You’ve seen me discuss ergonomics as it relates to dispatch furniture sit-to-stand design, however there are other things that people often miss when evaluating dispatch furniture.

First, let’s just agree that dispatch furniture with an adjustable work surface is preferable to a fixed work surface whether it be an adjustable flat desktop, or split desktop with separately operating keyboard and monitor surfaces. The ability to work long periods of time with efficiency and accuracy are primary benefits. That said, let’s back up and consider the obvious. Sitting for long periods of time stresses the neck, back, and legs, which results in a variety of ailments that show up on the time card. These ailments often mean employee overtime, or at least forces the staff to cover for each other during absences. The continuous stress from being understaffed results in job dissatisfaction and employee turnover. Certainly dispatch furniture with power assisted work surfaces cost more initially, but pay off in the long term.

The good news is that adjustable dispatch furniture is now gaining popularity in smaller operations where the operators are not tethered to their workstations. These operators can sit or stand and move about in the room without the continuous pressure of dealing with emergencies moment by moment. The ability to adjust the work surface at-will means less foot swelling, less weight gain, and less spinal shrinkage. There have been plenty of studies on this topic with a focus on overall health that include blood circulation, skeletal discomfort, mental acuity and not surprisingly…..increased life span. As someone who has an adjustable work surface in his office, the ability to sit and stand makes me more energetic and less tired at the end of the day. Just getting up and down was a real pain and I didn’t know that I could simply improve matters by buying an adjustable workstation.

So, go ahead. Push the button. Adjustable dispatch furniture is definitely the way to go.