If you work on a computer, chances are you sit for most of the day. All of that sitting can be seriously bad for your health: you may be increasing your risk of diabetes, weight gain, and heart disease.
But in 2020, that’s not the only way to get your work done.
Many office workers, freelancers, and work-from-home entrepreneurs are choosing to use standing desks as an innovative alternative to traditional workstations. With the right equipment, it’s easy to do your job without dealing with negative health effects.
What Is A Standing Desk?
A standing desk is any desk that allows you to stand up comfortably while typing or writing. Ideally, the desk should be at or slightly below the user’s elbow height, with the computer monitor placed 20-28” away from the user’s face with the center just below eye level.
What Are the Benefits of Standing Desks?
There are numerous health benefits associated with using a standing desk rather than a traditional workstation:
- Lower risk of weight gain and obesity. The average person burns over 170 additional calories when they stand rather than sitting for an afternoon.
- Lower risk of heart disease. Even an hour of intense exercise will not do as much to reduce your risk of heart disease as avoiding prolonged sedentary time.
- Reduced back pain. Back pain is one of the most common complaints among office workers.
- Lower blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that office workers experience smaller blood sugar spikes when they stand or alternate between sitting and standing.
- Longer life expectancy. There is a strong link between a sedentary lifestyle and early death.
Improved mood and energy levels. People who use standing desks report less stress and fatigue and increased vigor and energy levels throughout the day.
- Higher productivity. Contrary to what you might think, standing desks have no significant impact on typical work tasks like typing and may actually improve your productivity by boosting your energy.
Which Type of Standing Desk Should I Get?
There are several types of standing desks:
Stand-up desks
A stand-up desk is a desk that is permanently at standing height. If you are committed to standing or maintaining an open hip angle, a stand-up desk might be the ideal way to meet your needs.
If you choose a stand-up desk, make sure the height is adjustable or ergonomically ideal for you. You don’t want to invest in a desk for the health benefits only to find those health benefits don’t apply at that height.
Sit-stand desks
Sit-stand desks are designed to support both sitting and standing at work. Some desks allow you to change the height by operating a hand crank, while others may raise and lower with the push of a button.
Sit-stand desks are ideal for people who want to stand sometimes and fully sit at other times. You may prefer to alternate between positions or use different heights for different activities. Sit-stand desks are also ideal if more than one person may be using the desk.
Standing desktop work stations
If you do not wish to invest in a whole new desk, you may want to consider a unit that sits on top of your existing desk. Some desktop workstation units allow you to adjust the height of your laptop and keyboard.
Keep in mind that desktop units tend to have a large footprint. If you have a smaller desk, you may be better off replacing it than sacrificing workspace for a height-adjustable unit.
Additional Standing Desk Features to Look For
Some standing desks are better than others, depending on your body and work style. Here are just a few features to consider:
Adjustability allows you to get your desk to exactly the right height for you or anyone else who uses the desk. Remember, your standing habits may change as you get used to the desk. If the range is large enough, you will be able to shrink the desk back down to a traditional height.
Height memory makes it easy to return your desk to a specific height. If there are multiple people using the desk, this feature is a must-have.
Cable-friendly design does not seem like an important feature until you try using a work station without it. Finding a desk with the option for cable management will make your workstation feel far less cluttered and help you avoid a tripping hazard.
If you have a lot of heavy equipment, such as printers, speakers, and multiple monitors, you may need a desk that can support extra weight. Most standing desks support 200-300 pounds, but you may need more depending on your work.
Buy New or Convert Your Existing Desk
Everett Office Furniture provides height-adjustable desks and sit-stand desktop workstations. As a full-service furniture dealer, we provide customized consultations on ergonomic evaluations and computer space planning.
If you are looking for a new standing desk in the Greater Seattle area, contact us today.