Stand-sit-dynamic
The stand-sit-dynamic is generally described as the frequent change of the body posture between sitting, standing and moving when working.
Recommendations
-
Frequently standing up for a short time is better than long breaks in a standing position.
-
Static standing should be avoided.
-
Breaks in a standing position should not last longer than 20 minutes.
-
Two to four posture changes per hour are recommended.
According to the recommendations of the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) the following rule of thumb can be considered: 60% dynamic sitting, 30% standing and 10% studiously walking (way to the printer, to run errands etc. – see Hints for workplace design)
How to achieve stand-sit-dynamic?
To achieve positive effects, organizational and spatial requirements have to be created and the employees have to be sensitized for a different behaviour :
-
Behavioral training and education of employees to use every possibility for posture changes (behavioural prevention).
-
Creating technical requirement, e.g. by using sit-stand-work desks (structural prevention).
-
Changing the workflow for more movement: e.g. by making phone calls or meetings in a standing position and by changing the work scene when walking to the printer for example (behavioural and structural prevention)
Positive effects of the stand-sit-dynamic
A lot of empirical studies deal with the positive effects of the stand-sit-dynamic in general and height-adjustable seat-stand-work desks in particular. A selection of respective studies can be found in information under research reports.
Summarising the following effects can be named:
-
Reduction of usual loads of the back and the neck-shoulder area when working in a sitting position by up to 30%.
-
Traceable improvement of motivation and job satisfaction.
-
Performance improvement due to stand-sit-dynamic (up to 20%).
-
Gain of time as e.g. making phone calls in a standing position usually takes less time, but is more friendly and specified.
The shade higher acquisition costs of suitable furnishings are therefore neglectable.
Behaviour ergonomics
To make sure that employees actually use the possibilities of the stand-sit-dynamic, the effort for changing the body posture has to be as low as possible. This can be accomplished by e.g. changing the height of the work desk by a single click. If working in a standing position is not supported by adjustable work desks, but therefore by additional standings desks or other desks, than these desks should be in the direct surrounding of the work desk to assure an easy access to all documents and data.
Before the introduction, the employees should be informed about the spirit and purpose and the correct handling of the furniture. Therefore it is recommended to hold a training which supports the employees in creating new ideas and work strategies for working in a standing and sitting position. Furthermore the employees should learn to avoid static standing and to combine working in a standing position with frequent changes of posture.
Content of this page:
- Stand-sit workstation