1. NSTec Ergonomic Program Sit to Stand Workstation Survey
Increased Productivity, Energy,
and Cognitive Ability
David Pechulis, C.O.E.
Ergonomist

2. Sit to Stand Workstation Survey Abstract
This review examines NSTec Ergonomic Program survey responses of sit to stand workstation users. A total of 19 questions were developed and administered to current sit to stand workstation users. The survey had a goal to quantify the following:
Quantify increased or decreased comfort levels experienced by sit to stand workstations.
Quantify increased or decreased energy levels of sit to stand workstation users.
Quantify increased or decreased afternoon fatigue among sit to stand workstation users.
Quantify how often used and duration of use of sit to stand workstations.
Quantify individual positive, neutral or negative feelings of sit to stand workstation among users.
Quantify expenditures related to employee relocation(s) of sitting workstation versus desktop sit to stand workstations.
Validate ergonomic process of sit to stand workstation recommendations.

3. Survey Measurements (Non-scientific)
No scientific research was conducted on any individual or group survey respondents. Cognitive functions were not measured electronically.
Energy, cognitive ability, productivity and comfort are examples of perceived increase or decrease in ones personal ability, feelings or health within the confines of this survey (Non-scientific).
Sit to stand workstation survey respondents included diverse job functions and roles from administrative, scientific to executive management.
Survey was conducted by from October 31 through November 3, 2016, by the NSTec Ergonomic Program.
Survey questions were in a multiple choice format. There were no self-identify survey questions.
64 respondents from a survey group of 88 users.
NSTec employee average age is 52.

4. Survey Results: Types of Sit/Stand Workstation Used
Portable sit to stand workstations
Electric height adjustable workstations
Fixed height workstations

5. Survey Results: How Often Do You Use It?
Better Collaboration and Communication
A new study found that compared with sitting, groups who held meetings standing up were more excited and less territorial about ideas, both of which lead to better elaboration of information, indirectly benefitting group performance.
The study researchers from Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., reported their findings in the Social Psychological and Personality Science journal.

6. Survey Results: Length of Use
73%
Length of Use Greater Than
6 Months

7. Survey Results: Standing Minutes Per Hour
Proper stretching techniques, standing techniques, attire, office use and configuration … - FRM-2537, Informed Consent for a Standing Workstation
FRM-1733, Ergonomic Evaluation required
FRM-2537, Informed Consent for a Standing Workstation required

8. Survey Results: Posture and Ergonomics
95% report better posture/ergonomics.

9. Survey Results: Increased Workstation Comfort
The impact of sit-stand office workstations on worker discomfort and productivity: a review
Six of these external studies indicated implementing sit-stand workstations in an office environment led to lower levels of reported subjective discomfort (three of which were statistically significant). Therefore, this review concluded that sit-stand workstations are likely effective in reducing perceived discomfort.
Karakolis, T., & Callaghan, J. (2013). The impact of sit-stand office workstations on worker discomfort and productivity: A review. Applied ergonomics., 45(3), 799–806. Retrieved from
The Take-a-Stand Project was able to show that improvements in health factors such as back health indicators and mood states are directly related to reductions in sitting time of workers engaged in sedentary job tasks.
Pronk NP, Katz AS, Lowry M, Payfer JR. Reducing Occupational Sitting Time and Improving Worker Health: The Take-a-Stand Project, Prev Chronic Dis 2012;9: DOI:

10. Survey Results: More Energy
Standing Desks
An increased ability to focus might be another positive side effect of the increased energy levels that standing desks provide.

11. Survey Results: Increased/Helps Cognitive Ability
77% perceive increased cognitive ability.

12. Survey Results: Increased Productivity
84% perceive increased productivity.

13. Survey Results: Afternoon Fatigue
76% of current sit to stand workstation users reported afternoon fatigue in their previous sitting workstation environment.

14. Survey Results: Less Fatigue
73% of sit to stand workstation users report less fatigue in the afternoon.

15. Survey Results: Overall Feelings
92% Feel their standing workstation is positive.

16. Survey Results: FRM-2537 Requirement Informative?
* Respondents where FRM-2537 was required.

17. NSTec Sit to Stand Workstation Survey Results
Reducing Occupational Sitting Time and Improving Worker Health:
NSTec Survey Results
89% felt more comfortable
72% felt energized
77% felt more focused
84% felt more productive

18. Cost Analysis: Sitting Versus Desktop Sit/Stand
In addition to employee health, cognitive ability, productivity and energy additional costs savings may be realized through desktop sit to stand workstations.
Sitting Workstation
Desktop Sit to Stand Workstation
Raise or lower workstation to accommodate user (*)
Footrest ($59.36)
Monitor stand(s) ($15.31)
Keyboard tray ($255.16)
TaskMate or similar ($519.00)
Anti-fatigue mat ($124.80)
Phone stand ($13.19)
Footrest ($59.36)
The TaskMate system (or similar) is clamped to the work surface enabling timely moving if employee is relocated. Keyboard tray and monitor stands are not required. *Two laborers for two labor hours was used to quantify costs associated with raising/lowering a workstation. Cost difference increase of $ – $ (depending on office configuration and job task needs) per workstation between sitting workstation and desktop height adjustable workstation. For a sitting workstation, if an employee is relocated and should require the raising or lowering of workstation for proper ergonomics the cost benefit of a sitting workstation may be lost.
*Aging ergonomic equipment can also be a factor necessitating ergonomic equipment replacement.

19. Sit to Stand Workstation Requirements
Ergonomic evaluation – FRM-1733.
Informed Consent for a Standing Workstation – FRM-2537.
Consultation with ergonomist.
Correct ergonomic sit to stand equipment.
Proper footwear with good arch support.
Non-restrictive clothing.
Correct standing posture. Frequently changing standing posture to avoid static posture such as use of a footrest.
Rotation between sitting and standing.
Job/task rotation to avoid bending such as retrieving documents from a file drawer or to view large documents on non-height adjustable work surface.
Job function that is conducive to a sit to stand environment.
Ergonomic follow-up evaluation.

20. Conclusion of Sit to Stand Workstation Survey
The survey conducted by NSTec Ergonomic Program supports studies, research and reviews that have shown:
Increased perceived comfort
Increased/helped of perceived cognitive ability
Increased perceived energy
Increased perceived productivity
Positive overall feelings about sit to stand workstations
Additional benefits include:
Individual perceives health benefits when used appropriately.
Increased communication and collaboration.
Sit to stand desktop workstations may decrease expenditures and equate to a net gain if employee relocates within same division.
Current ergonomic evaluation and informative based process of FRM-2537 for sit to stand workstations has been effective in identifying and educating employees prior to the recommendation of a sit to stand workstation by the NSTec Ergonomics Program.

21. Thank You