Did you know that the fastest-growing employee benefit in the US is standing desks? Employers and organization heads are acknowledging the need for healthier working conditions. Office workers are also more aware that sitting for extended periods can damage one’s physical and mental health.

Ideally, there should be 30 minutes of standing up for every hour of sitting down. A desk riser, a type of standing desk, can make the sit-stand practice possible in the most convenient way. It’s a device placed on top of an office that allows users to lift their keyboards and monitors when they want to work while standing.

The desk riser’s surface is wide enough to accommodate the computer, mouse, some documents that you’re working on, and charging tables without being cramped. It is lightweight and portable, so you can use it in your cubicle or other parts of the office, such as conference rooms.

Using a desk riser to create a standing desk also has the following essential health benefits:

1. Relieves Spine Pressure

Sitting for extended periods puts significant stress on the spine. It becomes more problematic if the office furniture is not ergonomic. A desk riser converts your desk to become an ergonomic device that reduces neck and lower back pain. When you stand up several times within a workday, your spine will be relieved from all the pressure by allowing it to be in its natural shape.

2. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle causes a whopping 147% cardiovascular event risk compared to an active way of living. Inactivity may also increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality by 90%. Some experts even likened prolonged sitting to the new smoking because of its severe repercussions to heart health.

By using a sit-stand workstation with the help of a desk riser, you provide your body with the much-needed activity even if you spend a big chunk of your day inside an office. Standing for a few minutes a day is way better than no activity at all.

3. Promotes a Healthy Body Weight

About 44% of office employees reported that they gained weight while in their present jobs. All the bagels and iced coffee may be to blame, but 53% admit that the added pounds came from sitting at their desks all day.

Generally, people gain weight when they consume more calories than their bodies can burn. Standing can help a lot in burning those extra calories. For every hour on your feet, you burn 50 calories. Three hours of standing per day can result in a total of 750 calories burned every week.

If you continue to do this level of activity for a whole year, it can translate to about 30,000 calories burned. Imagine it to be equivalent to running about ten marathons. It’s an effortless way of shedding some pounds while getting work done.

4. Boosts Mood and Energy Levels

Research findings show the link of a sedentary lifestyle to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, a separate study conducted to probe the benefits of sitting and standing while at work showed that 87% of participants experienced more energy. 62% reported that they felt happier, and 71% conveyed that they were more focused.

These spikes in mood and energy levels increase productivity and promote a positive working environment.

By applying a simple lifestyle adjustment, such as installing desk risers, you’re ensured that you will have a healthier mind and body. You don’t need to go the extra mile and have essential oils or yoga sessions at work to soothe your body and mind. With a simple desk riser, you can climb the corporate ladder stronger, happier and wiser.