I wonder what Herman Miller’s founder D. J. De Pree would think about yesterday’s Treehugger post on standing desks. Having spent yesterday glued to my work chair writing all day I can see a lot of advantages to a standing desk! Is anyone out there working at a standing desk? Be interested to hear what it’s like.
I switched about a year ago, and I just can’t imagine going back. I have a George Nelson perch for when I have to rest my feet, but it is in fact a bit too high. (I am on it now)
I wrote that post in the Herman Miller archives, surrounded by the most glorious collection of ads and books about all my favourite designers, it was heaven.
Before I went standup I was sitting in an old fiberglass Eames bucket chair, not very ergonomic. Perhaps if I was in an Aeron I might still be sitting, but I doubt it.
I just switched to a standing desk three weeks ago, and I love it! Next I want to implement standing meetings. I want to replace the conference table with a standing height “information bar”.
I think a standing desk would be the perfect initiative to get me off my a#$! I’ve moused for over 20 yrs, and my right shoulder is slowly breaking down.
Tavan, I’d be interested to hear how much more productive the meetings are when no one gets to stretch out and swivel at a conf table…
I have the best of both worlds with an adjustable height worksurface. It’s great to be able to sit in the mornings and stand in the afternoons once the body (and mind) have started to get weary of sitting.
Changing to a standing height is also great for sharing my computer screen for impromptu meetings; no forcing you guest to bend over.
While I was Regional Manager for HMI in SF, I always had a stand up desk in my office, as well as a Nelson Perch. I miss both! Wish I had room for that combination in my home office. The last stand up desk I had in the office was by Tom Newhouse, I believe and had a flip top. Work in progress could be kept on the work top, under the flip top when closed. And the perch was just right for me. Was a great option to stand/perch while on the phone.
What a great picture and interesting post.
The latest medical news is that office workers can stay trim by using standing desks. Standing at your desk is a great way to easily burn calories.
D. J. DePree was ahead of his time in many ways.
http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/05/11/fit-of-fiction-can-standing-help-me-lose-weight/
Cerentha, I think the kitchen bench will be too low.
I find just under elbow height works for me, straightens the back and less tiring for the neck.
I’m making an adjustable height standing work bench, maybe I’ll make one for you
Love Dad.
I do like the picture and the standing at the desk idea. However, I’m also interested in what book Mr. De Pree is reading, you wouldn’t happen to know?
Thanks John
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Standing at a sit-to-stand work surface right now, Cerentha. I don’t know that I’d be willing to give up my Aeron full-time but it’s great to be able to stretch the back and legs.