Nowadays, a recent workplace trend has emerged that many businesses are adopting. This trend has to do with standing because the activity has a multitude of benefits; it improves concentration, boosts energy, and leads to better work performance.
Long gone are the days when you have to sit at your work desk uncomfortably with your back hunched forward. Now, people are getting standing desks and desk converters for their workstations to excel in health and work. Perhaps this is why it has become the hottest workplace trend.
But how do you decide between a standing desk and a standing desk converter? If you are trying to decide between the two, keep reading this guide. We will discuss both pros and cons and give you all the information you need to make the right decision.
Standing While Working
People who work a desk job from nine to five are no strangers to back, shoulder, and neck aches. Sitting on a computer chair at your workstation for hours on end is bound to have a detrimental effect on your health in the long term. Humans are not designed to sit in such stiff positions for so long because it gets in the way of their health.
This is why a transformational addition to modern workplaces is standing desks and standing desk converters. These allow you to work simultaneously while standing. While this may seem like a tedious and tiring task, it is not. With time, your body starts to get accustomed to standing, and it will improve your health.
This is because standing boosts blood circulation, increases heart rate, and prevents weight gain. Therefore, standing desks, whether the regular or converter kind, come jam-packed with a plethora of irrefutable benefits. If you are confused about what kind of standing desk to get, the one thing you should know is that either option is better than simply hunching and sitting in an uncomfortable position.
This guide will get into all the basic details you must know about standing desks and standing desk converters and their pros and cons to help you decide which is the better choice for you.
What Is a Standing Desk?
A standing desk is a workstation that is designed to help you work while standing. You can switch between sitting and standing with such a desk. The height of the desk is adjusted according to the individual's height to help them comfortably work while standing.
These desks help you feel better, improve your concentration, and promote physical activity. It comes with a raised height, and the surface of the table is quite sturdy. It may also include ergonomic features like a keyboard tray and a monitor arm.
Pros of Standing Desk
The main reason why standing desks are extremely popular and a rising trend is because they allow you to work comfortably while standing. You can take meetings while standing or simply use your computer. Either way, you will be getting the blood flowing, which is why it is an excellent idea.
Some of the most significant benefits of standing while working are that it improves your heart rate, increases blood circulation, and prevents obesity. While standing might not seem like a strenuous activity, it will still help you burn calories.
You would also reduce your back pain and related problems since standing improves your posture. The main reason why people with sedentary jobs have back pain is that they are sitting in bad posture. However, this problem is alleviated through standing. Another benefit you must know about is that it offers a custom work surface that is quite large, so you can set all of your things on it and even multiple monitors.
Standing while working is believed to improve moods, which is why a standing desk will help boost employee morale. This is also a reason that will contribute to your productivity. But that's not all. When standing improves your mood, it will simultaneously improve your quality of life. Your quality of life will also improve while standing and practicing healthy habits. All in all, the most significant benefit of standing desks is that they will help you live a better life since your emotional, mental, and physical health will all be improved.
Cons of Standing Desk
However, it should be noted that standing desks do come with a few disadvantages that you must keep in mind. Firstly, a standing desk takes considerable time and effort to assemble. You have to be mindful of the wires and putting all the parts together, which is why assembly can take you at least an hour.
Besides this, an electric standing desk that automatically adjusts its height can often be too slow. It does take a couple of seconds for the desk to switch from standing to sitting and vice versa. This is especially true when compared to a converter since that takes only one or two seconds to convert into a standing desk.
What is a Standing Desk Converter?
A standing desk converter is an item that can be placed on your existing workstation to elevate its height and allow you to stand while working. With a push of a button, the convertor will elevate your monitor, keyboard, and other accessories placed on it. These are the latest addition to the standing desk family and are considered to be superior.
The main reason why is that desk converters offer complete convenience. Some standing desks are only designed for standing and don't allow you to sit. However, standing desk converters offer both to you, all the while allowing you to make use of your existing work desk.
Pros of Standing Desk Converter
One of the most considerable benefits of standing desk converters is that they offer you sheer convenience in multiple ways. Firstly, the converter makes use of your existing workstation, which means that it does not occupy too much space either. If you get a desk converter, you don't need to throw away your old desk.
Additionally, the converter, especially the small-sized ones, can be folded and placed when you are not using them. Standing is not an easy task to start right off the bat. It takes some getting used to, which is why a standing desk is not a great option for people new to standing while working. It can tire them out easily and cause strain.
However, a desk converter can ease you through the transition. You won't need to stand for hours since you will be switching between sitting and standing. Both sitting and standing for too long are not recommended since it is not good for you. However, when you switch between the two activities, you enjoy the best of both worlds and protect your body.
If you are not too keen on standing for hours or about working on a standing desk, a desk converter is an ideal choice for you since it does not include a commitment to standing. It will still help you improve your posture since you will incorporate standing into your work routine.
Besides this, it should be noted that converters are entirely adjustable. They offer more ease of customizability than standing desks do. This is because most if not all, desk converters include a keyboard tray, holder, and slides.
All in all, a standing desk converter is a mobile accessory that you can place on top of any desk. They are versatile, easy to use, and offer an abundance of convenience. You can remove the desk when you don't want to use it or place it on any other desk in the office. This is something you cannot get with a standing desk. Furthermore, since standing desk converters are smaller, they are also more affordable. Hence, if you are on a budget, a converter might be a better option for you.
Cons of Standing Desk Converter
They offer excellent convenience and value, but it might not be the best option for some people. For example, a major con of a standing desk converter is that when you extend the height of the desk, the wires move up with it. Hence, this could tangle the wires and become a nuisance to deal with.
Additionally, for some people, these converters offer less space because you have to keep all of your things on the converter; otherwise, when you extend the height, you will not be able to reach for your things.
The Bottom Line
Both standing desk and standing desk converter are excellent options if you want to improve your workspace. However, the decision between which one to get entirely depends on your working habits, needs, and the kind of working environment you have.
Your office space should be functional and comfortable simultaneously, which is why it would be a good idea to invest in a proper desk. FlexiSpot has a wide range of standing desk and standing desk converters that you can choose from. They are all high quality and offer great value for money.
