Thanks to the worldwide push for automation in manual labor, the demand for desk-based work has been at an all-time high over the past 30 years. As more of the work environment becomes desk-based, the average daily physical activity of the average employee has been going down. While there are benefits to this, such as a smaller risk for workplace injuries overall, sedentary office work can be harmful to the average office worker, both physically and mentally. Over a long period of time, sedentary life contributes to a number of physical health complications, which can, in turn, affect the overall mental well-being of people. Regular movement during the day is an easy way to circumvent the long-term health risks of working a stationary job. While people can do this by simply getting up a few times an hour to move around, it does take them away from the work area, leading to a trade-off in maintaining an employee’s energy versus time away from daily tasks. Another innovative solution is to employ standing treadmill workstations for employees who request them.
Though they are a relatively new phenomenon, standing treadmill workstations are specifically designed to take up a minimal amount of floor space while allowing for a significant standing platform where computer equipment can be placed and used while the employee moves throughout the day as needed. By employing this solution, physical activity is achieved while limiting time away from the work area, adding to both workplace efficiency as well as contributing positively to the overall health of your employees.