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Stand-up desk keeps naval chief on toes
Stand-up desks may have emerged as the latest office fad, but the navy chief got his almost 15 years ago as a young captain. Navy chief Admiral Robin Dhowan, who turned 60 on Saturday, spends up to eight hours at his standing desk daily.
On the face of it, Navy chief Admiral Robin Dhowan may not have much in common with Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway or Leonardo da Vinci. But a visit to his plush South Block office reveals he belongs to that distinguished league in at least one respect--- Dhowan also prefers to work at a standing desk.
Stand-up desks may have emerged as the latest office fad, but the navy chief got his almost 15 years ago as a young captain. Dhowan, who turned 60 on Saturday, spends up to eight hours at his standing desk daily.
He said, "The habit came from standing on the bridge (the part of a warship from where its movement is controlled) for 10-12 hours as a navigator. I believe work can be disposed of faster when you are on your feet."
Some recent studies have revealed that working at stand-up desks may have potential health benefits.
The trendy desk in Dhowan's office attracts attention and arouses curiosity. "I am often asked if I get tired working while standing. But the fact is I feel more energetic on my feet," the navy chief said.
Dhowan's habit has become the talking point in military circles. It could encourage younger officers to switch from sitting to standing desks, a naval officer said.
Dhowan has modified his stand-up desk a bit over the last few years. "I have had it covered from the sides and the front so that nobody can see the pending files," he said, in a lighter vein.
