3 benefits of holding standing meetings

Do you and your colleagues spend a lot of time in meetings each week? Then it might be time to switch things up, literally. By holding stand up meetings, you can save time, boost energy and improve focus. Not only do these meetings tend to be shorter and more productive, but they also encourage more movement during your working day.

But what are the benefits of stand-up meetings, and why should they become a regular feature in your office routine?

Two people stand at a raised and lowered conference table

1. Keeps meetings shorter and on-point

One of the biggest benefits of daily stand-up meetings is time savings. Research (Dahl1) shows that meetings held while standing are, on average, 34% shorter than seated ones, without losing effectiveness. Imagine how much you more you could get done in the day by saving this time! As it is a bit inconvenient to stand up for longer periods, standing meetings become more focused and therefore relatively short.

A scrum meeting or short daily team catch-up is ideal in this format and should last no more than 15–20 minutes. For longer sessions, you can vary between sitting and standing to maintain comfort and focus.

2. Standing encourages collaboration and creativity

Collaborating in a group is easier if everybody is standing up. Research (Lehman²) has shown that people who stand up while working together are more engaged, collaborative, and open to sharing ideas. Because we tend to be more alert when standing, standing up meeting benefits include increased mental sharpness and quicker decision-making. Perfect for brainstorming or problem-solving sessions.

One person is sitting and one person is standing at a raised and lowered conference table.

Two people stand at raised and lowered conference tables.

3. It's better for your body

Long periods of sitting can lead to discomfort or strain, especially in the back, neck and shoulders. Stand-up meetings naturally reduce sedentary behaviour and promote better posture.

That said, inclusivity is key. Not everyone may be able to stand for long periods - whether due to pregnancy, disability or other health reasons. This is where sit-stand meeting tables are invaluable, allowing teams to choose the most comfortable and productive option.

Everything you need for a standing meeting

So what is needed for a standing meeting to work practically? A sit-stand conference table will allow for both sitting and standing meetings, letting you choose which is more suitable or even switch positions two during the meeting. One option is then to combine your table with slightly higher chairs or stools so that the participants can opt for a half-seated semi-upright sitting position sometimes. Standing mats will help ensure everyone is comfortable while standing. Don’t forget to keep a whiteboard close at hand for all those great new ideas standing might inspire!

Want to take it a step further? Try a walking meeting. A walking meeting is exactly what it sounds like: a meeting that takes place during a walk instead of in the conference room. Walking meetings usually work best with a maximum of three people. Just be sure to give your team a heads-up beforehand so they can dress appropriately and enjoy the experience of bringing work together with a bit of exercise!

Height-adjustable conference tables

Available in several options
Standing meeting table QBUS, boat shaped, 3200x1200 mm, silver frame, blackArt. no.: 1621424
£1,075.00
Ex. VAT
New
Available in several options
Standing meeting table NOVUS, 2400x1200 mm, black/clay greyArt. no.: 1213513
£999.00
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Available in several options
Standing meeting table QBUS, boat shaped, 2400x1200 mm, silver frame, birchArt. no.: 1621322
£799.00
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Available in several options
Standing meeting table QBUS, boat shaped, 4000x1200 mm, black frame, whiteArt. no.: 1621513
£1,249.00
Ex. VAT
New
Available in several options
Standing meeting table NOVUS, 3200x1200 mm, black/whiteArt. no.: 1213611
£1,299.00
Ex. VAT

See all height-adjustable conference tables

SOURCES:

¹ Dahl, M. "Work Smarter: Meetings Are 34 Percent Shorter If You’re Standing Up" The Cut [online] available from: https://www.thecut.com/2014/05/work-smarter-for-shorter-meetings-stand-up.html
² Lehman, S. "Standing meetings may improve group productivity" Reuters [online] available from: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-psychology-group-meetings-productivit-idUSKBN0EV29V20140620

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