With the changing workplace dynamics and needs of employees, it's no news that standing desks are now the new normal in modern-day workplaces. As an increasing number of employees with desk jobs realize that sitting is the new smoking and understand the benefits of using a standing desk instead of a conventional workstation, standing desks now make a popular piece of furniture in offices worldwide.
Using a height-adjustable standing desk allows you to overcome shortcomings and health concerns associated with prolonged sitting. Hence, standing desks, particularly height-adjustable standing desks, make a great tool to improve your health and well-being as well as your productivity and quality of output.
However, it is essential to note that there are right and wrong ways of using a height-adjustable standing desk. If you don't use it the right way, you can end up experiencing problems such as foot pain, discomfort, and swelling. If you don't appropriately use the height-adjustable standing desk or use it without appropriate accessories, you may also experience posture-related problems that can contribute to pain and discomfort.
In what follows, we look at a few common mistakes you should avoid while using height-adjustable standing desks. Moreover, we also share an insight into how you should sit when you use a height-adjustable standing desk.
So let's get started.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Height-adjustable Standing Desks
#1. Standing Too Long
Most users of height-adjustable standing desks believe that a standing desk is designed to support your body as you stand all day.
However, it is far from reality.
While a standing desk is designed to support users to stand instead of sitting, it's not recommended that you continue to stand all day at a stretch. Instead, it is recommended that you change your position from standing to sitting every two hours. Prolonged standing, like prolonged sitting, can be dangerous and lead to several health concerns. When you continue to stand for a long period, you are more prone to develop sore feet and swelling in your legs. Moreover, over time, you can also develop conditions like varicose veins and strained lower back.
Hence, it is best to use a height-adjustable standing desk that allows you to alternate your position from sitting to standing and vice versa. With a height-adjustable standing desk, you can change your position to sitting following a few hours of standing. Similarly, you can switch to the standing position after prolonged sitting.
Remember, too much of anything is bad, and standing is not an exception. While it is a common mistake that most standing desk users make, you need to avoid it, so don't negate the benefits of standing desks altogether.
#2. Not Having Standing Desk at an Appropriate Height
The height of your workstation, both sitting and standing, is critical in offering posture support. For many individuals, it is common not to have their desks at an appropriate height, including both when sitting and standing. However, the problem gets more obvious and troublesome when the standing desk doesn't match your height.
Hence, you must adjust your standing desk's height according to your height and physical needs, so your body gets the best possible support. Since height-adjustable standing desks allow multiple height adjustment options, choosing the most appropriate desk height based on your height and posture requirements shouldn't be a challenge.
A good rule to follow for adjusting the height of your standing desk is to keep your elbows at no less than a 90-degree angle. Moreover, your screen should be slightly below eye level, so you don't have to overly strain your neck when working on your laptop or computer.
If you find adjusting your screen at an appropriate height difficult, you can invest in workplace accessories like monitor mounts. A monitor mount is designed to support your computer's screen, so you get your screen at the most appropriate angle and maintain proper posture. Moreover, it frees up your desk space and allows you to work conveniently with multiple screens.
#3. Not Using Standing Desk Accessories
One of the most common mistakes that users of standing desks end up making is avoiding the use of standing desk accessories such as anti-fatigue mats.
If you intend to use your standing desk for a longer time, it can lead to soreness and swelling in your legs and feet. Accessories such as anti-fatigue mats are designed to reduce fatigue resulting from prolonged standing. With a mat under your feet, you get an extra cushion that allows you to stand comfortably as you use a standing desk.
The use of anti-fatigue mats improves blood circulation in the lower part of your body. Moreover, since anti-fatigue mats lower fatigue and enhance blood circulation, they also increase productivity while decreasing the risk of accidents.
Over time, investment and use of anti-fatigue mats are a great way to enhance productivity as you stand while saving costs.
#4. Continuously Standing Still
The human body is designed to move, and being in a stationary position is not good for the body. When sitting, it is recommended that you should get up from your desk and take a quick walk or change your position once every 30 minutes. The same recommendation applies to standing.
However, many individuals who work at a standing desk believe that they don't need to change their position since they are standing. It's a misconception because standing still can be as detrimental as sitting in the same position for a long time.
Hence, you should avoid this mistake of standing still continuously and taking a break to change your position and get your body moving once every 30 minutes so you can make the most of your standing time.
#5. Maintaining Poor Posture While Using a Standing Desk
Posture is critical for your health. However, not many individuals take care of their posture. While almost everyone is aware of sitting-related problems, not many know that even using a standing desk can lead to posture issues.
You can stand and still have a poor posture if you have to slouch on your standing desk or bend your head or neck, which can contribute to various musculoskeletal conditions.
Fortunately, you can avoid this common mistake by taking the following measures while using a standing desk.
1. Stand with your head upright and your hips in line with your shoulders, so your spine maintains the natural "S" curvature,
2. Adjust your monitor's height to your eye level and tilt the screen to slightly more than a 90-degree angle. Moreover, position your screen at least 20 inches away from your eyes,
3. Invest in a good ergonomic office chair that allows you to sit with appropriate support such that your back is well-supported, your feet comfortably touch the ground and your knees make an angle of 90 degrees with the floor.
4. Alternate your position from sitting to standing and vice versa at least once every hour.
How to Sit When Using a Height-Adjustable Standing Desk
Now that you already know some of the mistakes you should avoid while using a standing desk, it's critical to understand how to sit appropriately when working on a height-adjustable workstation.
Here are a few things you should remember when sitting on a height-adjustable standing desk.
1. Ensure that your back is well supported with a good quality ergonomic office chair that helps maintain your spine's natural "S" curve. Moreover, your feet should be rested on the floor and your knees are in line with your hips making a 90-degree angle with the ground,
2. Position your wrists and forearms appropriately at your desk so your wrists and arms are well-rested. Positioning your hand in the right way is critical as it can significantly help reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries,
3. Use a footrest if required so your feet can be firmly placed on the floor as you remain seated,
4. Place your screen slightly lower than your eye level while ensuring that the tilt of your screen is slightly more than 90 degrees, ensuring that you don't have to hunch your neck and shoulders. Moreover, ensure that there is a distance of at least 20 inches between your eyes and your screen as it helps reduce the risk of eye strain.
The Height-adjustable Standing Desk for You
With an insight into the common problems that users of standing desks make and how to use the desk while sittingsitting, you must be wondering which height-adjustable standing desk makes the right choice for you.
The Height Adjustable Standing Desks by FlexiSpot makes a great height-adjustable standing desk for your workplace. Featuring seamless height adjustability and environmentally sourced desktop, the standing desk makes an excellent choice for your office and the planet.
