How to Improve Health & Wellbeing in the Office

Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace

Maintaining an active lifestyle within the workplace is a crucial step for employee health and wellbeing. According to Office for National Statistics, musculoskeletal conditions cause 21% of sickness absences in the workplace. So how can employers help decrease the number of back and neck casualties resulting in poor attendance? With the use of active furniture, this can assist colleagues in supporting their bodies and preventing any further long-term issues.

What is Active Furniture?

Active furniture refers to pieces of furniture designed to promote movement and encourage physical activity, these items are typically used in environments like offices, schools, or homes to help people stay active even while working or relaxing. The concept revolves around creating ergonomic and dynamic work or living spaces that encourage healthier habits. Active furniture reduces your time spent sitting during the workday, and alternatively, supports standing up more frequently which in turn assists in proper blood circulation throughout the body. Adjustable furniture has the advantage of it being flexible with all body types and sizes, making it completely adaptable to anyone that wishes to utilise them in their office. There are many different pieces of active furniture to offer for those needing extra support in the workplace.

Examples of Active & Orthopaedic Furniture:

Height Adjustable Desks

Height adjustable desks allow individuals the choice of either sitting or standing, practising active movements throughout the day and maintaining DSE compliancy. With a choice of either hand cranked or electronically powered, height adjustable desks promote a diverse workforce and accommodates all sizes, no matter what your height. Sitting for long periods of the day can be harmful to your posture and often cause you to slouch, therefore having the option of standing at your desk reduces the strain caused on your body, whilst also encouraging productivity.

Orthopaedic Chairs

Orthopaedic chairs are specifically designed for office use, in comparison to your standard chair. These chairs are designed especially for 8 house use with ergonomic features in mind. Sitting in the same position for 8 or more hours every day can cause back pain, slouching and improper posture, so it’s important to find a chair that will assist these issues. Office chairs that offer several mechanisms and adjustability allows you to ergonomically tailor your chair according to your desk height and personal requirements, meaning that your chair can be customisable to keep you comfy and support your frame.

Whether it’s a mesh back, fully upholstered, with or without a headrest, you can find a chair that suits your body and meets all your needs. Mechanisms such as inflatable lumbar and thoracic supports allow you to maintain good posture whilst eliminating any back pain you may have previously experienced. At ORS we have our own in house DSE assessors that can guide you in finding your perfect office chair and ensure that your chair is DSE compliant. Don’t hesitate to get in contact for some help.

Desk Risers

Similar to a height adjustable desk, a desk riser is a device that allows individuals to practise frequent sitting and standing at your desk. Commonly used in offices and remote working, desk risers are great for smaller desktops such as laptops or writing tablets, as they prevent a person from slouching and experiencing neck pain due to the low positioning. A desk riser may be a more favourable choice as they can be easily transported, they are compact and don’t take up much room and they are an inexpensive option. Rather than committing to a height adjustable desk which can be significantly more expensive, desk risers are a great alternative and essentially carry out the same purpose. Available in a manual option or electronically powered, desk risers allow you to feel the benefits of active furniture, without having to invest in larger and more costly products.

Leg Rests & Stools

Leg rests and wobble stools are designed to reduce the amount of pressure on your legs and promote regular movement on your lower half. By consistently moving your legs and feet this can circulate blood flow in the body and compensate for sitting at your desk for long periods of the day. Leg and footrests can come in many different styles and models, height adjustable, mobile and padded, guaranteed to find a design that works for you. These office accessories are commonly used by those who have injuries, or experience health conditions, but of course can be used by anyone looking to prevent long term health issues and practise active movement in the workplace.

Health Benefits of Active Furniture:

Improved Posture

Active furniture, such as standing desks or office chairs, helps you maintain proper alignment and posture. By engaging your core muscles, it prevents slouching and promotes a neutral spine, reducing strain on your back and neck.

Enhanced Focus and Productivity

Research shows that physical movement during the workday can boost cognitive function and mental clarity. Active furniture encourages subtle movements, which can help improve focus and attention, leading to greater productivity.

Reduced Sedentary Behaviour

One of the main benefits is its ability to combat sedentary lifestyles. Standing desks or wobble stools encourage movement throughout the day, reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as cardiovascular disease or obesity.

Increased Energy Levels

When you’re more physically active during your day, your blood circulation improves, which helps keep energy levels high. Active furniture can prevent the lethargy and fatigue that often comes with sitting in one position for extended periods.

Strengthening Muscles

Certain types of active furniture, like balance chairs or sit-stand desks, require the use of stabilising muscles. This constant engagement strengthens core muscles, improving overall strength and reducing the risk of muscle imbalances.

Boosted Mental Health

Movement promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. Incorporating active furniture into your workspace can lead to better mood regulation and reduced stress and anxiety.

Improved Circulation

Sitting for long hours restricts blood flow, which can lead to swelling and discomfort in your legs. By incorporating active furniture, especially those that promote standing or dynamic seating, you enhance circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis or other circulatory issues.

Better Flexibility and Mobility

Active furniture encourages regular movement, helping to maintain or even improve joint flexibility and mobility over time. This is particularly beneficial for those who sit for long periods and may experience stiffness or joint pain.

Customisable to Different Needs

Many pieces of active furniture are adjustable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs or switch between different modes (e.g., sitting and standing). This flexibility makes it easier to create a work environment that suits your body and workflow.

Burns More Calories

Standing or moving while using active furniture burns more calories compared to sitting. Although not a substitute for vigorous exercise, the small increase in daily calorie expenditure can contribute to weight maintenance or loss over time.

Incorporating active furniture into your workspace or home environment helps balance physical health, productivity, and overall well-being by keeping you moving and more aware of your posture throughout the day.

Orthopaedic Furniture Doesn’t Have to Cost the Earth

Investing in your health shouldn’t have to be costly, and so it’s important to find products that aid your body whilst not having to break the bank. At ORS, not only do we provide new furniture, but we also sell second hand products for a fraction of the price. We have many active and orthopaedic furniture products in stock to help support your body and long-term health. Why not invest in your health today and take a look at our extensive range of active and orthopaedic furniture.