At the White House, Staffers Are Standing Tall For a Surprising New Reason

Recently joined the standing desk revolution? You’re in good company.

According to a recent memo, the Oval Office might be trading in its iconic Resolute Desk for something a little more health conscious. The Executive Office has ordered $700,000 worth of adjustable standing desks for the West Wing and its office inhabitants, and we have a feeling First Lady Michelle Obama—with her Let’s Move campaign—is pretty pleased about the switch.

Years after trendsetters in Silicon Valley made the swapped their sitting desks for standing models, it seems the trend is finally going mainstream.

Researchers have extolled the benefits of standing desks for years: Reduced risk of obesity, less risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lower levels of cardiovascular disease, significant reduction of cancer diagnoses, and increased life expectancy top the list of reasons to ditch your office chair and invest in a comfy standing mat.

Anecdotally, those who work while standing claim less back and neck pain, improved posture, more alertness at work, and better focus.

Photo credit: Barack Obama via Flickr