The End of Sitting: Reimagining Workspaces for Healthier Postures

A growing concern for health is the amount of time we spend sitting. As human beings, we’re designed to move. Our bodies respond well to a variety of postures and opportunities to change position throughout the day. However, much of our environment—schools, offices, cars, waiting rooms, and theatres—is designed with sitting in mind. The result? We end up sitting for long stretches, which can have negative effects on our health.

Reimagining the Office: Spaces That Encourage Movement

A Dutch architectural group (Rietveld, 2016) took a different approach to this issue. They questioned why spaces are so heavily designed for sitting and proposed designs that would encourage healthier behaviours. Their goal was to create environments that promote standing, shifting between different postures, and moving regularly—while also making these spaces slightly uncomfortable to discourage prolonged sitting.

One of their most notable creations was an office space with no traditional chairs or desks. Instead, they designed an art installation filled with various surfaces where people could stand, lie down, or sit while reading or working. The idea was to create a space that encouraged constant movement, allowing users to switch between postures frequently. This became known as the “End of Sitting” installation, seen in the image below.

A Study on Productivity and Posture Variation

Another group of researchers (Withagen & Caljouw, 2016) explored how different workspaces impacted productivity. They conducted a study where two groups were given 40 minutes to prepare a presentation—one group worked in a variable-space environment (like the “End of Sitting” installation) and the other in a standard office space. In both environments, the participants spent 60% of their time reading and 40% on computer work.

The results were telling:

• In the standard office space, people sat almost the entire time, moving very little.
• In the variable-space environment, participants spent:
  • 60% of their time standing
  • 20% leaning
  • 20% squatting or lying down

Not only did the participants in the variable space switch between multiple postures, but 83% of them worked in two or more postures during the study (44% in two postures, 17% in three, and 22% in four). Taller individuals tended to choose higher platforms, while shorter people preferred lower ones.

No Difference in Productivity, but Increased Wellbeing

Interestingly, the study found that there was no difference in productivity between the two groups. Both completed their presentations within the same timeframe, and neither group had issues with concentration. However, those working in the variable-space environment reported feeling more energized and that the space better supported their overall wellbeing. They also noted that while their legs felt more fatigued, the variety of postures seemed to boost their energy levels throughout the day.

Practical Tips for Embracing Movement in the Workplace

While the “End of Sitting” title may be a bit exaggerated, it’s clear that sitting for long periods is not ideal for our health. Many workplaces now offer standing desks and encourage movement breaks. Here are a few practical tips to reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting:

• Use a standing desk: If you have access to one, try to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. This can reduce the strain from sitting for long stretches.
• Take regular movement breaks: Get up, stretch, or walk around every hour. Short breaks throughout the day can reduce muscle stiffness and improve circulation.
• Try walking meetings: If possible, take your meetings on the go. Walking while talking can help keep your body active and prevent long periods of sitting.
• Fidget and shift postures: Consider your office as a place where it’s okay to move—whether it’s shifting your weight, standing for a few minutes, or adjusting your posture regularly.

While the traditional office environment isn’t likely to disappear overnight, there are plenty of ways to introduce more movement into your day. If you can, make use of standing desks, embrace a variety of postures, and encourage a culture of movement in your workplace. Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel and perform at work.