Last updated: September 18th, 2023
Asking your boss to pay for a top-notch standing desk at work is not as difficult as it may seem. There’s always a chance that they’ll say no, but if you present a level-headed argument that clearly demonstrates how the decision to provide standing desks will benefit the business, you have very little to lose.
Let me reiterate this critical point.
You need to pitch the idea in a way that sells standing desks as a business benefit, not as a benefit to you. This, in turn, will help your boss sell the idea to the person they’re reporting to, and so on.
(Related: Can You Stand For Too Long At Your Standing Desk?)
In broad terms, business leaders care about four things:
- Increasing growth
- Reducing costs
- Reducing employee turnover
- Improving company culture
Your job is to ask your boss for a standing desk in a way that hits all of those commercial chords.
Let me help you out.
Shown in photo: standing desks are adding flexibility to Australian workplaces. Bring several desks together for a team huddle, then roll them apart for individual work.
5 Business Benefits Of Standing Desks.
Research by BeUpstanding, an Australian initiative dedicated to promoting mobility at work, has shown that standing desks benefit the business in at least the following 5 ways:
1. Reduce Absenteeism.
Standing at work reduces the risk of employees developing chronic conditions that lead to employees taking more sick days per year.
2. Attract & Retain Talent.
Investment in workplace programs that support worker productivity and well-being elevates the employer brand. This, in turn, helps HR attract and retain top talent.
Let’s also not forget that everybody wants to work in a modern office with nice desks and funky ergonomic chairs.
3. Improve Productivity.
When employees move more throughout the day, they experience better mental clarity, focus and creativity due to increased blood flow.
Important!
Ergonomic office setups that include a standing desk and an ergonomic chair can alleviate lower back problems.
4. Improve Team Culture.
When employers visibly invest in workers’ well-being, organisational culture improves. This, in turn, leads to higher employee morale and more willingness to go above and beyond for the business.
5. Standing Desks Are A Low-Cost Investment.
Office fit-outs are not cheap, but when compared with traditional desks, standing desks are not significantly more expensive. When purchased in bulk, they can cost less than $400 per unit.
(Related: UpDown Desk Review: My Opinion After 3 Months).
When Is The Right Time To Request A Standing Desk?
Timing is everything, as they say. I recommend that you make your move 2 months before the end of the financial year.
By asking for standing desks during this period you’re banking on the possibility of there being a surplus budget that hasn’t yet been spent.
(Related Article: Create A Stylish Home Office On A Shoestring).
Budget allocations typically happen at the start of the financial year. Business leaders are usually very conscious that not spending the full amount in one year can lead to a budget reduction in the following year.
Expert Tip.
If you get told that no funds are available for EOFY, propose a counter-offer: why don’t we revisit the idea of installing standing desks in 2 months, once the new financial year begins and the new budget is allocated?
How To Request A Standing Desk For Your Home Office.
Hybrid work is here to stay, and your employer probably realises that forcing you to set up your home office in your kitchen is not the best long-term strategy.
First, check whether your employer already offers a remote work stipend, a reimbursement or another perk covering the cost of a standing desk.
These types of benefits became quite common after the pandemic.
If your employer isn’t yet on board with the idea, table a face-to-face meeting with your boss and use it to outline the 5 arguments above.
– Steven
