As working from home and hybrid working models have become the norm in the last few months, individuals with desk jobs now feel that the traditional desk they have been using forever is no longer serving the purpose.
Today, there is a rising demand for height adjustable standing desks that allow desk-bound employees to reduce the risks of prolonged sitting. From anxiety to muscle stress, back injuries and more, several health conditions can result from prolonged sitting. But if you cannot entirely change your workstation and want to reduce the risk of health concerns associated with a desk job, one of the simplest approaches that you can adopt is to invest in a monitor mount.
Investing in a monitor mount allows you to conveniently upgrade your workstation without spending extra on the desk. Even if you rely on a laptop for most of your work, you can still opt for a monitor mount and a monitor display, so you get the added benefit of working on two screens without cramping your workstation.
However, monitor mounts come in different sizes, configurations and styles. Since there is no one-size-fits-all feature for monitor mounts, you need to ask yourself a few questions before you invest in a monitor mount.
When it's finally time to ditch the stacks of paper under your screen and invest in a monitor mount, here's what you need to ask yourself before you choose one for your workstation. But before we get into the specific questions, let's recap what a monitor mount is.
What is a Monitor Mount?
A monitor mount is a workplace accessory that allows you to adjust the height and placement of your computer screens without changing your workstation. Whether you use a regular LCD monitor, laptop or tablet, with a monitor mount, you can support and elevate your screen depending on your needs. You can adjust the height of your screen or add more depth to enhance your functionality and save more desktop space.
What Do You Need to Ask Yourself Before Investing in a Monitor Mount?
If you are planning to invest in a monitor mount, you must ask yourself a few questions before making the call.
Some of these questions include the following.
#1. Why Do I Need a Monitor Mount?
If you have decided to invest in a monitor mount, you need to ask yourself, "why do you need a monitor mount?”
Since there are several ergonomic advantages of using an adjustable monitor mount, you can determine your need for this workplace accessory by asking yourself this question.
A monitor mount allows you to place your screen at an appropriate height conveniently. Moreover, by placing your screen on a monitor mount, you can adjust the screen's depth and angle, which helps you maintain good posture and reduces the risk of straining your neck or hunching over the screen. It is a huge advantage as straining can be dangerous for your body over time. The short-term strain on your neck and shoulder muscles, back and eyes can contribute to discomfort. However, persistent strain can lead to aches, pains, and other health complications ranging from disc bulge and spinal stenosis.
When straining takes a toll on your body, it also results in lost productivity, lower quality output and misses work days.
However, when you choose accessories such as a monitor mount, you will be better able to adjust your monitor's angle and height, which will help avoid strain and aches. Moreover, it will save time as you won't have to spend a lot of time readjusting your workspace to see your screen better, which means you will have more time to focus on the task at hand, which will contribute positively to your output and productivity.
In addition, if you share your workstation with another employee, a monitor mount will allow for easier screen adjustments with each user, which is practically impossible if you don't have a monitor mount.
Furthermore, the use of monitor mounts free up desk space and provide you with a clutter-free workstation to work.
#2. What Type of Adjustability Do I Need?
Another key question you should ask yourself is if purchasing a monitor mount is the type of adjustability you need. Since adjustability is the primary objective of the monitor mount, you should decide how far the mount can reach sideward and horizontally. Moreover, you should consider how far the mount should lift up and down. Furthermore, you should also consider the spatial conditions to make the functioning of your workplace accessory as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
#3. Do I Need a Single or Dual Configuration?
Do you work on a single screen, or do you need more than one screen to complete your tasks? Depending on how many screens you use while working, you need to decide on the type of monitor mount you need.
If your job requires you to respond to emails or browsing on the internet, a single monitor mount may be sufficient for your job requirements. However, a single monitor mount isn't sufficient for you if your job is more about switching spreadsheets and using multiple screens for creating software or coding. In that case, choosing a dual monitor mount such as Dual Monitor Mount F7D/F8LD will do the trick. A second screen at your workstation would mean more screen space and less switching back and forth, which will save time and effort.
A dual monitor mount like Dual Monitor Mount F7D/F8L offers you the flexibility to adjust your screen in landscape and portrait orientations and even adjust them back to back. Moreover, it offers multiple heights and angle adjustments so that your screens are always where you want them. Find out more about Dual Monitor Mount F7D/F8LD here.
#4. Is My Monitor VESA Compliant?
While most monitors available on the market today are VESA compliant, it's always a good idea to check your screen for VESA compliance before you invest in a monitor mount. VESA-compliant screens have a standard hole pattern behind the monitor, which supports mounting and ensures easy attachment.
VESA-compliant screens have a hole pattern measured horizontally and vertically between mounting holes, so before investing in a monitor mount, make sure your screen is VESA compliant or else you may also need to change your screen prior to purchasing a monitor mount.
#5. Is the Monitor Mount Compatible with My Monitor's Weight and Dimensions?
It's important to remember that not all monitor mounts are created equal. Some monitor mounts are designed to handle heavier monitors, whereas others may not be compatible with heavy-weight screens. Hence, you need to ensure that you check the weight capacity range for your required mounted monitor.
If you have a lightweight monitor, using a heavy-duty monitor mount will not provide sufficient tension to ensure the appropriate position of your screen. On the other hand, a heavy monitor used with a lightweight mount is more likely to weigh down.
Moreover, you should also check for the dimensions and specifications of the mounting bracket before you purchase.
#6. Where Do I Want to Mount My Monitor?
Where you want to mount your monitor is also a critical consideration that you should keep in mind before you purchase a monitor mount. Do you want your monitor mount to be attached to the desk or the wall? You can also opt for attaching your monitor mount on a pole or a suspension from the ceiling again; how you want to mount your monitor depends on your nature of work and space constraints.
However, there is no hard and fast rule regarding where you should mount your monitor, and you can conveniently choose a location depending on your space and work needs.
#7. How Do I Attach a Monitor Mount to My Desk?
If you wish to mount your monitor to your desk, you may be wondering how you can attach it to your desk.
Generally, you can find desk-mounting monitor mounts that feature a c-clamp or a grommet which allows you to attach your monitor mount to the desk. While the c-clamp is more popular because it attaches to the back of your desk without the need to drill any holes to your workstation, you can also opt for grommet mounts which need to be mounted to your desk through a hole in your workstation. Some workstations come with a grommet hole, but if your desk doesn't have one, you will need to modify your desk.
#8. What Color of Monitor Mount Should I Choose?
Most monitor mounts are available in white, gray and black colors, so deciding on the color of your monitor mount shouldn't be a major concern. It's best to go for a monitor mount that matches the color of your monitor or your workstation, so it creates some uniformity and appeal to your desk.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of which monitor mount you choose, know that you will enjoy some extra space at your desk while getting some ergonomic benefits that are great for your health and productivity. However, purchasing a monitor mount shouldn't be an impulsive decision. Ask yourself a few questions and make the best choice for yourself.
