Our workplace environment has undergone drastic changes in recent years. Open workspaces and inflatable balls used instead of chairs have become part of the office decor nowadays. Among such unique novelties, height-adjustable standing desks are becoming widely popular not just for their style and function but also for the number of health advantages standing desks provide.
Choosing the Proper Standing Desk Height
There are several benefits to using a height-adjustable standing desk, including not having to slouch, strain your back or your eyes anymore. Although, in order to be able to get the most out of your standing desk, it is essential to understand how to measure the correct height of your desk and screen. You must measure the distance from the floor to your elbows when placed at a 90-degree angle; this is the best height for a standing desk to meet your needs and be functional for you.
As an alternative, you can figure out the proper height of the standing desk, depending on how tall you are. Here’s how to ensure your standing desk is at the right height for you:
- Stand tall with your eyes perpendicular to the ground and your shoulders straight with your arms down.
- Bend your elbows to form a 90-degree angle.
- Raise the desk until your fingers make contact with the keyboard and mouse placed where you want them on the desk.
- Ensure your eyes are level with the top third of the monitor, and then adjust the desk’s height as needed.
How to Determine a Standing Desk’s Height?
A good standing desk height will depend on the person. You have to take into consideration a couple of things like the height of the person, how large their screen is, and the placement of their keyboard and mouse. Once you’ve figured out all of these details, it should be straightforward to calculate the best height for you.
The average recommended height for a standing desk is 30 inches, but this may not work for you, depending on your height. So how can you calculate your standing desk height? The chart below can help you calculate which standing desk height is right for you based on how tall you are.
Correct Standing Desk Height
Recommendations for Proper Standing Desks
There are many different types of standing desks out there, and choosing the one that’s right for you is crucial. You may need to ask yourself some questions about what you’re looking for when purchasing a standing desk – we will answer a few of these questions for you!
How High Should a Standing Desk Be?
The optimal standing desk height should be high enough that when you’re going to use your keyboard and mouse, your arms should be at a 90-degree angle comfortably. Too low and too high can cause discomfort and muscle tension. This would be the ideal standing desk height.
How Long Should You Stand at Standing Desk?
Just as sitting all day long isn’t healthy, neither is standing all day long. You need to alternate between sitting and standing when working at your desk. The best ratio for this is 1:1 or 2:1. This means that for every hour or 2 hours you spend sitting down at your desk, you should also devote a half-hour to an hour standing too. This is just to start, though; many experts say that you should try to go for 2 hours of standing per day. If you truly want to optimize this, standing for 4 hours per day will allow you to reap the healthy benefits of standing during your work shift.
While you’re incorporating a standing desk in your workplace, some other helpful tips are to move around. Standing as stiff as a board can produce different pains in your feet, legs, and back. Keeping your body moving throughout the day so that your muscles don’t tense up can help reduce aches and pains before they happen. A good recommendation for this is to play some music while you work. Listening to some instrumental beats or whatever suits your needs can help you move around frequently, which releases the tension in your body, therefore, preventing those pains from occurring in the first place.
Take Small Breaks
If for some reason you can’t listen to music while you work, whether it’s because you can’t concentrate with it or because your work environment doesn’t allow for it stretching can be a great alternative to keep those aches and pains away. You can stretch at your desk or on your breaks when you can leave to go somewhere to do so.
A couple of accessories to consider when implementing a standing desk in your workspace are an anti-fatigue mat and the proper footwear. Anti-fatigue mats are essential for your posture and help reduce the stress on your body while standing. The benefit of having one of these mats with your standing desk is that it will reduce lower back pain and the stiffness in your joints, making your overall standing experience more comfortable.
Proper Footwear
Proper footwear is also vital when considering a standing desk because even though there are health benefits with standing, you need to make sure that you have the right shoes to reduce the chances of stress on your feet, legs, and joints. If you are going to use a standing desk, you shouldn’t undermine the importance of proper footwear. There are many different types of high-quality shoes out there that help give support and comfort when it comes to standing at your desk. Everyone’s feet and comfort level differ from person to person, so be sure to get a pair that most benefits you.
Important Tips to Consider
As you will be spending a few hours each day standing, you must also consider taking care of your legs and feet, which may feel tired and sore after a while. An anti-fatigue mat is a perfect choice while using a sit-stand desk. Whether you plan to stand for 10 minutes or an hour continuously, a standing desk mat can offer the comfort your feet and legs require while standing, thus making standing at your desk an effective experience.
It’s also important to start slow. The transition from a sitting to a standing desk should not be rushed. Begin with 15 minutes to half an hour standing at your desk, and you can gradually increase the time once you get used to standing and working. Try not to stay in the same position (either standing or sitting) for long. Alternate between the two and don't forget about walking.
If you have any queries about our standing desks or optimal height positions, get in touch!