Work better in a hammock? A relaxed approach from Google... But to be efficient you don't have to hang out - you have to stand.
Note to our readers:
We create product comparisons and deals for you. To make this possible, we receive a commission from partners. This doesn't change anything for you.
When it comes to innovative work, Google is way ahead with its “Googleplex” in Mountain View California. At Google it doesn't just mean "back to your desk", but also: off to the bowling alley, to play mini golf or to the soccer field. Google understands that relaxation and fun support the creative process. Employees can hang out in hammocks, retreat to sleeping and relaxation cabins and reorganize their thoughts.
Such a busy working environment is of course not standard. But more and more employers and top companies are discovering how beneficial it can be for employees to not force them to sit at their desk exclusively in an office chair. People who have to do a lot at work and cannot afford to compromise on quality in their work are therefore increasingly relying on height-adjustable desks. Just a trend or does it make sense? We clarify.
Back pain is the number one widespread disease in Germany. According to the Robert Koch Institute, over 60 percent of Germans have had back pain in the past twelve months. In a fifth of them, these are chronic, meaning they occur for at least three months or even daily.
Now imagine what it's like to sit for at least eight hours and be reminded every minute by a sore back or neck that something is wrong. In this case, full concentration is not an option!
And this is where a fatal vicious circle begins for many employees: The most common cause of back problems is incorrect strain caused by sitting for too long and not moving enough.
According to surveys, the greater the pain, the more it affects quality of life and work performance. The vicious circle closes because the more inefficient your work performance becomes, the longer you literally have to “sit out” the working hours in order to get everything done.
A height-adjustable desk not only prevents back problems, but also brings more dynamism and movement into your everyday life.
This is where height-adjustable desks come into play in more and more companies. And not just to prevent sitting-related back problems.
Studies from journals such as the “Journal of Physical Activity and Health” support the benefits of standing workstations such as positive effects on productivity, creativity and health. It was observed that users of standing desks were able to solve tasks better and faster and were significantly more cognitively alert than those who sat.
According to the “ Stand Up to Work
” study
, 65 percent of participants with height-adjustable desks said they were more productive and focused at work after one year. You also felt more active, more energetic, more alert and more mobile. After three months, the study participants sat an average of 17 percent less, and this trend continued after a year.
There is also evidence that standing compared to sitting can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and has positive effects on metabolism. These health benefits can indirectly help increase work performance. A study at Texas A&M University even found that standing desks can increase creativity. This can be attributed in part to the fact that standing physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, thereby promoting creative processes.
Additionally, research shows that alternating between sitting and standing can reduce fatigue and physical discomfort, such as back pain.
To find the height-adjustable desk that's right for you, you don't necessarily have to make a trip to a furniture store. It is much more convenient to make your selection online based on a few simple purchasing criteria - and best of all, have the piece of furniture delivered to your front door free of charge.
Maximum working height
of the table: What is quickly overlooked is the maximum height of the desk. It should be able to comfortably adjust to your height when sitting or standing. This is the only way you can benefit from the ergonomic advantages.
Maximum load capacity
of the table: The height-adjustable desk must be able to support the weight of computers, monitors, printers and other work utensils. It's better to plan too much buffer here. As a guideline, you can expect 30 to 50 kilograms.
The memory function
is extremely practical if you move the table up and down frequently or if several people use the table. This way, every user can save their preferred height settings.
A child lock
always makes sense when little “office guests” have their fingers in the game and like to play with the height adjustment. A child lock prevents children from accidentally moving the desk or getting trapped.
Additional ergonomic functions
are not a must, but they are extremely practical. Many models offer integrated cable management systems, monitor arms or drawers that create additional convenience and order in the workplace. And can thus demonstrably increase efficiency.
The good news for everyone who doesn't want to invest a lot of money unnecessarily to treat themselves to a height-adjustable desk: your old desk can be upgraded with a height-adjustable frame. All you need to do is check whether the size and material of your current desk top matches the frame.
View frame models
Height-adjustable desk – the comparison winner
The height-adjustable desk from Desktronic
is the top recommendation from
Chip.de.
The editors praise the built-in charging stations, a lifting capacity of up to 100 kg and the five-year guarantee. It is also available in different colors and sizes. The comparison winner has a high-quality motor certified by TÜV Süd for reliable adjustment. Thanks to extra-wide table legs and reinforced steel, the desk stands securely at all times.
The decisive factor was the previous good reviews that the worktop is made in Europe and, above all, consists of one piece and therefore does not have an interrupted look. All in all, I'm super happy with my purchase. The version in black/walnut looks very elegant, the delivery was very good, the assembly was easy and the table works perfectly and does what it is supposed to. It feels like a significantly more expensive table.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating on Amazon
Free shipping on Amazon
Healthy working in the home office: The best ergonomic office chairs
The cheap one – height-adjustable desk from Flexispot
The editors at Chip.de
describe the height-adjustable desk from Flexispot
as particularly affordable .
The standing desk does not require many extras, but offers different color and size variants. It is robust, made of maple chipboard (FSC-certified) and laminate and is set up super quickly. You can electrically adjust the desk to a height of 73 to 121 cm, which is 20% more than other models.
Around €160 on Amazon
Height-adjustable desk with 100 days of testing – the progressive one
The standing desk from Desqup is modern, pleasantly quiet and progressive. You can save the desired heights using three programmable presets. A reminder system shows you the standing and sitting time and helps you find the optimal ratio between standing and sitting.
The company offers the table in many color variations and gives you a 100-day trial period during which you can return the desk free of charge at any time if you are not satisfied. There is also a 5-year guarantee.
Free delivery on Amazon
Monitor for the home office: What is important when it comes to screens
Height-adjustable desk – with maximum flexibility
The desk from boho office comes without a table top, so you can choose it freely. It is possible to order a plate in twelve different colors and sizes or to take care of it yourself. The frame impresses with two super-fast motors that adjust the desk electrically and continuously. 36 kilograms of dead weight ensure maximum stability, 5-year guarantee for safety and product service. A star rating of 4.8 from over 600 Amazon reviews cannot be misleading.
Free shipping on Amazon
Of course, regular exercise also helps prevent back problems. Here you will find 6 essential fitness equipment for home workouts. With a fitness watch, you can always keep an eye on not only the time, but also your training progress. We examined three models for beginners.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.
Category list image: © epiximages/PantherMedia