5 Ways to Properly Utilise a Standing Desk - Our Guide
By Daniel Angelini on November 23, 2020The business landscape is becoming increasingly aware of its employees' needs, which is why modern offices integrate ergonomic furnishing to make nine-to-five jobs feel inspiring and comfortable.
Part of the biggest reasons behind frequent absenteeism roots in the environment’s impact on the worker’s physical and mental health, so innovative design strives to provide a workplace that meets its staff's needs.
The Rise of Standing Workstations
Speaking of which, sit-to-stand desks are skyrocketing in the marketing as it creates more room to adjust to the person’s workflow, allowing individuals to stretch, reduce back pain, and boost productivity all in one.
It can reduce a cluster of conditions like obesity, increased blood pressure, and more, but making the most of this popular ergonomic furniture isn’t as straightforward as it seems. You need to consider factors to feel its benefits, so we’re here to give a rundown on the proper ways to ensure your comfort while using a standing workstation.
Tip #1: Be Sure to Create a Balance Between Standing and Sitting
More people understand the detrimental effects of sitting down for hours-on-end. It can put a painful strain on your arms, shoulders, and neck, but making up for it by standing for the rest of the day won’t do you any favors.
The best way to maximize a standing desk is to establish intervals between sitting and standing, primarily since standing until it’s time to clock out can also do a number on your lower back. It’s easy to get swept away by the thrill of having a brand new height-adjustable standing desk, but it’s best to interchange the action until you achieve a balance that suits your needs.
Keep in mind that there is no golden rule to the time it takes to sit or stand, so it’s best to be conscious of your body and switch gears until you find the right sweet spot.
Tip #2: Incorporate Movement While Using a Standing Desk
While standing is good for your health, it can do the exact opposite if you emulate a statue while working. No matter the position you hold, being static for long periods can quickly strain your muscles, so it’s best to involve some movements when it’s time to switch up your stance.
Walking around the office for a quick coffee run, delivering reports to your co-workers, and small actions that put your entire body helps maintain a good blood flow, which can help fuel your batteries and maintain your energy levels.
Adding some low-impact, simple exercises while using the standing desk is even better as it can enhance your overall well-being and ramp up your productivity.
Tip #3: Be Sure to Stand Correctly
Not many people put any second thought on standing, but there’s a proper way to do it. Standing can be equally harmful if you don’t follow the right posture, but you can feel more comfortable if you point your toes forward while your feet are firmly planted on the ground.
Avoid hunching your shoulders and leaning your neck forward when working on your desk as it can compromise your back muscles. Instead, keep your back and neck straight to ensure you don’t feel any pangs of pain as you stand.
Tip #4: Invest in an Anti-Fatigue Mat
Standing with the correct posture can minimize the discomfort, but doing so for long periods can take a toll on your feet since it carries the brunt of your weight. With that in mind, adding a soft buffer between the floor and your feet can do wonders in easing the pressure from your soles.
For instance, an anti-fatigue mat can complete the ergonomic setup as it will relieve the hard constraints on your feet and keep the blood from pooling. Seeing as it will keep your legs and feet relaxed, you’ll find it easier to stand for longer than usual without experiencing any aches or stiffness.
Tip #5: Incorporate Arm Support on Your Standing Desk
Chairs are built with arm support for a reason, so it makes sense to apply the concept to standing desks too. It aids your hand and reduces the pressure on the wrists as you type, all while supporting the length of your arm to mitigate the chances of developing aches.
Similarly, you also need to adjust the desk to your elbow’s height, which you can do by bending your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Be sure your neck is comfortably aligned with your back while the wrist is sitting straight over the desk.
Adjust as necessary until your forearms meet comfortably with the desk. You know it’s right when your hands can meet the keyboard without straining the wrist to go up or down.
The Bottom Line: Understanding How to Correctly Use a Standing Desk to Leverage its Ergonomic Design’s Full Potential
Standing desks are booming in innovative offices as its flexibility leaves plenty of room to adjust the setting according to the employee’s current needs. The ergonomic design ensures employees remain cozy and healthy throughout the day, contributing to a congenial culture at work.
Of course, there are proper ways to utilize the standing desk and ensure you feel its good impact on your body. Improper use can act as an unpleasant bottleneck, so the tips above should ensure you can avoid the negative effects and maximize its benefits.
Why Choose Us?
We can help complete your business to create an ergonomic environment as we offer some of the best standing desk setups. Browse our website and check out our wide selection of height-adjustable standing desk in Australia, where you can feel the MOVI difference with our smart features, automated lift, and unique design that are sure to take your space to the next level.