Michelle Judd, Sr. Marketing Manager, Global Communications @ Ergotron

February’s Men’sHealth Magazine offers some sage advice from self-professed “notorious sloucher stuck in a sedentary routine and working long hours,” Clint Carter. In his Switch to a Stand-up Desk write-up, Clint, a health editor for the magazine, decided to test drive a WorkFit-S Sit-Stand workstation last fall.

His goal was altruistic: “Slump less and boost productivity.”

He offers some quick Rx to reach his goal but I was curious about his comment to “use stand-biased instead of a sit-stand desk; you’ll spend more time on your feet this way.” He goes on to suggest Ergotron’s WorkFit is stand-biased.

Searching “stand-biased” brings up some interesting articles about use of stand-biased desks in classrooms and of course, Clint’s article. Clint’s point was that a stand-biased desk is higher than normal desks.

Stand-biased is a good thing after all. It’s why we launched the Just Stand Wellness Uprising on Juststand.org.

But equally important as standing more, is adjustability. Does the workstation give you the option to easily and effortlessly sit or stand as your body demands throughout the day? That’s the real motivating factor.

The beauty of the WorkFit line of products (yes, I am evangelizing) is that they attach to any height desk, and still offer 20″ of height-adjustment on top of that. Fit for a really nice chunck of the short to tall global population.

We are stand-biased. Yes. But our units offer both. Not a ground-breaking distinction but an important one.

I was happy to see Clint, in my last communication, is “still standing.” His write-up gives some great tips for easing into a standing routine. Further proof that work can be part of your fitness goals? I think so.

By Denise Luther, Sr. Graphic Designer @ Ergotron

In honor of America Recycles Day today, Ergotron employees were asked to drop off shoes of all types, sizes and styles, in any condition, in the Ergotron lunchroom.

Shoes donated as part of the program are being collected by the Adult Training Habilitation Center in conjunction with Recycling Association of Minnesota, and will either be separated for reuse or recycled into new products.
 
I wasn’t sure what the response to this unusual request would be, but Ergotron employees stepped up to the challenge. Each morning the collection box was piled high with old cowboy boots, sneakers, well-loved slippers, and party shoes that have dropped off the guest list.
 
My teachable moment came when I was doing a bit of research for this blog and found a link to Nike’s ReUse A Shoe drive (on the EPA’s WasteWise site). I did not know that my local Nike store collects used sneakers and recycles them into sports flooring, equipment and clothing.

And guess what Nike? According to today’s Greenbiz post, “Puma is exploring how to make shoes, t-shirts and bags that are either compostable or recyclable.” Good to know.

Who knew shoes were so, well, multi-functional? Are there any other sites you have found? Share your resources with us!

Heather Rouillard, Global eMarketing Manager @ Ergotron

Every Wednesday at 1PM CST I have been moderating an #ergochat discussion on Twitter. Ergonomics experts come from all over the world to discuss a different topic each week, and to share their insight with others.

This week, there will also be a webinar going on at the same time, titled, “The Future of Ergonomics” Hosted by Omega Health Systems. The webinar will have a panel of experts providing real-world examples of how individuals and teams can advance Ergonomics in organizations today. Directly from the invite: Don’t miss this important event as we discuss the ROI of Ergonomics, making Ergonomics a proactive discipline within your organization, and securing executive buy-in for your Ergonomics program.

Ergotron will be a sponsor, and we will have time to speak about our stance on the topic.We have sent out an invite to our partners this week as well.

I am asking that our #ergochat friends and followers join the complimentary webinar. I will be live tweeting important information from the webinar.

Go ahead and register here, and I look forward to chatting with you tomorrow!