Office with Standing Desks: Find Workspace That Supports How You Work

Office with standing desks lets your team choose how they work—sitting, standing, or switching throughout the day. No more being locked into the same position for eight hours.

Research links prolonged sitting to health problems. But beyond the science, it's simple: people who can move feel better and work better.

Why Standing Desks Matter

The average office worker sits for 10+ hours a day. Commute. Desk. Meetings. Desk again. It adds up.

Standing desks don't mean standing all day. They mean choice. Sit when you want. Stand when you need a change. Move between the two as your body and focus require.

Teams with access to standing desks report:

• Less back and neck pain
• Better energy levels in the afternoon
• Improved focus during long tasks
• Fewer complaints about the office setup

For companies competing for talent, ergonomic options signal that you care about wellbeing. It's a small thing that makes a noticeable difference.

What to Look For

Not all standing desk setups are equal:

Sit-stand desks (adjustable)

The best option. Electric or manual adjustment lets each person find their ideal height and switch throughout the day. Look for desks that adjust smoothly and remember height settings.

Fixed standing desks

Standing only. Less flexible—you can't sit when you need to. Usually found as additional stations rather than primary workspaces.

Standing desk converters

Platforms that sit on top of regular desks. A cheaper solution but takes up desk space and feels less integrated. Common in offices that retrofitted standing options.

Monitor arms

Often paired with sit-stand desks. Allow screen height adjustment independent of desk height. Important for proper ergonomics at both sitting and standing positions.

How Common Are Standing Desks in London & Manchester Offices?

More common than five years ago, but far from standard.

Where you'll find them:

• Modern serviced offices (often as an option or upgrade)
• Tech-focused coworking spaces
• Newer managed office buildings
• Companies that have specifically invested in ergonomics

Where you probably won't:

• Traditional leased offices with legacy furniture
• Budget serviced offices
• Older coworking spaces
• Most conventional office buildings

If standing desks matter to your team, you'll need to ask specifically. Don't assume they're included—and don't assume they're not available.

Serviced Offices with Standing Desks

Some serviced offices include sit-stand desks as standard. Others offer them as upgrades. Many don't have them at all.

Questions to ask:

• Are standing desks included or an additional cost?
• Are they proper sit-stand desks or just converters?
• Can every desk be a standing desk, or just some?
• What's the upgrade cost if they're not standard?

Upgrade costs vary. Some providers charge £30-50 per desk per month. Others include them free for longer commitments. A few have already made them standard across all desks.

Learn more about serviced offices

Bringing Your Own vs Using What's There

If the office doesn't have standing desks, you have options:

Use the existing setup

Accept what's there. Fine if standing desks are a nice-to-have rather than essential.

Request an upgrade

Many serviced and managed offices will swap furniture for a price. Ask what's possible before assuming the answer is no.

Bring your own

In some offices, you can supply your own desks. More common in managed offices and traditional leases. Check what's allowed—some serviced offices won't permit tenant furniture.

Desk converters

The compromise option. You can often add converters to existing desks without landlord approval. Less elegant, but functional.

For a traditional lease, you're buying your own furniture anyway. Budget £400-800 per quality sit-stand desk, more for premium brands.

Compare office types: Serviced vs Managed vs Lease

Beyond Standing Desks: The Full Ergonomic Picture

Standing desks help. But they're part of a bigger picture:

• Quality chairs matter for the hours you do sit
• Monitor positioning affects neck strain regardless of desk type
• Lighting impacts eye strain and energy levels
• Breakout space gives people places to move and change posture
• On-site gym supports overall physical wellbeing

If you care about standing desks, you probably care about these too. Look at the full workspace, not just one feature.

Read more: Offices with Gym

Find Your Office with Standing Desks

We only represent tenants. Our service is 100% free.

Tell us what your team needs—including standing desks and other ergonomic requirements—and we'll find offices that actually deliver. We know which providers include them standard and which charge extra.

You only pay when you sign a lease on a space you want.

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