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Height-adjustable desk: why working standing up is healthier in the long term

June 2, 2025
Home office employee works standing up at a height-adjustable desk.

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Anyone who spends eight or more hours a day sitting down risks more than just back pain. Studies show: Sitting for long periodsespecially without breaks for exercise, increases the risk of Cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic back pain and even Depression. The body is in "economy mode": our energy consumption drops, the muscles are understretched, blood circulation is poorer and metabolic processes slow down.

In addition orthopaedic stresses such as Poor posture, tense neck muscles or intervertebral disc problems. Monotonous sitting, especially when working at a screen, leads to an unnatural posture - with long-term consequences for the spine and shoulder joints.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is already talking about "sitting as the new smoking". And although the risks are well known, we spend an average of 10 hours a day sitting - at work, in the car, on the couch. 

Height-adjustable desk: these 8 advantages speak in favour of working standing up

1. Improve your posture

A height-adjustable desk allows us to adjust the Dynamically change working posture. Instead of sitting permanently slumped down, the upper body straightens up when standing and the spine is relieved. The most common mistake when working at a desk - leaning forward towards the screen - is automatically corrected.

2. More movement in everyday life

"Working standing up" does not mean standing all day. It's about alternating between sitting and standing - and therefore more movement. Studies show: People who stand up regularly, Activates muscles, stimulates the circulation and prevents "rusting". Just changing your posture regularly can increase your daily exercise time by 60 to 90 minutes.

3. Prevention of neck and back pain

A height-adjustable desk reduces one-sided strain. Instead of a rigid sitting posture Varied working positions a more even strain on the muscles. This prevents Tension in the neck, Lumbar vertebrae problems and Shoulder complaints before.

4. More productivity and creativity

Body and mind are not separate systems: People who exercise think more clearly. Studies show that moderate physical activity the increases cognitive performance. Working standing up helps to maintain concentration for longer, improve decision-making and promote creative thought processes.

5. Less tiredness and no "midday low"

Slow, passive sitting for hours on end promotes Energy drop and inertia. Those who regularly stand up and work standing up, Reduces the subjective feeling of tiredness - especially in the afternoon. This is not only pleasant, but also reduces the frequency of errors and the risk of accidents in everyday office life.

6. Customised adjustment to any body size

A height-adjustable desk can be adjusted to the needs of every employee with millimetre precision - regardless of their height, sitting height or the office chair they are using. This also ensures a healthy posture for changing users (e.g. desk sharing).

7. Long-term investment in health

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for incapacity to work in Germany. Companies that invest in ergonomic equipment, reduce sickness-related absences and increase job satisfaction. This not only improves the health of the workforce, but also the attractiveness of the employer.

8. Better blood circulation

Working in a standing position promotes Blood circulation in the legs and the entire body. The venous return flow is supported, reducing the risk of water retention or thrombosis (especially in people with pre-existing conditions). The cardiovascular system also benefits from regular changes of position.

Tips for maximising the benefits of height-adjustable desks

A height-adjustable desk is only effective if it is used correctly. Here are the most important tips for healthy use:

Alternate between sitting and standing

The ideal ratio is about 2:1 - i.e. two hours sitting, one hour standing. Start with short periods of standing (15-20 minutes) and gradually increase these. Standing for long periods is also stressful - variety is the key.

Two-part graphic, on the left side an employee sitting, on the right side an employee standing. There is a clock in the centre and 2 hours for the seated employee and 1 hour for the standing employee. This symbolises a ratio of 2:1 between sitting and standing.

Setting the right desk height

The optimum table height for standing depends on your own height:

  • Elbows at a 90-degree angle, forearms relaxed on the tabletop
  • Wrist straight, shoulders loose, without pressure against the joints
  • Monitor height Adjust so that the upper edge of the screen is slightly below eye level

Soft surface or cushioned shoes

Standing on hard floors for long periods of time puts strain on the joints and soles of the feet. A Anti-fatigue mat or Ergonomic shoes with good cushioning help to avoid pressure points and muscle tension.

Exercise regularly

Movement should not be missing even when standing. Take every opportunity to take short active breaks: circle your shoulders, shift your weight, do leg or stretching exercises. Short walks or stretching sessions in between are particularly effective. Here too, tools such as Isa from Deep Care Integrate movement impulses into everyday office life.

Conclusion: Height-adjustable desks are more than just a trend

A Height-adjustable desk is far more than just ergonomic furniture. It is an effective instrument for Promotion of health, well-being and performance. Especially in times of increasing screen work and working from home, it is crucial to design workplaces in such a way that they put people at the centre.

Companies that enable their employees to work standing up are not only investing in prevention, but also in motivation, productivity and employer attractiveness. A well thought-out change from sitting to standing can bring noticeable relief after just a few days - for the back, concentration and general well-being.

Simon Fiechtner, Author

Simon Fiechtner
I'm Simon, co-founder of Deep Care and I've been working in the fields of health and artificial intelligence for many years. After several years of experience in HR and business development at a large corporation, I decided to turn this passion into a start-up together with colleagues and friends.

Height-adjustable desk: why working standing up is healthier in the long term

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