As we prepare for Workspace Design Show next week there will be a lot of discussion about the way we work is changing.

With increasing awareness of the health impacts of prolonged sitting, businesses are seeking practical solutions to enhance employee well-being and productivity. The Active Desk provides a modern, ergonomic solution designed to promote movement, reduce workplace-related health issues, and improve overall performance.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that a significant number of UK workers experience healthissues related to their work environment. The statistics reveal that the number of workers reported tobe suffering from work-related ill health during 2023/24 is 1.7 million. Among these, musculoskeletaldisorders (MSDs) and mental health challenges are among the leading causes of workplace absenteeism and reduced productivity.

• Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect hundreds of thousands of workers each year, leading to discomfort, lost working days,and increased healthcare costs.
• Mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are a major contributor to long-term sick leave and reduced work performance.

The Issue: MSDs, such as back and neck pain, are often caused by prolonged static postures,including long hours spent sitting at a desk. This not only impacts individual well-beingbut also contributes to workplace absenteeism and lost productivity.

• Sit-Stand Functionality: Encourages users to shift between sitting and standing throughout the day, helping to reduce strain on the back and neck.
• Movement Tracking: Integrated software helps employees set personalized movement goals, reminding them to stand and move regularly.
• Impact: By promoting regular movement, businesses can reduce MSD-related absenteeism. Even a modest reduction in lost workdays can lead tomeaningful cost savings for companies.

The Issue: A sedentary work environment can contribute to poor mental well-being. Limited movement hasbeen linked to higher stress levels, fatigue, and reduced cognitive function.

• Encouraging Movement: Standing periodically has been shown to improve mood and energy levels, reducing feelings of stress and fatigue.
• Improved Engagement: Employees who move more throughout the day report feeling more engaged and productive in their work.
• Impact: Small improvements in workplace well-being can contribute to lower stress-related absences and a more positive company culture.

The Issue: Sedentary habits contribute to sluggishness and reduced cognitive function over time.Employees who sit for prolonged periods may experience dips in focus, affecting their overall work performance.

• Boosting Alertness: Alternating between sitting and standing improves circulation, delivering more oxygen to the brain and enhancing mental clarity.
• Smart Coaching: Built-in reminders help employees maintain regular movement, preventing energy dips throughout the day.
• Impact: Studies suggest that employees who use sit-stand desks experience improvements in task efficiency and overall work performance.

For businesses, even a small increase in productivity can have a meaningful impact. Employees who stay more engaged and focused throughoutthe day contribute to better decision-making, improved quality of work, and overall business success.

By creating a more dynamic work environment, businesses can experience a range of benefits:

• Reduced absenteeism: Encouraging movement can help lower rates of MSD-related and mental health-related absences.
• Higher productivity: Employees who stand and move more throughout the day tend to stay more focused and energized.
• Improved employee well-being: A healthier workforce is a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

Incorporating Active Desks into your workplace isn’t just about comfort—it’s a strategic investment in your people and your business.By promoting movement, reducing health-related absences, and enhancing productivity, Active Desks support a healthier, moreproductive, and ultimately more successful workforce.