Is a Height-Adjustable Desk Right for You?

You’ve seen the ads. Your friends and coworkers tell you they’re all the rage. And now the time has come for you to seriously consider getting a height-adjustable desk. Height-adjustable desks can be a great option for some people, but keep in mind that not all “ergonomic” options are a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s explore the ergonomic benefits of using a height-adjustable desk, as well as a few questions you can ask yourself to determine whether a height-adjustable desk is right for you. 

What is the Benefit of a Height Adjustable Desk? 

A height-adjustable desk allows you to easily change positions throughout your workday. Instead of a standard desk, which requires you to remain in a seated position all day long, a height-adjustable desk allows you the option of standing. From an ergonomic standpoint, this is beneficial, because it accomplishes the ergonomic goal of changing positions periodically throughout your workday.

A height-adjustable desk can help you keep your body moving at the office. If you regularly remain in one position for long periods of time, whether it is sitting, standing, or lying down, it will have detrimental effects on your health. Keeping your body moving helps maintain and improve your overall health, and it also increases productivity, which in turn makes you feel happier at work. By allowing for variety in work positions, a height-adjustable desk can help maintain proper ergonomics at the office.

Is a Height-Adjustable Desk Right for You?

Although height-adjustable desks offer potential ergonomic benefits, they are not right for every individual in every situation. Before purchasing a height-adjustable desk, ask yourself the following questions to ensure it is the right fit for you.

1. Am I sitting more often than I am standing?

If you find that you sit more than you stand at work, then a height-adjustable desk is a great option to consider. A height-adjustable desk allows for position changes throughout your workday, easing the strain and fatigue that can occur with remaining in a seated position for long periods of time. 

If you already spend much of your day standing and find that you are often away from your desk at work, then using a height-adjustable desk to stand would actually have negative physical effects on your body. Instead, explore options where you can sit temporarily while still getting work done efficiently. If your current desk is at a standing height, implementing a height-adjustable desk and lowering it to a comfortable sitting height is a great option. This allows you the option of sitting periodically throughout your day, giving your lower extremities a break.

 

2. Am I capable of implementing new habits into my work routine? 

Everybody is capable of implementing new habits into their work routine, but the process of doing so takes a lot of discipline and intention. The reality is that getting a new height-adjustable desk does not automatically change your routine. We are humans, and humans are creatures of habit. I have found that most people are disciplined and enthusiastic about their new height-adjustable desk for about the first week or so. After a short time, the excitement begins to wear off. Before long, many people tell me they just don’t take the time to use the height-adjustable option on their new desks. Old habits die hard, so implementing a height-adjustable desk into your work routine will take some intentionality. 

If you plan to utilize a height-adjustable desk in your office space, it is helpful to look into some of the additional training that comes with it. It is important that you learn how to properly position the height of your desk when standing in order to take full advantage of the ergonomic benefits a height-adjustable desk can deliver. Using external cues to remind you to stand periodically throughout your workday can help solidify this new habit until it becomes a natural part of your workday flow. 

 

3. Do I have the option to wear flat, supportive shoes when I stand? 

Having the option to stand throughout your workday is great, but keep in mind that standing places more burden on your lower extremities than sitting does. Flat shoes with adequate arch support are the best footwear option when using a height-adjustable desk in a standing position. Wearing heels will diminish your tolerance for standing and will also create more force and pressure to the smaller joints in your feet. These little joints are not designed to sustain this type of pressure, especially for long periods of time.

Standing in one place is a more strenuous task than it may seem, as the weight of your body and the force placed on your feet is constant while standing. Wearing the right footwear will allow you to stand more comfortably while using the best muscles to support your weight. Check out one of our previous blog posts that covers footwear to see all the options and brands best fit for you!

 

4. Do I have a supportive office chair for when I am not standing?

Keep in mind that your desk is just one important piece of ergonomic equipment in your workspace. Even if you do get a height-adjustable desk, you will still be seated longer than you are standing. That is why having a supportive office chair cannot be overlooked. Make sure you are familiar with the ergonomic guidelines for choosing a properly fitting and supportive office chair.

Height-adjustable desks are simple to use and can be found easily in most office furniture stores and sometimes in warehouse stores. If you live in a smaller city that does not sell office furniture locally, purchasing one online is a feasible option. There are many options to choose from, but some are significantly better than others. To make sure you are getting the best option for your setup, follow the upcoming ergonomic training tips and tricks for using a height-adjustable desk.

 

Also, check out our YouTube video below for a visual representation of the blog!