Standing Desk Mistakes To Avoid

Standard office desks are a thing of the past. The future is now.

Today, we are now in a new age of electronic sit-stand desks that can be adjusted according to height. While more and more organizations start to consider these types of enhancements for employee satisfaction and productivity, it is also safe to say that these improvements are endorsed by ample research and science. Offices around the world now use sit-stand desks that boast a 46-50% improvement in health & wellness, particularly with chronic back pain.

Because of this, we are now slowly gearing towards a new fascinating take on how a modern office should look and feel like. It's also important to know how to make full use of desk functions along with the proper way to stand (yes, there are wrong ways to stand). After you've done your research and decided to buy or if you already have one, here are a few things you have to look out for.

Standing Too Long

New is not always better as some might say. But we say new (so long as is it used correctly) often is better. Why else would Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple all be offering Standing Desks to their staff? (Update: Apple's newest campus will have standing desks for ALL their employees). As we covered in one of our blog posts entitled "Standing Desks Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk", using sit-stand desks dramatically decreases any risk of CVD which includes the risk of diabetes and stroke to name a few. But we don't want to stand all day, every day just to prove this statement. Just make an effort to break up your sedentary day with some standing and movement. Studies actually recommend you work towards standing for two hours to start and eventually build it up to standing 4 hours a day alternating between sitting and standing. Too much standing early will only show minimal results, so keep at it. Stand a little and improve a little, each day!

Wrong Height

If you've already bought one, chances are you've done your due diligence when it comes to the manufacturer, the build quality and the maximum height of your sit-stand desk. If you're concerned about the height however, kindly visit this page as it talks about the ideal height you should adjust to. The separate blog post also talks about finding your range according to physical height and build. Ideally, you'd want to see your computer monitor at eye level, AND have your arms at slightly more than 90 degrees when on the desk surface/keyboard. Don't forget that castors could be added to increase the height by another 1.5" if needed.

No Anti-Fatigue Mat

Tired from all the standing? Why not check our anti-fatigue mats to complete the experience!? I mean, let's face it, no one wants to stand all day at the office but having one of these mats under your feet and toes sure feels a lot more comfortable and reassuring. They promote proper blood circulation from your feet, all the way to your heart. The better blood flow, the more it mitigates fatigue. This is a thing of beauty and not to be underestimated! The positive feedback that we've received about our anti-fatigue mats are extensive! It's simply a perfect blend of science and comfort rolled into one mat. This article talks about it in complete detail and why you should have it.

Bad Posture

Having a bad posture at work while sitting is bad for your health. It is equally terrifying to see someone stand like a run-down zombie. Not only does it look bad, it also feels bad even seeing it from afar. Poor posture is a result of a bad standing habit. I know it’s hard to correct especially if you’ve had this bad posture all your adult life. But with constant self-reminders and practice, you’re avoiding future strains on your muscles and ligaments and can also reduce the risk of injury.

Here's how;

• Start with your feet. They should be hip-distance apart. If they are crossed, uncross them and try to keep them aligned with your hips.

• Move your body weight to the balls of your feet. If your weight was on the outside of your feet, you are pronated. If your weight was previously on the inside of your feet, you are supinated.

• Don’t lock your knees. There should be a very slight, almost imperceptible, bend in them. Locking your knees increases stress on your joints.

• Stand with your head back, and hips upright with an 'S' curve in your spine.

Computer Screen Placement

This can be a bit tricky as this mostly falls under your equipment, size and personal preference. It is advisable to keep a standing position looking forward (eye level) towards your monitor assuming a standard office build with a low height monitor. There are also setups wherein the monitor is mounted to a wall which stretches, this allows multiple angle views of a monitor.