Ergonomic Considerations for Your Standing Desk

In a previous post, we discussed how you can use our sit-stand combo workstation to improve your workspace and change up your position throughout the day. While many individuals notice an improvement in work quality and physical energy, simply changing your desk position throughout the day won’t alleviate back pain or discomfort. Transitioning from a normal seated desk to a standing workstation takes some getting used to. Here are a few tips to help you make the adjustment.

Change Your Position

With our sit-stand combo workstation, you’re able to change your position throughout the day. If you get to work early in the morning, consider starting out in a standing position. This can help you wake up and gear you up for a more productive day. Rather than waiting until your feet get sore or your legs get stiff, switch to sitting after 20 to 40 minutes of standing and change your position throughout the day. This will allow your muscles to periodically rest throughout the day until they become used to standing.

Get the Right Height

Desk position makes all the difference when transitioning from a seated position. You’ll want to make sure your desk is level with your belly button. When you put your hands on your keyboard, your arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle with your elbows resting comfortably at your side. Your forearms should have support from the desk itself, so you shouldn’t feel like you’re hovering over the keys as you’re typing.

Adjust Your Monitor

When you look at your monitor, your eyes should be level with the top of your screen so your eyes can move down the monitor without straining your neck. The same monitor position works for your seated position and our combo system makes it easy to swing the monitor down to the right position with your stool or chair.

Be Mindful of Posture

Your shoulders should be down and back, rather than rounded and hunched. Slouching while you’re sitting damages your posture, but slouching while you’re standing can increase muscle fatigue and make standing desks seem uncomfortable, even after a short period of time. The key is to remain relaxed without falling into a bad posture.

Think About Footwear

Sitting makes even the most uncomfortable footwear bearable, making it possible for fashion to overcome practicality. However, when you start using a standing desk, you’ll need to make sure you wear the right footwear. Look for comfortable, flat-bottomed shoes with the proper arch support for your foot. A supportive shoe will reduce fatigue and will make it easier for you to maintain the right posture throughout your workday. If fashion is paramount, consider keeping a pair of shoes at your desk that you can slip into when you’re ready to stand at your desk.

Stretch Throughout the Day

While you’re likely familiar with stiffness in your lower back after a long day at work, you’ll start to notice new aches and stiffness as you adjust to your new standing desk arrangement. To keep the stiffness at bay, stretch throughout the day. Bend and touch your toes, take a walk, and stretch your arms up over your head. These simple techniques will make adjusting you your sit-stand combo desk much easier.

At Monumental Mounts, we want to make your workspace more comfortable and efficient. This is why we have a full line of single and dual monitor stands, each with adjustable heights and display angles. Browse our online selection and order your monitor mount today!