When it comes to workspace ergonomics, getting a good office chair for all-day comfort used to be the end all be all. As research into this field continues, more innovations have come out that further improve the everyday office employee’s work experience. Using standing desks (as well as sit-stand desk converters) is one such increasingly popular trend that is now common in many modern offices due to its many advantages that affect one’s well-being and productivity.
While this healthier alternative to sitting all day does lead to many positive effects like improved posture, reduced risk of sedentary-related health problems, and increased energy levels, one can only achieve them by using standing desks correctly. Thus, if you’ve just purchased a standing desk recently, here are some missteps you should take care to avoid.
1. Standing for extended periods of time
Many people buy into standing desks believing that they should stay upright for the whole workday. But just like sitting, prolonged hours of being on your feet is also a bad thing. The ideal strategy would be to alternate between standing and sitting. Otherwise, you might end up with swelling or varicose veins as blood pools in your legs or develop lower back pain, especially when you stand on a hard surface or do so with a poor posture.
The rule of thumb to keep in mind is to follow a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, i.e. spending equal amounts of time standing and sitting or extending your sitting sessions to twice the amount of time spent standing. Last but not least, it is highly recommended to invest in an anti-fatigue mat as they ensure ample support and cushioning to avoid discomfort, reduce fatigue, and naturally promote subtle movements and better posture while standing.
2. Standing without switching positions
Speaking of subtle movements, note that standing allows for more freedom of movement compared to sitting and enables employees to switch up their position as often as they’d like. Yet, many people who work while standing tend to stay frozen in place for hours, which ultimately causes joint and foot pain. A simple solution to this is to frequently make minor adjustments to your posture while standing. For instance, you could switch to a stepping position every now and then by using the legs of your computer chair or sway from left to right while standing normally. If your desk is too high, this might also affect your posture and increase discomfort. In short, get creative and change your posture every 10-20 minutes to prevent health complications.
3. Having incorrect posture
There are many examples of poor posture while standing, such as being hunched over or leaning to one side. Neglecting to correct these habits will gradually result in spinal misalignment and related conditions such as chronic back pain, lordosis or swayback, and kyphosis, also known as hunchback.
The proper standing posture you should aim for is a relaxed and neutral position with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart, neck kept straight, and head at centre level, ensuring your weight is balanced evenly.
4. Positioning the desk at the wrong height
The perfect height for your standing desk is right around where you can keep your elbows at a 90° angle while using the keyboard. This ensures your forearms are about parallel to the floor and are not bent upwards, which leads to discomfort over time.
5. Working with your wrists bent upwards
The reason why the position of your wrist matters is because anything but a flat posture brings the risk of developing pain symptoms, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, especially for those who spend a lot of time typing. Thus, in conjunction with the previous suggestion above, make sure your wrists are level with your forearms and use keyboard pads if you still notice some slight upward bending or need extra comfort.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your new standing desk, be mindful of common mistakes that could hinder its benefits, which includes standing with poor posture, not adjusting your desk to the right height level, and more. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between sitting and standing, maintain proper ergonomics, and listen to your body’s needs. With these strategies in mind, your standing desk can truly be an asset to your workday and health.
If you ever need any other ergonomic furnishings and accessories for your workspace, TakeASeat has all the innovative products you could ever need and then some. From sit-stand desk converters to ergonomic chairs, study desk lamps, monitor arms, and office pedestals in Singapore, we are Singapore’s leading brand for all things office ergonomics.
