According to data from Google Trends, UK Google searches for the term ‘standing desks’ have increased by 34% in the months following the pandemic, compared to the same time period the year before.*

The research was undertaken by HADO, a company specialising in height adjustable desks, who have also revealed that during the same timeframe, searches for local chiropractors increased by 78%.

Searches for neck ache increased by 7%, neck and shoulder pain both increased by 5%, with a 1% uptick in back pain searches.  

When the pandemic first hit, and a full lockdown was enforced, many companies adapted well to remote working, investing in devices and equipment to allow their teams to work efficiently from home, however many employees were using these new devices propped up at kitchen tables, stooped over coffee tables, or worse, hunched over a laptop on their sofas. Inevitably, this has led to an increase in musculoskeletal problems.

It was already becoming widely believed, by organisations like the NHS, that sitting down for too long, is detrimental to our health, which has led to standing desks becoming more popular.

Rick Milford, owner and founder of HADO, explains the benefits of sit-stand desks:

“Our bodies simply aren’t designed to spend such large periods of time sitting down, and as we’ve seen over the past year or so, it can impact our health and wellbeing in a serious way. From musculoskeletal issues, to diabetes, cancer or even heart conditions, it’s important we improve our postures and increase our activity to prevent this from becoming another health pandemic. One area that’s particularly impacted by sitting in one position, is our backs, which can become injured from herniated discs, muscle degeneration and neck strain.

“Switching between standing and sitting in the workplace can reduce the amount of physical stress we place on our bodies. Several studies show that even just standing occasionally can have positive health impacts. In fact, using a sit-stand desk can even reduce upper back and neck pain by over 50% within just a month.

“At a time when employers are struggling to entice staff back into the office, paying attention to your setup can be a good place to start. If you can offer your team a more comfortable environment, they may be more confident in returning full-time, plus it shows you’re invested in their wellbeing.”