- 4 September 2025
Standing Desk vs. Sitting Desk: Which One Is Better for Productivity and Health?
To sit or not to sit? 🤔 That is the question. In today’s workspaces, a growing debate has emerged between standing and sitting desks. The answer? Not as simple as one being better than the other. Each has its pros and cons. In this article, we will look at two key factors that could make or break (please don’t break your desk 😅) your preconceptions – productivity and health.
What is a Standing Desk?
A standing desk is a desk that allows you to stand while working with adjustable heights. It is straightforward. The common types of sit-stand desks:
- Adjustable – ability for the desk to be height-adjusted manually (hinge rollers that you would see in old cars) or electronically (preferable in today’s age).
- Fixed height – the ability for a desk to ‘remember’ the height position by saving it electronically. Usually, there are two buttons to save the layouts—one for sitting down and one for your own comfortable standing position.
- Treadmill – A standing desk with a walking pad below for an active workstyle 🥵.
People are switching towards this new workplace setup. But why? Well, spoilers 🤐, there have been key benefits for health and productivity.
Benefits of Standing Desks
Why bother getting a standing desk? There are key benefits that many sources can vouch for, and we at EscapeSetup have experienced:
- Posture improvements and spinal alignment 🦴 – Ever tend to slouch while sitting on the chair? You may have just adjusted your sitting position. There is no need to explain this, but standing up will ensure you are in the correct spinal position when the desk is at the ideal height.
- Boost in concentration and productivity 🧠– Standing up impacts your ‘locked-in’ state. A small survey states that there have been behavioural changes over time, with an increase in energy. With that increase in energy comes more productivity [Asid.org]. This is great when you have had a big lunch and start to doze off 😪.
- May lower the risk of chronic diseases 🤒 – With a sedentary lifestyle, there are some links to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death [Harvard University]. Standing up may reduce that risk.
Downsides of Standing Desks
Like all things in life, when there are good things, there will inevitably be drawbacks:
- Non-ergonomic Set Up 🫥 – Issues with discomfort and fatigue are caused by improper ergonomic adjustments. Imagine having a stand-up desk with monitors, forcing your head to look down – neck pain 😖. Your overall workspace should be a cohesive control room.
- Health Problem from Static Positions 😥- This is a bit ironic. Even though standing desks may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, they could also increase it. Let us explain 🤓. Standing is good; prolonged standing is not. The key thing is dynamic movement. It was found that static standing may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as blood pooling and arterial stiffness. [ScienceAlert].
- Impacts on Productivity 😣– What? Didn’t we establish that it could help you ‘lock in’? Well, yes, but no. Standing for long periods can lead to strain, and without any movement, it can also lead to distractions.
Comparison between Sitting Vs. Standing Desks
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Standing Desk
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Recommended Solution: Balance & Movement
So what’s the verdict? Drum roll, please 🥁. It depends on your workspace preference. You can choose whatever you want, knowing that a sitting vs. standing desk has its own benefits and drawbacks. Though we could help give the standing desk an edge with these recommended solutions:
- Alternating positions 🔁 – Throughout the day, keep your body active by sitting and moving with your standing desk.
- Ergonomic Guidelines 📑- Try some ergonomic practices that could help in the long term. For example, sitting for 20 minutes, standing for 8 minutes, and then moving/stretching for 2 minutes, and repeating for the day.
- Active Workstations 🏃♂️ – Add some active tech for the workspace, such as treadmills or bike desks. This can improve cognition while you work.
Ikea Mittzon Sit/Stand Desk
An electric height-adjusted desk with a sleek and modern design. Created with a sturdy frame that gives a spacious surface for your monitors, desk accessories, and workspace productivity tools.
Pros ✅
- Smooth electric height adjustment
- Clean, modern Scandinavian design
- Spacious desktop for multiple monitors
- Quiet motor, minimal distractions
- Improves posture & energy during work
Cons ❌
- Higher price compared to budget options
- Requires assembly (can take time)
- Limited color/size options
- Bulkier than standard desks
Bonus Tips for Desk Setups
- Position your monitor at eye level and one arm’s length away to reduce neck pain and eye strain.
- Keep your keyboard and mouse at elbow level for neutral wrist posture. The last thing you want is Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Maintain a clean workspace to reduce fatigue and improve workflow.
- Incorporate ergonomic accessories: anti-fatigue mats, adjustable chairs, wrist rests, and balance boards