Several studies have found that prolonged sitting-a common occurrence in office jobs-can be detrimental to one's health. To combat this unhealthy work environment, standing workstations or walking stations have been created to improve employees' physical health. Increased standing at work may have other benefits as well, including how people interact with and relate to one another. A recent study examined the effect of standing, as opposed to sitting, on group productivity and creativity during the course of a business meeting. The study found that the groups who worked in rooms without chairs had greater group arousal and better information and idea sharing. Participants in these groups were also more likely to report lower levels of territorial behaviors. The researchers hypothesized that when people are standing, they become more integrated with one another because there are no designated spaces, which can promote co-creating. Offices might benefit from redesigning their space to facilitate non-sedentary work.

Research suggests that brown fat, prevalent in lean people, is a key player in metabolism due to its generation of heat. The amount of brown fat in people may change with shivering. A 4-month study was conducted in climate-controlled rooms to test how living for a month in an environment at 66 degrees Fahrenheit (F), 75 degrees F and 80 degrees F affected the amount of brown fat in the body. Results showed that during the cold month, brown fat increased by 30 to 40 percent. Then, in the thermo-neutral month at 75 degrees, the brown fat returned to baseline and was no different in the 80-degree month. These findings indicate that leaving the thermostat down during winter months may play a role in combating obesity.