Would you like to come and explain this to my employer? I work for a sub of a large company in the Pacific Northwest and I am MISERABLE all day because I cannot get my hands on a standing work station. I know I'm in a desk job, but I just hate sitting all day. This company does supply all of it's employees and vendors with desks, etc.....unfortunately, when you're a vendor, you're last on the totem pole to get what you want. And by the time it's your turn, all the good stuff is gone.

“Any other standing desk users in the crowd? Has your standing desk increased your energy or productivity at work? Have you noticed any other benefits?”
Thanks for asking! I stand at the kitchen counter and use my laptop.
I developed bone on bone left hip because I stopped moving and sat in front of my computer on my comfy chair. I’d gotten sick – cold or something- have lung diseases COPD and Sarcoidosis and had no idea that I’d lose muscle enough to cause excruciating pain every time I moved my left hip…beginning about four years ago. I am not a candidate for hip replacement surgery and currently doing water exercise with a swim coach to build up the muscling again. It’s working.
My hometown newspaper, Kitsap Sun lets me write a reader blog, COPD and Other Stuff and one of the things I talk about is the bone on bone hip dilemma – that might never happened had I kept moving.
Currently my RLS keeps me standing most of the time – at the kitchen counter with my laptop. My daughter uses a standing desk but didn’t think of getting one for myself – until now.
Smart employers will supply the standing desks or likely face huge unnecessary medical costs for their employees one day in the future.
People – keep moving. Employers – get smarter, and get standing desks to keep your people healthier.
Contact the bone clinic at the University of Washington Medical Center – ask the doctors who see and operate on underused bones and subsequent damage what they think about standing desk v sitting.
Best wishes – super article! Sharon O’Hara

Heidi, we probably work for the same company. Yes, V-endors must either raid abandoned empty offices for the good stuff or hope the floor admin ever gets around to ordering what we need.

I had a standing desk at my old company and it helped me lose 80lbs! But I was an FTE at that company so I got the desk within 1 week of asking for it.

What's the name brand of the adjustable desk you bought, Markus?

Julie, in case it helps, I bought a Geek Desk (http://www.geekdesk.com). Here's another brand of adjustable desk a fellow freelancer recommended to me: http://www.heightadjustabl​eworktable.com/. Neither is cheap.

Thanks for a much needed article. This really needs attention for many peoples sake. I would love an adjustable desk! I've mostly had very athletic jobs until after I had an illness and was bed-ridden for some years. When I went back to work, half my time was spent sitting at a desk. I had swollen legs and eventually my spine/neck were so painful I had to quit. Lots of chiropractic, and yes, I use a standing desk now. Still need to move round lots, take breaks, and change position, however, focus and energy much improved. Doctors have told me standing and laying down are are simply healthier than sitting for everyone. I don't have an adjustable desk, but I use an art stool so I can adjust my standing to seating position and maintain decent posture. If you do have to sit at a regular desk, a large exercise ball is an alternative chair (as recommended by a D.O.) and we use them at home instead of regular chairs. Kinda fun too.

No doubt that adjustable height desks make a huge difference. There's a company in Portland (www.ergodepot.com) that has designed and sells their own. The desks are electric and the price is $599.00.

K Higgins

I have stood at my work desk for years. I strongly echo all of the advantages noted above, including the paradox that somehow burning more calories standing leaves me less tired.
Consider buying a balance (or "wobble") board, to use while at your standing desk. Just standing at the desk can lead to a static posture that leads to low back fatigue and sore legs/ankles. A few minutes on the board every hour loosens up posture and stimulates the mind. I like the Fitter Classic 16in Wobble Board, but there are several brands and models.