The needs of modern day office workers are changing, especially as we gain more knowledge of ergonomics. Giving employees desk options can make a better working environment for your small business, as you can accommodate differing work styles in the workplace. The traditional sit-down, one desk to each employee method has evolved, helping establish ways of attaining a happier workforce. The accessories that accompany these types of desks improve their function and an employees ability to focus in comfort while reaping the benefits. The standing desk could be used with a standing chair option or an anti-fatigue mat. The standing/sitting desk options are enhanced with the right chair or standing desk conversion pieces.
Standing desks
Standing desks are the new approach to company work areas. These desks take up less office space and accommodate the need to sit less. This type of desk allows employees to practice better body mechanics while working. It offers an opportunity to decrease back pain and add movement throughout the day. The positive effects of a standing desk are amplified when combined with an anti-fatigue mat, and wearing comfortable shoes. The anti-fatigue mat helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs and adds to an employees comfort at the desk. It is advised to gradually transition into a standing desk, as if you would when starting an exercise program. It's easier on the body, and helps build healthy standing desk practices.
Standing or sitting desks
A standing/sitting desk allows workers to either stand or sit through-out the work day. These versatile desks offer employees and employers an opportunity to use the best of both the sitting desk and standing desk worlds. A proper chair enhances the benefits of this type of working environment, as it increases an employees daily activity. Workers can change their position throughout the day and establish better health benefiting habits, avoiding costly inactivity from sitting most of the day. There are several options for these types of desks ranging from inexpensive to costly. The most inexpensive consists of an industrial cardboard conversion that sits on a standard sitting desk.
Community desks
A community desk consists of a large table with individual work spaces or a grouping of smaller desks together. This allows social interaction between employees and can help the productivity of extroverts in the office. These interactions fulfill the need for socializing, while helping employees focus on the task at hand. Many employee are able to motivate each other to finish the task at hand, which inevitable increases productivity. An office set-up such as this can mimic a coffee shop environment or a think-tank type of creative process between employees. This encourages creative problem solving, brainstorming new ideas, and decreases stress. It also leaves the office space more open than traditional type of desk arrangements.
Leaning desks
A leaning desk takes up less space than traditional desks, but does need a wall to lean against. These are stylish and come in various heights to accommodate either sitting or standing. Leaning desks work well in smaller work spaces as they utilize the wall space. The size of these desks offer employees the opportunity to conserve space, and can also encourage the use of less paper due to less surface area for files or paperwork..
Movable desks
Movable desks give employees the option of moving their desks into a community desk format or to different locations. These type of desks can accommodate group discussions or individuals working on various individual projects. This brings together the best parts of the community desk and the individual desk. Movable desks also give both introverts and extroverts a better working environment. The extroverts can spend part of the day working and talking with coworkers, which is optimal for increased work performance. The introvert is able to work individually without the group, which increases work performance for that group of employees.
This article was written by Karen Ulvestad for Small Business Pulse