Belgian adults spend an average of 8.3 hours per day sitting, a concerning statistic for workplace health. Despite the availability of height-adjustable desks designed to encourage standing, usage remains surprisingly low.
- Adults in Belgium sit 8.3 hours daily
- Adjustable desks used only 1.82% worktime
- Raising desks increases standing to 18.80%
- Explaining benefits boosts standing behavior
- Standard desk height limits behavior change
- Prolonged standing risks blood clots, move more
On 2025-07-04 12:41:00, new research from UGent revealed that employees only stand for 1.82% of their working time when using these desks. What barriers prevent Belgians from taking full advantage of this simple health tool?
Understanding the reasons behind this reluctance and exploring effective strategies can help improve workplace habits. So, how can Belgian employers encourage more standing during the workday?
Why do many Belgian workers avoid standing despite knowing its benefits? Research shows that habit and social discomfort play significant roles. Key findings include:
- Desks preset to standing height without explanation raised standing time to 4.93%.
- Providing a simple explanation boosted standing to 11.25%.
- Adding an information session on movement importance increased standing time to 18.80%.
- Knowledge alone isn’t enough; making standing socially acceptable and easy is crucial.
Belgian companies should consider adopting policies that encourage employees to leave desks in standing mode at day’s end and provide ongoing education about workplace movement. Could this simple shift transform office health nationwide?
