Should your business invest in height-adjustable desks? Here’s what you need to know

They’re popping up in workplaces everywhere, and chances are you’ve seen them online or in person. But are height-adjustable desks really as beneficial as people say – or just a fad we’ll all forget about in a few years?

At Millar West, we’ve seen plenty of furniture trends come and go over the past 30 years. In this article, we’ll give you our honest take on sit-stand desks. What the research says, who they benefit, and how to choose the right one for your workspace.

1. What are height-adjustable desks?

Height-adjustable desks (also called sit-stand desks) allow users to switch between sitting and standing during the workday.

Most use electric motors to raise or lower at the push of a button – some are manual crank-based. Either way, the goal is simple: to help people move more and sit less at work.

2. Why businesses are paying attention

UK businesses face a range of challenges today, and chances are, you’ve felt them firsthand.

One of the biggest is employee absenteeism. In 2023 alone, over 8 million sick days were taken due to back-related issues. With 3 in 10 workers reporting regular back pain, it’s clear that workplace health is becoming a serious concern.

That’s why more companies are exploring ways to improve employee wellbeing. It’s now becoming essential for reducing time off, boosting productivity and staying competitive in today’s tougher markets.

Height-adjustable desks have emerged as a simple, effective part of that solution. And it’s not just blind hope – there’s solid evidence they can make a real difference.

3. What the research says 

In recent years, several scientific studies have explored the real-world impact of height-adjustable desks. One of the most reliable came in 2018 – a year-long study in a working office environment.

Here’s what they found when comparing height-adjustable desks to traditional desks:

• 47% of users reported reduced upper back, shoulder, and neck discomfort

• 65% saw better energy levels and improved health outside of work

• 65% also reported increased productivity and sharper focus

Other key findings:

• A 2021 Japanese study found a significant reduction in neck and shoulder pain

• A 2022 University of Leicester study reported reduced workplace stress and body pain

These weren’t just small, casual surveys – they were peer-reviewed and methodologically sound. In short, the benefits of sit-stand desks are real.

4. Why sitting all day is a problem

Sitting for long stretches can take a toll on your body and mind. Here’s a quick snapshot of what the research shows:

• The average office worker sits 6.5 to 8 hours per day, not counting evenings.

• Prolonged sitting is linked to metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, blood sugar, and belly fat).

• Sitting 8+ hours/day raises the risk of early death by 22%, especially in inactive adults.

• It’s also tied to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and workplace stress.

• Physically, it weakens muscles, shortens hip flexors, and compresses spinal discs, leading to long-term back pain and higher absenteeism.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” While a bit dramatic, it reflects a serious health issue.

5. Could height-adjustable desks help you and your team?

If you or your colleagues spend most of the day sitting at a computer, a height-adjustable desk could make a big difference.

We’d recommend them if:

• Your team sits 6+ hours per day

• Staff report recurring aches or low energy

• You’re looking to improve productivity or reduce sick days

• You want to modernise your office setup

6. What to consider before you buy one

The good news is that height-adjustable desks aren’t that expensive anymore.

With the global sit-stand desk market expected to grow to over £10 billion by 2032, manufacturers are constantly competing on price.

Here’s a quick guide if you’re looking to invest in height-adjustable desks:

• Measure your space just like you would for a traditional desk.

• Check the weight limit – 100kg is a good benchmark for dual monitors and heavier setups.

• Check the height range – not all desks go as high or as low as you might need. The correct height for standing is generally elbow-level.

• Manual or electric? Manual desks are cheaper, but can be awkward to adjust. Electric desks change height in seconds.

• Single vs Dual Motor: Dual motor frames last longer, are less likely to break, and the price difference is small.

• Control panel settings: If your staff will share a desk, get one with memory settings so they can quickly adjust the desk to their preferred height.

7. Want to try one out first?

If you’d like to see what an electric height-adjustable desk is really like to use, we offer a free trial.

At Millar West, we’ve helped everyone from small startups to NHS departments find the right sit-stand solution without blowing the budget.

We can deliver and install a desk for you to try in your own space, with a range of sizes, finishes, and styles available.

Whether you’re upgrading a home office or furnishing an entire workspace, we’ll help you find the right fit. Get in touch today to arrange your free trial.