Active Workstations: The Key to Boosting Cognition and Reducing Sedentary Time in the Office

A new study by Mayo Clinic has suggested that standing desks, also known as active workstations, could improve mental cognition and reduce sedentary time in office settings. The research, led by Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, emphasizes the importance of integrating movement into the workday to combat the health risks of prolonged sitting.

Many office workers spend up to eight hours a day seated, which is comparable to smoking in terms of health risks. Standing desks could be a solution to this issue, as they provide an alternative to traditional sitting workstations.

The study involved 44 participants in a randomized clinical trial, where they experienced different office settings over four days: sedentary, standing, walking, and using a stepper. The results showed that active workstations had minimal impact on typing speed and accuracy, addressing concerns businesses may have about implementing this type of change in the office.

The study concluded that active workstations can improve cognitive performance and potentially reduce sedentary time without impairing work performance. Dr. Lopez-Jimenez stated that active workstations could be part of the prescription for preventing and treating conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

With little to no negative impact on productivity, companies that introduce more active workstations could see improvements in workers’ health and well-being. This may indirectly boost productivity by promoting a healthier workplace culture and improving employee morale. Businesses looking to enhance the health of their employees and potentially boost productivity may consider incorporating active workstations into their office settings.