It’s not often that the Human Resources Department starts the newest trend on Furman’s campus. Tired of sitting all day behind desks, several members of the department have adopted the stand-up desk, a contraption that attaches to a desk and raises the computer so one can type, answer the phone, take notes, or perform various other tasks, all while standing up.

Now, the desks are even beginning to catch on with faculty. 

Patti Travis, Employment Specialist in Human Resources, is an avid user of the stand-up desk, saying that “it is good for back pain and promotes good posture.”

“Standing rather than sitting makes you not only feel better but also increases your health and overall life span,” Travis said.

Many stand-up desk users place a mat underneath their feet during use in order to increase their level of comfort. It’s also important to wear comfortable shoes or, for ladies, to resort to taking off the heels.

Julie Birello, the Human Resources Specialist, said she believed that other departments would begin to adopt the stand-up desk as well.

“It began with the exercise ball, and now we have standing desks and treadmill desks. This is the direction we are headed,” she said.

Students should be on the look out for more professors working from stand-up desks rather than swivel chairs. The desks are a bit more expensive but are supposed to promote well-being and health.

“The novelty wears off a bit, but make a conscious effort, build a habit out if it because overall it’s better for your health,” Birello said.