In a departure from his role as CEO and founder of Vancouver social media management company Hootsuite, Ryan Holmes has launched a company that sells ergonomic desks that allow users to stand while working on a laptop.
Oristand’s stand-up desks are made of cardboard, weigh less than two pounds and collapse to less than one inch wide when not in use. The desks cost US$25 each, and the company said this low price is intended to “democratize” the stand-up desk.
“Many companies want to provide stand-up desks as an option to enhance the work environment and promote the overall health and well-being of employees,” Holmes said. “However, cost is a big barrier.”
Holmes’ interest in starting the company came from his personal history of back problems from sports injuries. He finds it difficult to sit for long periods, he said, and when he looked into buying a stand-up desk, he found they cost at least $200 for a base model. This led to him contacting two local designers—Steven Suchy and Nathan Martell—to help design something more affordable.
“I’ve personally found great benefits from having the flexibility to stand or sit while working and don’t believe a stand-up desk should be a luxury,” Holmes said. “Our intention with Oristand is to make it accessible to anyone wanting a flexible work station.”
In 2015, the Toronto Rehab Foundation released a study that found sitting for a majority of the day can be increase the chance of developing heart disease by 15-20%.
