A sit-stand desk is a combination of a sitting and standing desk where a user can switch from sitting to standing or vice versa, depending on the prevailing conditions in an office environment. It helps in regaining better postures, prevents fatigue at the workplace and may hence increase productivity.
However, to be able to get the best out of it, you need to properly configure the sit-stand desk. The most crucial aspect is making several changes that would help avoid discomfort and strain both during sitting and standing.
In this article, we’ll outline the guidelines to follow when setting up your sit stand desk, making it the healthy and effective workstation you need.
1. Set Your Sit Stand Desk at the Appropriate Level
A crucial aspect of using a sit-stand setup is the height of your desk, which has to be appropriate for your body dimensions. If you have a chair, the height of the desk should be around elbow level so that when you sit, your arms are parallel to the floor. Even while standing, the same etiquette has to be followed; your forearms should be parallel to the ground. By lowering the heights to these values, pressure on your shoulders and wrists is eased.
2. Place Your Monitor at Eye Level
The positioning of monitors should be done in a correct manner to avoid neck and eye strain among employees. Keep the top of the screen at or slightly below eye elevation—with the monitor positioned 20-30 inches from the eyes. This setup also helps you to keep your neck in a balanced position regardless of whether you are seated or standing. A monitor arm or an adjustable riser can be particularly useful when it comes to finding the optimal height.
3. Take Turns to Sit Down and Stand Up
It is comfortable to stand all day at a new sit stand desk, but it is healthwise better to take turns standing and sitting all day. Standing for a long time, like sitting for a long time, is not good for the body since it causes discomfort. It is advisable to stand for approximately 15 to 30 minutes in one hour. You can use a timer or an application that will signal you when to change position every few hours or so.
4. Purchase an Anti-Fatigue Mat
When standing, an anti-fatigue mat can really improve comfort after a few minutes. These mats allow for a constant shifting of the feet, which reduces the likelihood of foot tiredness as well as promotes proper blood circulation in the legs. Getting this mat will enable you to spend longer hours on your feet without the associated pains, and thus making your sit stand desk more useful.
5. Organize Your Workspace
Finally, make sure all your essentials – phone, notebooks, bottle of water or any items that you often use are within arm’s reach. This reduces tendencies of over stretching or twisting of joints, which when done repeatedly, causes body strains. The work environment should be organized in such a way that there will be little and effective movement within the workspace.
