Research by CBI claims each absent employee cost an average of £975 (salary cost plus replacement costs) in 2012, with the average absence level per employee at 5.3 days. An electric height adjustable workstation from SBFI roughly costs an additional £300. However, the 10-year lifespan of the desk would mean a cost of just £30 a year.

A return-on-investment would be made if using a sit-stand desk meant an employee were absent just two days less over the 10-year lifespan of the desk (a reduction in absence of less than 3.8%).

This doesn't take into account the potential increase in revenue as a result of increased productivity.