Discussion

Why are electronically height-adjustable desking systems not universally adopted here in the UK, when the benefits are so obvious?

Compared to Europe and the States, UK perceptions on the values of height-adjustable desking seem more than a little under-valued. The fact is, companies are duty-bound, by law, to provide some kind of provision for adjustable office furniture for employees.

This is especially relevant to working environments where more than one individual is expected to share the same desk-space or workstation, often throughout the working day. Throughout Europe, long term well-being benefits of variable desk-height adjustment in these scenarios have proven to be significant.

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So what are the issues in the UK?

Simple. Inadequate regulatory guidelines. What we have is rather 'relaxed' in the form of; The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992, which states in a single line of text; provide adjustable furniture (desks, chair, etc).

This is at best vague, but is also wide open to free interpretation - often leading to the investment of inadequate desking, designed to be adjusted 'one time' to a fixed height on installation. Making regular adjustments after installation, with the weight of computer systems placed on top of them, is not entirely practical. Needless to say, they're largely inefficient for this purpose.

A price to be paid?

The other major consideration is of course price. Many electronically height-adjustable desks are, on the face of it, more expensive than most good quality static desks - even though they can prove to be a much more convenient, time-saving option for multiple employee use, where regular adjustability would really benefit.

The pressure on companies in the future will depend very much on the increasing threat of compensatory claims made by employees who have sustained a permanent, or semi-permanent RSI infliction, as a result of inadequate desking provisions.

What needs to change?

In truth, the average company cannot be blamed for their understandable reluctance to invest in electronically height-adjustable furniture, when UK legislative guidelines are so vague in their definition of requirements. It's also a challenge for contract furniture suppliers and specifiers who fly the flag for improved ergonomics, to sell these systems as a result. We certainly need more clearly defined guidelines regarding the issue as a whole.

In the meantime, as key influencers to market, it is our responsibility as contract suppliers and specifiers to promote the benefits to the end-user regardless - selling them on the savings they will make for long-term increased productivity and well-being for employees.