UBC’s Stay at Work/Return to Work offers employees the support they need while managing a medical impairment or disability, and provides advice for supervisors who are working with an ill or injured faculty or staff member.
If you are an employee requesting a sit-stand desk for medical reasons
Please contact your Return to Work & Accommodations Advisor (RTWAA). Your RTWAA will assist you in collecting the necessary medical information, as a note from your healthcare provider recommending a sit-stand desk is generally not sufficient on its own. Your RTWAA will also work with you and your department to determine reasonable solutions to accommodate your medical limitations and restrictions.
If you are a supervisor who has an employee requesting a sit-stand desk for medical reasons
Please contact the Return to Work& Accommodations Advisor (RTWAA) that supports your department. The RTWAA will guide you through the process and connect you to available resources.
What to expect
An individual height adjustable workstation is only one option to consider. Your department may consider other options such as incorporating movement into the job design (e.g. rotating tasks), and/or allowing individuals to take standing breaks at set intervals, and/or providing the staff or faculty member with access to a shared height-adjustable workstation.
A workplace accommodation does not necessarily result in the originally requested option. Once information about limitations and restrictions is shared, an open dialogue can begin to explore options and ideas that offer reasonable solutions. This communication should involve creativity, flexibility and may require compromise by both parties.
If you require assistance in determining which height adjustable workstation would work for you, please see our Sit-Stand Ergonomic Resources.
Funding
Purchasing furniture and equipment, including sit-stand desks, is a department-level responsibility.