Why standing makes meetings more productive

17 Mar 2020
standing meeting ideas

standing meeting ideasThe negative effects of sitting down for long periods has become common knowledge in offices over recent years. To combat these issues, ergonomic standing desk options have hit the market with force and people are taking a new approach by standing for at least part of their working day.

 

Introducing the standing meeting

Standing meetings are not an entirely new concept with agile development teams favouring a daily stand-up meeting to keep things short and on point and some businesspeople choosing to have walking meetings just to fit them into a busy schedule.

As they have become more popular over time new benefits of holding standing meetings have come to light. Studies show that standing meetings are not only shorter than those sat down but are also more constructive. Research suggests that this is driven by increased energy levels and sparked creative thinking when standing – not to mention the benefits for employees’ posture. Traditionally, meetings have always been sat around a standard desk-height meeting table. However, those within the office furniture industry, us included, have seen a huge increase in the popularity of high meeting tables, those used whilst sitting on stools or even standing. It seems that businesses are starting to realise the benefits associated with standing meetings. Sit-stand meeting tables have also risen in popularity as they can be raised for shorter standing meetings or set to a seated height for longer gatherings.

 

Benefits of standing meetings

Increased productivity

Standing meetings have been shown to be 33% shorter than sitting meetings, and usually take no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.

Fewer distractions

There is no chance during a standing meeting for staff members to take a quick peek at their mobile, tablet or laptop to check for emails and messages. With fewer opportunities for distractions, staff are more engaged.

Health benefits

A standing meeting can burn up to 50% more calories than a sitting meeting. Compared to sitting in a chair, standing allows for improved blood circulation, oxygen flow, better posture and muscle engagement – all of which can keep you more alert and lead to better creative thinking. Just by using meeting time to stand, this can provide the right healthy balance between standing up and sitting down during a day. It is important to consider how long the meeting may run however as you may want to sit for at least a portion of lengthier meetings.

 

Tips for a standing meeting

  • Decide on the subjects for the meeting and let your colleagues know in advance. You should be having a meeting just for the sake of it. If it’s not necessary, cancel it.
  • Before the meeting, let the participants that you will be standing and list the reasons and benefits of why you are doing so. That way, no-one is surprised during the first session.
  • Keep the meeting short, ideally no longer than 15-20 minutes.
  • Pick a space for the meeting where chairs can be pushed to the side. However, do provide chairs for people that wish to use them.
  • Give everyone a chance to talk. Everyone needs to share their information as concisely as possible – there’s not enough time to have one person just talk at everyone.
  • Set up an easel and flipchart if necessary.
  • Ask someone to take notes to be distributed via mail after the meeting if required.

 

Furniture ideas for standing meetings

If you like the idea of a standing meeting with the convenience of a table to take notes and use laptops for presentations it’s well worth considering a sit-stand meeting table or a high meeting table.

With a top height of 1050mm, high meeting tables are perfect for creating a relaxed vibe in your meeting space. The table is flexible in that it can be used by either sitting on high stools or standing. And so, the table becomes multi-purpose – able to be used for standing meetings and for employees to relaxing over coffee.

 

If you’re becoming tired of unproductive meetings, maybe it is time to make a change – starting with re-thinking your meeting spaces.

Lismark Office Products Limited,
Unit D, Magna Road,
South Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 4ZH

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