for ways to reduce sitting times
throughout the day, so it is clear that employers should encourage a more
active workplace and equipping the office with sit/stand desks is one way to
achieve this. Providing employees with the freedom to move and change
position frequently is key, and sit/stand solutions should be seen as just that – a
way of enabling the switch between both positions depending on the comfort
and needs of the end-user – and not as a move towards a mainly standing
environment.
Good posture along with established ergonomic guidance remains essential
and sit/stand desking should not override the proven advice on positioning
of seating, lighting and other equipment. Individual requirements, along with
the demands of different roles, should also be taken into consideration when
assessing the right approach to use. There are many ways to encourage a
more active working culture, with suggestions ranging from the introduction
of ‘walking meetings’, encouraging colleagues to speak directly rather than
emailing, or the deactivation/slowing down of lifts. Sit/stand desking can be
an excellent addition to the workplace when used correctly, however the most
important consideration is how best to encourage a more active environment.
Carolyn Gara - ABL
www.ofas.org.uk SUMMER 2018
17