Over the last few years, the workplace environment has changed significantly. From cubicles to open workspaces and inflatable balls replacing ergonomic chairs, several new features make an integral part of office décor now. And one such novelty that's becoming increasingly popular is the height-adjustable standing desk.
Height-adjustable standing desks make a stylish choice and are also functional and bring several health benefits. So, if you have decided to invest in a height-adjustable standing desk, it's a great choice. The benefits of this decision that you will enjoy for your health and productivity are tremendous, making one of the best investments you can make for yourself.
However, you can only enjoy all these benefits if you set your new height adjustable standing desk to the appropriate standing desk height. And this is something that many customers may end up getting wrong.
Hence, we have decided to make the process easier for you and teach you how to determine the ideal height of your height-adjustable standing desk so you can enjoy all the potential benefits of a height-adjustable workstation. And that's what we look at in this post.
In what follows, we explain how you can determine the ideal height for your height-adjustable standing desk, but before we get into the process, here are a few considerations you should consider when using a height-adjustable standing desk.
A Few Considerations When Using a Height-Adjustable Standing Desk
Set Up to the Correct Height
If you want to make the most of your investment in a height-adjustable standing desk, you must set it up to the correct height. Setting your desk at the correct height ensures that you stay healthy and avoid health problems such as musculoskeletal conditions, which are often a result of poor sitting or standing posture. Setting an inappropriate height for your standing desk may also contribute to wrist pain as you type. Moreover, it can lead to hip pain or other forms of physical discomfort that are often a result of the inappropriate height of your standing desk.
Position Your Screen Correctly
When using a height-adjustable standing desk, you need to position your screen correctly, so you don't have to put your neck in an awkward position. The inappropriate position of your screen can result in craning up or down your neck, which can strain your neck and shoulder muscles. Moreover, inappropriate screen placement can also impact your vision and strain your eyes.
You Don't Have to Stand All Day
Many individuals who invest in a height-adjustable standing desk believe they must stand all day. However, that's not true. The purpose of a height-adjustable standing desk is to allow you the convenience of switching between standing and sitting. So if you get tired of sitting, a height-adjustable standing desk allows you to convert the desk's height so you can stand and relax your body. But you can also readjust its height and transform it from a standing workstation to a conventional sitting desk.
Remember, standing all day can be as detrimental as sitting all day. It can lead to aches and pains from prolonged standing.
With these few considerations in mind, let us take you through the process of deciding on the appropriate height for your height-adjustable standing desk.
In what follows, we share an insight into how you can determine the ideal height of your height-adjustable standing desk so you can enjoy all the benefits that a height-adjustable standing desk has to offer.
Setting the Appropriate Height of the Standing Desk
While there are many benefits of using a height-adjustable standing desk, to get the most out of your investment, you need to understand how to measure the correct height of your desk and position your screen appropriately.
Here's a tip to help you out.
Ensure that you measure the distance of the desk from the floor up to the elbows, which are placed at a 90-degree angle at the desk; this is the best height for a height-adjustable standing desk that will meet your needs and allow you to be functional.
Alternatively, you can figure out the proper height of the standing desk, depending on your height. Here's how you can ensure that the standing desk height is appropriate for you.
Stand tall with your shoulder straight and your arms down,
Ensure that your eyes are perpendicular to the ground,
Bend your elbows such that they form a 90-degree angle,
Adjust the height of your desk until your fingers are in touch with the mouse and keyboard placed on the desk,
Ensure that your eyes are levelled up to the top one-third of the monitor, and adjust the desk's height as required.
How to Determine the Appropriate Height for a Standing Desk?
An appropriate height for the standing desk will vary from individual to individual and requires you to consider a few things, including the person's height, the dimensions of the screen and the placement of computer accessories, including a mouse and keyboard.
Once you have these considerations in mind, it should be easier to decide on the most appropriate height for your standing desk.
On average, it is recommended that the height of the standing desk should be between 35 and 45 inches from the ground. However, it may not work for everyone. Depending upon your height, you may need to make changes to adjust the height of the standing desk appropriately, so how can you calculate the height of your standing desk?
Here's a guideline to help you determine which sitting and standing desk height is appropriate for you based on your height.
Appropriate Sitting and Standing Desk Height Depending on Your Height
Recommendations for Choosing Appropriate Standing Desks
There are many different types of height-adjustable standing desks available on the market, and choosing the one that is right for you is crucial.
However, to make the right choice, you need to ask yourself a few questions about what you are looking for when investing in a height-adjustable standing desk. Below we provide answers to a few questions so you can make the right choice for yourself.
How High Should a Standing Desk Be?
Use the above-mentioned guidelines and considerations to get you the optimal standing desk height. Ensure that when you use your mouse or keyboard, your arms should make a 90-degree angle comfortably, and your eyes view the top one-third of the monitor screen.
How Long Should I Stand At My Desk?
Just like sitting all day isn't healthy for you, standing all day isn't healthy. Make sure you switch your position from sitting to standing and vice versa. The best ratio is to spend as much time sitting as you spend standing, which means if you stand for an hour, switch to sitting for an hour before you change your position again. However, it's just one way to switch your position, and you can stand and sit for as long as you can comfortably.
While you're incorporating a height-adjustable standing desk in your workplace, some other helpful tips that can help you make the most of your investment and prevent those pains from occurring in the first place include
Taking small, regular breaks,
Investing in appropriate and comfortable footwear, and
Making the most of accessories designed to support standing, such as anti-fatigue mats
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide provided insight into how you can determine the ideal height for your height-adjustable standing desk that allows you to stand optimally depending on your unique body proportions.
Remember, when you ask yourself the best height of height-adjustable standing desk for you, there is a one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
However, you can find the answer by considering your height and then deciding on the most appropriate height for sitting and standing desk based on the comfort of your hands, shoulders, neck and eyes. By seeking a 90-degree angle when standing at your desk and typing, you can lock in that height and optimize your workstation's height accordingly while protecting your neck and shoulders from craning or hunching.
Once you find the ideal height for your height-adjustable standing desk, you should be able to enjoy all the health and productivity benefits that a height-adjustable standing desk has to offer.
If you are an employee looking for a height-adjustable standing desk for your home office or are an organization looking to set up the correct height for your employees' workstation, FlexiSpot is there to serve all your needs. From height-adjustable standing desks to ergonomic office chairs and much more, Flexispot is home to ergonomic office furniture and accessories so you can optimize your health while boosting your productivity. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you optimize your workplace.
