For decades, office work has equated to stillness: long hours seated at a desk, staring at a screen, with movement confined to the occasional shuffle between meetings. For many, the only real break comes in the form of a short walk to the break room — more about snacking than stretching. That rhythm of work has become so normalized that it often goes unnoticed, even as it chips away at long-term health.
The problem is bigger than stiff backs and tired eyes. Research shows that prolonged stillness undermines both physical and mental well-being. This reality is reflected in rising obesity rates worldwide, with the U.S. reporting that more than 40% of adults are now considered obese, a trend tied closely to increasingly sedentary jobs and lifestyles.
As a result, professionals are beginning to rethink how to incorporate movement into the flow of their workday. The goal isn’t to replace exercise or carve out another hour in an already packed schedule. Instead, the shift is toward weaving motion into everyday tasks, treating movement not as an extra chore but as a natural part of how we live and work. Even small adjustments, made consistently, can begin to undo the damage of a culture built on sitting still.
Movement as Medicine and as Mindset
Sedentary work has long been linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Even with regular gym sessions, spending eight or more hours sitting each day creates stress on the body that a single workout can’t undo.
Long periods of stillness affect nearly every system in the body. Circulation slows, muscles tighten, and posture begins to collapse inward. Plus, it’s a recipe for chronic back pain and fatigue. Mentally, static work contributes to higher levels of stress and anxiety while lowering creative output.
But even small motions can interrupt this cycle. Standing up during phone calls, shifting weight from side to side, or taking brief walking breaks can keep energy and focus higher throughout the day. These micro-adjustments may feel minor, but compounded over weeks and months, they create a meaningful health benefit.
Adding these subtle motions to the workday isn’t just about biology. Movement supports sharper focus, stress reduction, and even creative problem-solving. Studies show that workers who alternate between sitting, standing, and micro-movements experience less fatigue and greater productivity. In short, the body and brain were built for motion, not hours of stillness.
Enter the Balance Board
Joel Heath, founder of FluidStance, saw firsthand how technology was reshaping work into increasingly static routines. “So much of my life has become based around technology,” he says. “So I started to look for motion while we’re standing in places we have to stand.”
The company’s balance boards are designed for standing desks. “We designed it to create subtle instability under your feet,” Heath explains. “When you get on a board like this, it allows you to flow into it and engage your muscles.”
Independent research backs the approach. Users of FluidStance’s The Level balance board increase their energy expenditure by 19.2% compared to sitting, easily surpassing the 10% threshold required for NEAT™ certification. In addition, average heart rate increases by 15%, and range of motion improves significantly, all without affecting task execution. In other words, professionals can stay in motion while maintaining focus on the work at hand.
Workplaces in Transition
As hybrid and remote work reshape offices, companies are taking a fresh look at wellness initiatives. Employers recognize that healthier workers are more productive and less prone to burnout. Investing in workplace tools that encourage movement, reduce sedentary strain, and promote focus can have long-term benefits for both employees and organizations.
Employers are already experimenting with new ways to bring motion into daily routines — from flexible workstations to walking meetings and wellness stipends for home offices. The companies that embrace movement as part of their culture are likely to see benefits in retention and performance as well as employee health. For individuals, the challenge is not finding time to exercise, but creating environments that make movement second nature.
FluidStance is part of this shift, standing at the intersection of wellness, technology, and sustainability. The decks are built with eco-friendly materials, aligning physical health benefits with environmental responsibility.
The Move Forward
The future of work won’t be defined only by technology platforms or new office layouts, but by how people feel and function while working. Building micro-movements into the workday offers a simple yet profound way to reduce risk, improve focus, and foster well-being.
Movement isn’t just about carving out time for the gym. It should also be woven seamlessly into the moments where people already spend their days. In the workplace of the future, staying still will no longer be the default. Hopefully, motion will be the standard.