Research by Matt Rowan, B.S.
Updated August 14, 2021

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Ask
It rarely hurts you to ask your HR team for something that you think would benefit the company. Asking early on in your push for standing desks will help you build your case and understand how HR will evaluate the decision. It can also expose many details that can help you make a solid argument. Start the conversation with an open-ended question like “What does your team/department think about standing desks?” Chances are you’ll gain valuable insight into their state of mind on standing desks and learn what the key issues or roadblocks would be. In our experience it usually breaks down into three elements of decision making:
- Cost: This is a big issue for companies. Having even 50 commercial grade standing desks can eclipse nearly 100 grand depending on the quality of the desk, not to mention the costs for removing the old furniture. For some companies this is affordable and for some, it just isn’t. Hitting financial goals will likely come at a higher priority for many companies both big and small.
- Understanding the Benefits: Many HR teams simply are unaware of the benefits of standing desks. Having their employees stand rather than sit has been proven to increase productivity and lead to improved health. Some companies have even reported that it increases collaboration as well since it feels far less of an interruption to talk to someone when you are both standing, vs one person sitting and the other standing. The benefits here are great for the employee and can lead to real business benefits for the company as well as reduced healthcare costs.
- Company valuing their people: The mindset of HR and leadership can vary a lot from company to company and sometimes it can be hard to break a mindset issue. Has your company figured out that taking care of their employees both their financial health and physical health leads to better outcomes for the business? If they haven’t this may be tough to overcome, however, you may have bigger issues in your workplace.
Poll Your Co-Workers
Make a Business Case
Consider Timing
Learn About Other Investments
Ask Others to Speak up and be Persistent
Partner With Someone Influential
Suggest a Pilot
Suggest an Alternative
All in all, the key here is to make a solid argument that sells the business benefits of standing desks. Put yourself in the CEO’s or Head of HR’s shoes and build your case from their point of view. Once you have this, share with others, partner with like-minded people and be persistent.