Our Head of Ergonomics Chris Barlow comes with a wealth of ergonomic knowledge and explains to us how to effectively set up your standing desk:
“If you sit with your feet flat on the floor, your legs should fit comfortably under the desk. Raising your chair so that your hips are slightly higher than your knees is ideal. You should be able to cross your legs comfortably (but please don’t) and we recommend using a footrest for added support if necessary.
Your upper arms should be parallel to your torso, with 90 and 110 degrees being the angle formed by your forearm and upper arm.
If your desk is at the correct height, your hands should be resting comfortably on it, with your index fingers resting on the F and J keys on the keyboard.
I would advise getting a desk with a programmable switch if you want to make sure it is consistently the correct height. Also, Googling “desk height calculator” will give you advice on the perfect sitting and standing heights for your body size
For a visual demonstration or to book a DSE assessment with one of our professional team contact me today at ergo@remtek-online.co.uk.”
Ensuring that your feet, knees, and thighs have enough room is an important part of proper desk ergonomics. If a desk is excessively low and not adjustable, consider placing boards or blocks under the desk legs. However, this isn’t something that we recommend without professional guidance.
If your desk is too high, raise your chair without sacrificing your natural stance. Also, don’t be scared to rest your feet on a footrest. Get a wrist rest if your desk has a hard edge. Finally, nothing should be stored beneath your desk.
You can feel and work better if you have a comfortable, ergonomic workspace. We recommend that you keep these pointers in mind as you begin your workday.
Now for the next challenge – up your standing desk in a home office.
Optimal workplace ergonomic posture is like sitting in a car, with your feet flat but legs extended, and your upper body angled slightly backwards rather than upright.
To obtain a decent setup, concentrate on making adjustments in these four areas.
Your head should be vertical to your neck to avoid harm to your neck, shoulders, and back.
Unfortunately, some desks cause workers to bend necks forward which can cause strain – look at laptop stands and correct positioning of screens.
Display screen height may be different when standing rather than sitting, an adjustable monitor arm can resolve this issue. Check out our Monitor arms here.
Choose a seating position that allows you to see the screen while also supporting your lower back. It should feel like you’re in the driver’s seat of a car, leaning back somewhat.
If you don’t have access to an ergonomic chair, place a cushion, pillow, or cloth behind your lower back. You can also get lumbar support chair cushions for a reasonable price. Look into orthopaedic seats such as BackJoy’s posture seat series.
These saddle-like devices can be used with any chair and tilt your pelvis into a more ergonomic position. If you are shorter, you may find that using a footrest also assists with maintaining proper posture. Check out our footrests here.
Hands and wrists should be in the same neutral position as your head. Lay your arm and hand flat on the table by extending them forward. Keep the hand, wrist, and forearm as perfectly aligned as possible.
Utilise whatever input devices you’re using with your hands in a neutral posture for as much of the time as feasible. If you have an ergonomic desk or chair, adjust the height of your table or chair, as well as the distance between you and your keyboard and mouse.
Remember, keep the ‘B’ on your keyboard in line with your belly button.
The final point of emphasis is on behaviour. Take regular breaks and get moving as much as you can around your workstation.
The optimal habit is to take a little break every 20 minutes to stand up and stretch, perhaps for a minute or two. Better still, go for a walk while making a cup of tea or coffee. Circulation, comfort, and performance all benefit from movement. It also reduces the likelihood of injury.
Try to reduce the amount of time your body spends executing one repetitive task. Consider using a voice-to-text app or dictation software if your profession necessitates a lot of typing. For support with Assistive Technology recommendations and/or training visit our dedicated page here.
To conclude we thoroughly recommend that individuals and employers research and invest in standing desks to make workspaces as comfortable and productive as possible. If you have a question about any of our ergonomic desks or would like to book a FREE consultation with one of our experts email us today at ergo@remtek-online.co.uk.
Stand-up desks had their time in the spotlight, but are they part of a trend that is sticking around? The short answer is yes, but the long answer is that it depends on what you are looking for out of the desk.
With all the conveniences built into our modern lifestyles it can be hard to get in the daily dose of activity that the body requires to operate at its prime. Combine this with the massive shift in the workforce over the last 50 years, from jobs that require activity and movement throughout the day, to jobs that require sitting at a desk for prolonged periods with little physical activity, and it’s easy to see why sitting has become public enemy number one. With over 80% of the American workforce now working in sedentary jobs, it’s critical that we find ways to be more active throughout the workday.
In recent years, workplace design has evolved to combat the “sitting epidemic” by creating spaces that encourage movement throughout the day. A variety of tactics have been implemented, including placing meeting rooms and breakrooms on the other side of the building, installing open stairwells between floors and even using standing workstations to promote wellness.
The standing desk has been a topic of much debate as numerous studies and articles on the topic conflict each other, causing much confusion on the benefits of these types of workspaces. Although the standing desk will never replace actual movement and exercise throughout the day, they can still be beneficial by helping us all sit less, while remaining focused on work related tasks.
Not sure if standing workstations are right for your office? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of the standing desk.
Overall, we believe that a standing desk is not going to instantly make you healthy, but it can provide benefits if used in moderation and with proper ergonomics.
With the pros and cons of standing desks, it can be confusing to figure out what is right for you and your employees. The great news is that many standing desks are adjustable so you can use them while standing or sitting. By utilizing adjustable options, you can unlock the pros of standing and then combat the cons of standing for prolonged periods of time.
There are two types of adjustable tables—a pneumatic option that lets you move the desk up and down with the push of a lever and a little manual power, OR an electric adjustable height table that moves up and down at the push of a button. Adjustable tables can be simple tables, but there are now entire adjustable executive desking options as well.
Even when you are standing, you need proper ergonomics. Utilizing adjustable drafting chairs makes it easier to move from sitting to standing. Specific stools also help create a partial-sit/partial-stand position, which puts your spine in a natural S curve shape as well as allowing for an even distribution of pressure on the lower body. However, the backless design is not for everyone and may be best for touchdown spaces where employees gather for impromptu collaboration sessions.
While standing, also consider using an anti-fatigue mat to provide your body with a more comfortable experience
Wanting to try out a stand-up desk but don’t have a large budget? A desk riser might be a great option! An adjustable standing desk converter is an affordable way to create a standing workstation without having to replace an entire desk. There are many options and colors to match your current desk size and décor.
Looking for the right desk option (standing or not) for your employees?