By James Diamond
An attorney’s work generally requires long hours of deep concentration. Therefore, it is no surprise that we are perpetually sitting at our desks. However, recent studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to both our physical and mental health.
In fact, in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Dr. James Levine, the director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative and the inventor of the treadmill desk, stated, “sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting.” Other research has shown that sitting for prolonged periods of time leads to a greater risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, muscular issues, and depression. For a detailed description of the health problems associated with constant sitting, watch this enlightening “TED talk” entitled, “Why Sitting is Bad for You.”
Given that many attorneys are often burning the midnight oil at their desks, and are therefore at a high risk of developing health problems associated with frequent sitting, what can law firms do to protect their attorneys against such health risks?
I am proud to say that Kluger Kaplan is a shining example of a law firm that recognizes the importance of its employees’ health and happiness. Kluger Kaplan recently gave all attorneys and staff the option of having standing desks. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this concept, a standing desk allows you to adjust the height of your desk so that you have the option to work while standing. Unsurprisingly, nearly all attorneys and staff at the firm elected for the standing desk – the more health conscious option.
Kluger Kaplan not only cares about having excellent litigators, but also believes that the health and mindset of its attorneys is vital to continuing to deliver great results to its clients.  The firm’s management gave us the standing desk option because they truly care about not only the physical well being of the employees, but also because they had the foresight to recognize that healthier employees are happier and more productive employees and able to achieve the best results for clients.
According to Laura Klein, Kluger Kaplan’s office manager, the individual with the forethought to bring the idea of standing desks to the firm: “We care about the long-term health and everyday comfort of our employees.  Whether they are sitting or standing, we want our employees to be comfortable at the office.  If we can make people happy by providing them with an option to work in the way they prefer, it supports their ability to be more focused and efficient and ultimately translates into a win-win for everyone.”
Other law firms and businesses can and should incorporate standing desks into their workplaces. They are a relatively easy and cost-effective way to prevent your employees from falling victim to sitting-related illnesses, and to keep them on their toes, ready for any challenge.