How to get the most out of your ergonomic workstation through alternate working

An ergonomic workplace is the basis of a healthy and productive working environment in the office. But working in the same position for long periods of time, even in an ergonomic environment, can still lead to physical complaints. The key to a truly healthy working day lies in the way you use your workplace. This is where alternate working comes in.

What is alternate working?

Alternate working is a method of working where you stand up from your desk chair every half hour. It involves changing positions regularly throughout the working day. Instead of working while sitting down for hours at a time, choose moments to stand, move, and stay active. Think about it: when was the last time you changed your working posture?

The ergonomic advantages of alternate working

Alternate working brings a number of important benefits for the well-being of you and your team:

1. Better physical health: Working in one position for long periods of time can lead to physical complaints. By alternating between sitting, standing, and moving, you stimulate circulation and prevent muscle stiffness. Regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of back and neck pain.
   
   
2. Increased productivity and focus: Changing your posture will keep you sharper and prevent fatigue. Working while standing up increases your alertness and can give you an energy boost, especially during meetings or brainstorming sessions.
   
   
3. Increased mental resilience: Pausing repetitive tasks with a change of work position will keep you mentally fresh. Alternating between sitting and standing gives your brain the breaks it needs, leading to greater concentration and creativity.

For example, get up before reading the rest of the blog and notice the difference.

Practical tips for alternate working

Easily make alternate working part of your daily routine. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Use your sit-stand desk to its full potential: Alternate regularly between sitting and standing, depending on the task at hand. Using a sit-stand desk is the perfect way to work more dynamically.
   
   
2. Schedule your alternating positions: Set a reminder every hour to change your posture. Stand up, do some stretches, or walk a bit to stimulate your circulation.

Do you have a Pami sit-stand desk? Check if you have Bluetooth connectivity through your control panel. Download the LINAK app to set your personal challenges, and receive notifications on your smartphone to remind you!

3. Take active breaks: Whether it’s a walk around the office or a few stretching exercises. Incorporating movement into your working day prevents you from getting stuck in a static posture.

4. Make use of different working zones: Move to an informal workstation or standing table for another activity or consultation. This not only promotes variety, but can also stimulate new ideas.

5. Create active habits: Walking calls or standing meetings? Make it a habit. This stimulates circulation and creates a dynamic atmosphere during conversations.

Alternate working provides much-needed variety and exercise, keeping your body from getting overloaded, and keeping you productive and energetic. At Pami, we create office concepts that bring together ergonomics and flexibility so that alternate working becomes natural. Because you really can encourage people to move more with the right office design.

Want to know more about how we can optimise your office? Contact us and discover the possibilities.