The White House may have read the news about a new study that suggests that sitting for long hours could kill and is joining the standing craze. The primary institution in the country is planning on splurging a good $700,000 on standing desks.
The National Journal says that the Executive Office of the President is seeking standing desks that could cost up to $700,000. This cost is a rough estimate over a five-year period. And although the current administration is set to end in January 2017, the next four years of the contract after that is optional.
However, the President and other employees would not settle for just any kind of standing desks. They prefer the "Varidesk brand name or equal," as stated in the request.
Varidesks allow users to switch between sitting and standing. But, they are not cheap. Each desk may cost around $400-$500 each. The models are said to be durable which can hold up to 45 pounds and come fully-assembled.
Further requirements asked by the request as posted in the National Journal are as follows:
"A fully assembled height adjustable standing desktop that sits on top of an existing desk (no assembly [i.e., no clamps or arms]); Keyboard/mouse tray included as part of the system; Ease of use (multiple heights/positions); The adjustment must be sturdy, stable and safe at all height extensions to accommodate individuals of various heights while they are in a standing position; Durable, ability to withstand wear and tear; Must hold up to 35 pounds; Desk attachment should have an option that fits easily into corners; No loss of work space; Color: black unit; Must be fully portable (easily moved from desk to desk) and easily stored (not cumbersome or bulky for storage); and Minimum of one-year warranty included."
The non-sitting worklife may have just recently boomed, but some high-profile Republicans have praised the nonsedentary life.
"I stand for 8-10 hours a day," former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld wrote in 2002. "Why is standing limited to four hours?"
Should the White House spend as much as $700,000 on standing desks?
