Sit/Stand Desk FAQs

Sit/stand workstations have become ever more popular over the past few years. However, many people have questions about them, such as: Is one right for me? How do they work in an office setting? Are they a hassle to contend with? We are here to answer all of your questions!

How Do I Know if a Sit/Stand Desk is Right for Me?

Sit/stand desks are not right for everyone, but can be great for many people. They give you the option to stand part of the time while you work, giving you the ability to change position, add more movement to your day, and change the stress on certain points of your body. Sit/stand desks are adjustable and are not meant to be in a standing position all the time, but are meant to be used to alternate between sitting and standing while you work. If you have joint, circulation, balance, or dizziness issues, along with certain other medical conditions, a standing desk may not be right for you. Check with your doctor before making the investment.

How Do I Adjust My Desk?

Several factors go into how successful you will be with your sit/stand desk. The first factor is mentioned above: whether your health and/or balance allows for it. Then come several checkpoints to make sure everything is lined up correctly. We go over these in more detail in our Standing Desk Handout, which is part of our Ergonomics Training Portal! When adjusting your sit/stand workstation, you should be aware of your desk height and monitor height, in that order.

Tips to Safely and Successfully Work While Standing:

·       Wear supportive shoes

·       Don’t force yourself to stand

·       Don’t lean only to one side

·       Don’t lock your knees

·       Watch the amount of time you stand

Are There Alternatives to Purchasing a Standing Desk?

Yes, you can opt for a separate workstation that allows you to stand at a fixed countertop or table. However, you want to be sure the table you choose is ergonomically compatible with your needs. If you are purchasing a piece of furniture specifically for this purpose, you may want to consult with an expert to ensure you get the appropriate height for your needs. This is a good option to change position and an excellent choice for a business lobby or common area. The separate workstation option should only be used for short time periods as usually they serve multiple people and are not customized to your specific needs.

It is important in all cases to check the fit of your workstation and listen to your body. When you start getting uncomfortable, it’s time to sit down.

Sit/stand desks are popular for a reason. Most Americans sit for an average of six hours a day at work (though you’re probably thinking you definitely sit longer than that) and it’s not great for our health. Standing can help with circulation, posture, and have many other positive effects on how you feel every day. If you have questions about implementing sit/stand desks at your office or are in need of an ergonomic evaluation for your team, contact us today.