As I explored in a previous post, standing desks are gaining acceptance in the workplace.  Even still, when asking your supervisor to make a change in your work space, you should:

Persuade. Settle on a convincing argument–perhaps that a standing desk will help boost you productivity and creativity.

Lobby for a trial period.  Agree that if it doesn’t work out after two months, you’ll switch back.

Prepare in advance. Before talking with your boss, spend some time thinking about what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it.  Also, do your research.  You might find the resources I cited in an earlier post to be useful.

 We only think of a desk as something to sit in front of because that’s what tradition has taught us, but why let that be a limitation?  Challenge yourself to think more creatively about your work spaces.  Designers of all stripes consistently rework old patterns and concepts in order to give them new life and new usefulness.  For a little bit of brain candy, check out these gorgeous new fabrics exhibited at Material ConneXion’s Medium Awards.  What a stunning way to break with tradition!

And finally, as a bit of inspiration here’s a list of  successful stand-up desk users:

Former Wisconsin Senator, William Proxmire

Dean of Marquette Univeristy Law School, Joseph Kearney

Former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld

Elementary-aged school children all across Minnesota who are part of the “Stand Up for Learning” initiative