Alternating between standing and sitting while working: what is the real impact?
Introduction
Alternating between standing and sitting while working is becoming increasingly popular. But what are the actual effects of alternating between sitting and standing while working? Does it only contribute to health or to other factors too? This impact has been researched by means of several studies amongst call center employees.
Process optimization and challenging targets
Process optimization and challenging targets improve the performance of call center employees. However, pressure on call center employees is increasing due to budget cuts. How can we get more out of call center employees in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable?
The standard approach in call centers is strict measurement of the number of completed calls per hour and customer satisfaction with the service provided. Departments are given challenging targets to remain within budget while maintaining established quality. Optimization of IT systems and processes improves efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Further performance gains are possible by improving concentration and creativity, offering ways to deal with emotions more easily, and improving the morale at work overall.
Improving concentration and creativity
It is possible to improve concentration and creativity by slotting in recovery breaks during work, as well as by moving during work (Oppezzo & Schwarz, 2014; Chang et al., 2014). However, it is generally not possible for call center employees to leave their workstations.
One alternative for moving more during telephone conversations is the use of a stand-sit desk. The advantage is that people literally activate themselves by standing. As a result, employees remain more focused and can work faster (Ebara et al., 2008; Choi, 2010).
In addition, people speak differently when they stand. Call center workers can move their entire bodies in a standing position and deal with emotions better as a result (Cakir, 2016).
Work morale and productivity
Commitment to work is an important predictor of performance at work. Recent research shows that morale is lower at workplaces where employees sit for long periods (Munir et al., 2015). Is it possible to improve the performance of call center workers by allowing them to alternate between standing and sitting during work?
A number of recent studies do indeed confirm the positive effects of alternating between sitting and standing amongst call center workers. Josephine Chau of the University of Sydney found that the introduction of sit-stand desks leads to 38% more employees having a higher level of energy throughout the whole working day.
Gregory Garrett and colleagues at the University of Texas provided a group of call center workers with sit-stand desks. After 1 month, they were 23% more productive than their seated colleagues and that variance rose to 53% in the 5 subsequent months (see Figure 2). In this case, productivity was measured by the number of successfully completed calls per hour.
Effects of alternating between standing and sitting while working
In addition to the positive effects of sit-stand desks on performance, they also contribute to pleasant working conditions and to protecting health. Use of a sit-stand desk reduces the time spent sitting and therefore lowers the risk of musculoskeletal problems, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
However, the challenge is to get employees to use the stand-sit desks optimally and to guarantee maximum returns in respect of performance and health. Easily accessible software reminders can ensure sit-stand desks are used properly (Donath et al.).
Conclusion
Stimulating more movement in call centers offers the potential to improve the performance and working conditions of call center workers in a sustainable way. Sit-stand desks can offer a practical solution for increased movement in call centers in particular.