Top 3 Mistakes With Your Sit Stand Desk
The growing popularity of infusing ergonomics in the workplace has brought a lot of benefits to workers in both office and home-based workstations. Various equipment and tools are introduced in the market to provide amazing features that aid in promoting productivity and efficiency. They also help in preventing the risks of having serious health conditions such as heart diseases, neck and back pain, weight gain, digestive problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fatigue. One of those ergonomic breakthroughs is the sit-stand desk which is now becoming a common item in most offices.
Common Mistakes With Your Sit-Stand Desk
A standing deskrefers to a desk used by a worker to perform a job while standing upright or while sitting. It is now a well-known equipment in the workplace that offers a solution to the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
Several studies have revealed that sitting for long hours have a negative impact on our health and work performance. Thus, using sit-stand desks is one of the most effective ways to solve the issue. Although a sit-stand desk is an excellent answer to such a problem, it’s essential to know that standing all the time can still pose some risks. If you have purchased your sit stand desk, it is crucial that you know how to use it properly.
Mistake #1: Standing too long
Having a sit-stand deskat work does not mean that you should be standing all day. As a matter of fact, experts advise alternating between sitting and standing in the workplace. We all know that too much sitting can pose various health problems, but standing for long hours can also cause leg pain and fatigue. It is recommended to stand at work for two hours in the beginning and then build up standing for three to four hours a day.
Moreover, it is important to add cushion under the feet, so it provides a softer ground floor. Using an anti-fatigue mat can help workers stand during those hours in a more comfortable position. Using this type of mat can also encourage movement when standing.
Mistake #2: Not setting up your standing desk at the right height
One of the common mistakes people in the workplace make is to have their desks set up at the incorrect height. An effective rule for a sit stand desk posture is to have your elbows not less than 90 degrees angle. Moreover, your screen should be slightly below eye level. This may cause first-time users some level of discomfort at first. The good thing is that there are monitor arms available today which are designed explicitly for sit-stand desk users. They aid in maintaining the right standing desk posture by having the computer monitor height properly adjusted from the keyboard position.
Mistake #3: Having bad posture
Posture should be one of the most critical factors to consider at work. Poor posture can bring not only discomfort but may also cause more significant health issues. Having a bad posture can lead to back pain, fatigue, constricted blood vessels, and others.
Infuse good ergonomics principles in your work. Choose an ergonomic chair, as well as a quality sit-stand desk. Of course, you can also use an ergonomic mouse and keyboard for more comfortable and efficient work experience.
When using a computer, make sure that your monitor is raised at your eye level. Your eyes must be 20-28 inches away from the monitor. As previously mentioned, it is crucial to alternate between sitting and standing. Switch to standing every 20-30 minutes, as advised by ergonomic experts.
So, How To Properly Use a Sit-Stand Desk?
A sit-stand desk, as well as other ergonomic products, are all fantastic innovations we should be thankful for. It is important that these are used in the best way possible. Below are some of the few tips to properly use the sit-stand desk:
#1 Adjust the sit stand desk to the proper height standing. You should stand up straight while working on our standing desk. Keep the shoulders back, letting them relax with your arms naturally hanging at your side.
#2 Make sure that your elbows are positioned at a 90-degree angle. This will keep your neck as well as the wrists to feel relaxed and positioned correctly. You can also lower or lift the sit-stand desk to keep the elbow on its proper height. This will also let the forearms parallel with the surface of the desk.
#3 Ensure that the wrists are always kept neutral. This is to ensure that the fingers can hang down to reach the keyboard. Your wrist should not be inclined too high or too low.
#4 It is also crucial to adjust your sit stand desk to the ideal height when sitting. To do so, make sure to adjust the height of your chair. This is to ensure that the seat cushion will be parallel to the base of your knees. Your feet should always be kept flat on the floor when you’re seated, leaving a space between the front seat and the back of your knees.
#5 Just like when standing, you can also lower or lift the sit-stand desk to meet your proper elbow height. They should be bent at a 90 degree angle, while your arms hang comfortably near the torso. The armrests of your chair should be barely touching your elbows. Your hands and wrists should feel relaxed when typing on your keyboard.
#6 Maintain a good posture. Keep an upright posture while sitting with a good support of a chair’s backrest. Ideal support should be padded or curved to prevent back pain and fatigue.
#7 Use an anti-fatigue mat to prevent injuries linked with a motionless, sedentary lifestyle.
To be able to benefit from your sit-stand desk in the workplace fully, it’s imperative to learn how to use it properly. The good news is, if you already have standing desks in your office, your employees clearly care about ergonomics and a healthy working environment, and you’re clearly not in an office from hell. Use these tips and you’ll be improving your health, productivity, and efficiency in no time!