Research shows that alternating between sitting and standing can lower your risk for heart disease, obesity, back pain and more. Fortunately, you can bring the benefits of standing to your home office with a quality standing workstation.
In the entry level category, we typically see shorter warranties and slower adjustment speeds for the frames and surfaces. Stability also tends to be an issue in this price range.
standing workstation
Ergonomics
Many people use computers all day without giving much thought to the physical stresses that this can place on their bodies. They may unwittingly stress their muscles by extending their wrists, slouching or straining to look at monitors that aren’t positioned properly. These habits can cause cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive stress injuries that have a negative impact on health and performance. These problems include muscle pain, tingling, loss of sensation and fatigue.
Using an adjustable-height desk can help people avoid these problems. However, people who work at standing desks are still susceptible to discomfort and injury if they don’t adjust their workspace or learn proper ergonomics.
Proper posture when working at a standing desk helps reduce back and neck discomfort. The key is to not slouch and not to sit too long. When you do need to sit, be sure that your chair is comfortable and supports the natural curve of your spine.
It’s also important to take regular breaks when doing tasks that require sustained static posture or repetitive motion. Breaks allow your muscles to rest and prevent fatigue. Changing positions frequently can also help prevent this fatigue. Taking a walk or doing stretching exercises is a great way to alleviate fatigue while at work.
In addition to preventing discomfort and injury, an ergonomically sound work environment can increase productivity, improve worker’s quality of life and create a safe and healthy workplace. To achieve this, NIOSH ergonomists recommend the design of tasks, work spaces, controls, displays, tools, equipment and job techniques that are compatible with human anatomy and physiology to reduce the risk of MSD injuries.
To ensure the best ergonomics when working at a standing workstation, it’s recommended that the computer display be set a little lower than eye level to reduce neck and shoulder strain. Your keyboard should be placed slightly below eye level as well, and your mouse should be located close to your hands. Then, when you need to do some typing, you can elevate your monitor or decrease the tilt of your screen so that you don’t need to stretch or hunch over it as much. You should also avoid wearing heels when you are working at a standing desk, as this can put unnecessary stress on your legs and back.
Productivity
In many cases, people who use a standing workstation are more productive. This may be due to a number of factors, including a feeling of energy and vitality that can be very beneficial for people in any type of office environment.
It also helps with focus when using a stand up desk, which is necessary for work on complex projects that require the attention and focus of an individual. Additionally, studies have found that sitting for extended periods of time can cause back pain and fatigue, while standing reduces these issues. The fact that an individual can adjust their workstation to sit and then stand, allowing them to change positions throughout the day, also contributes to improved productivity.
While some people are hesitant to try standing desks, once they do, they usually love it. They feel energized and are able to concentrate better on projects that require their attention and focus. Additionally, they find that their back and neck pain and fatigue are reduced while working at a stand up desk. This is because standing alleviates pressure on the lower back and joints, while squeezing and strengthening core, glute and leg muscles.
The flexibility of a stand up desk also makes it easier for workers to take small breaks throughout the day. This allows them to avoid burnout and fatigue that can result from long periods of uninterrupted sitting and improves overall productivity in the workplace.
Another reason that people who use stand-up desks are more productive is that they are able to be more active when collaborating or communicating with others. By promoting movement in the workplace, it is easier for employees to take healthy breaks that involve weight shifting and swaying, or even short walks.
Despite the benefits of standing while working, it is important to note that it should only be done for brief periods of time and not all the day. It is also important to alternate between sitting and standing so that the body can rest in between. This can be done with adjustable height workstations, which allow individuals to easily switch between sitting and standing throughout the day without the need to move to a new location or completely overhaul their existing workspace.
Health
When used properly, a standing workstation can reduce the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle. These include back pain, neck strain, and a hunched posture that can cause shoulder and spine problems. Some studies have even linked long-term seated time to obesity and cardiovascular disease. Several companies are now embracing activity-promoting desks as part of their overall company culture. Employees at Apple, Microsoft, and many others have found that sitting less can be beneficial for the body and mind.
Those who use a sit-to-stand desk report reduced stress levels, improved moods, and more energy. This may be due to the fact that they can move around more frequently during the day and don’t have to slouch while typing or working on computers all the time. They also feel more comfortable and are able to communicate better with co-workers when they can stand up to answer phones or conduct an impromptu meeting.
Most of the modern options for a stand-up desk allow you to easily switch between sitting and standing at the touch of a button. Some are designed with memory settings that will automatically return to a previous standing or sitting position at the start of each session. This can help you ease into a new position and not overdo it in the beginning of your transition to a standing desk.
A more important concern when using a stand-up desk is proper positioning of your monitor and keyboard. The screen should be at eye level when you are in a seated position, and the keyboard should be positioned so that your elbows are close to your torso when you type. This will help to avoid wrist strain, which can occur when the wrists are too far forward or too far back.
Some of the more basic options for a stand-up desk are tables or stands that you can place on top of your existing desk. These might be okay if you only plan on sitting for most of the day, but experts recommend that you alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. A more expensive option is a full-on standing desk that will lift and lower the monitor and keyboard for you. It can be easier to install and will eliminate the need to move the monitor and keyboard when you want to change positions.
Safety
A major concern is the risk of injury or strain when using a standing workstation. Neither sitting nor standing for long periods of time are good for your health, and alternating between the two positions can help with your general well-being. Standing is more tiring than sitting, and prolonged standing can put pressure on your back and legs. It is also important to take regular breaks and move around throughout the day.
Standing desks and alternative workstations are safe when used correctly, but as with all types of work equipment and work settings there are some safety concerns to consider. For example, treadmill desks require a safe and stable surface for use, and it is essential that the correct precautions are in place to reduce the risk of falling or getting injured while working on them.
In addition, any desk that allows a user to stand and sit must be properly set up to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. This includes an assessment of the workstation by a trained individual to identify any potential health implications, and guidance on how the workstation can be appropriately set up.
Another risk when using a standing workstation is that of balance problems. To minimise this risk, if you have a fixed-height standing desk, use a stool and position the seat so that the person can balance comfortably on the stool with their feet placed flat on the floor and their arms resting at their sides. If you have a sit-stand desk, the monitor should be located at arm’s length from your body when you are standing to minimise the risk of eye strain and the resulting symptoms.
Similarly, when standing at your desk, try to shift your weight between both legs occasionally to prevent leg fatigue. If you feel that your lower back is beginning to become tired, try elevating your feet on anti-fatigue matting to alleviate the stress and discomfort this can cause.
If you have any concerns about your workstation or the way that you are working, make sure to talk to your supervisor or manager. If you need to request a medical or ergonomic evaluation for a sit-stand or standing desk, contact the Office of Human Resources, the Dean of Faculty or the Office of Disability Services.
