Are you looking for a solution to eliminate your back pain and be more active and productive at work? Working standing at your desk could be your solution, this simple habit can transform your daily life at the office by reducing your back pain, the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle on your health and help you be more active in your daily life. In this guide, we provide you with all the information you need to work standing at your desk and see the positive effects on your health and productivity for yourself.
The benefits of working standing at the office
Standing at your desk has many benefits, including reducing back pain, improving blood circulation, increasing productivity and keeping you active at your desk.
Reduces your back pain
Standing at a desk can significantly reduce back pain caused by prolonged static sitting. Using a sit-stand desk that allows you to alternate between standing and sitting is a great way to reduce pressure on your spine, helping to relieve back pain and tension while remaining active at the desk.
Improves blood circulation
After spending several long hours sitting behind your desk working, you may feel heaviness in your legs or have varicose veins. Working standing at the desk allows you to be constantly active, stimulates blood circulation by promoting better venous return. This contributes to a feeling of general well-being and better leg health.
Increase your productivity
Working while standing can also help you improve your productivity. Standing allows you to be more focused, alert, and engaged in your tasks. In addition, it helps reduce periods of fatigue and inattention that can occur while sitting at a desk. Finally, changing your posture can boost creativity and improve problem-solving skills.
Helps you stay active in the office
Working while standing at your desk using a sit-stand desk can help you stay active throughout the day. You can also incorporate simple exercise or stretching exercises that you can do at your desk to improve your fitness at work and adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle.
If you want to know how to exercise discreetly at the office, or are looking for sports exercises or stretches to do at the office, do not hesitate to consult our articles:
- The 12 Best Office Stretches to Relieve Stress and Tension
- How to exercise discreetly at the office? Accessories and exercises
- 10 Exercises with a Ball at the Office: For an Active and Balanced Life
In summary, working standing at your desk has many benefits for health, well-being and productivity. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can improve your posture, stimulate blood circulation, increase your efficiency at work, and stay active throughout the day.
Working while standing at your desk has many health benefits, including improving productivity, reducing back pain and keeping you active throughout the day.
How to choose the right sit-stand desk?
Types of Sit-Stand Desks
There are two types of sit-stand desks, you need to know the two options available to make the best choice according to your needs. The two categories of sit-stand desks are manual sit-stand desks and electric sit-stand desks. Manual sit-stand desks are adjustable using a crank or levers that allow you to adjust the height of the desk, its desk is cheaper, but also less practical than electric desks with which you just have to press a button to adjust the height. Electric desks offer more comfort and flexibility, there are also hybrid desks that are both manual and electric.
Ergonomics and adjustability
Ergonomics and adjustability are essential criteria when choosing your sit-stand desk for working standing at the office. First of all, you must ensure that the desk can be adjusted to a height that suits you and allows you to work comfortably both sitting and standing, depending on your height and your office chair.
We recommend opting for an electric or hybrid desk with easy-to-handle adjustments and a locking mechanism to maintain the position you choose. Your sit-stand desk should allow you to adjust the height effortlessly and smoothly to alternate between sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
Materials and durability
The materials used to make the standing desk have a direct impact on its durability and strength. We recommend choosing a standing desk made of sturdy and durable materials such as metal or solid wood, which ensure a long life. Also check the quality of other components of the desk such as levers, cranks, adjustable feet and work surfaces. A good standing desk should be durable, it should not deteriorate quickly or become deformed.
Remember to check out reviews from other buyers when making your purchase, as well as manufacturer warranties.
To choose the right sit-stand desk for you, you must therefore take into account the type of desk, ergonomics and adjustability as well as construction materials and durability.
How to adjust the height of your desk?
Whether you work standing at a desk or sitting, adjusting the height of your desk is essential to adopting good posture naturally.
What height for your desk?
When working standing at a desk, the height of your desk should allow you to form a 90-degree angle, the same when you are sitting, however your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest and your knees should form a 90-degree angle. Adjust the height of your desk according to your height and personal preferences to avoid poor posture and muscle tension.
Dynamic posture while standing and sitting
To avoid health and back problems related to prolonged static sitting, it is important to change positions regularly by alternating between sitting and standing. You can use accessories such as lumbar cushions to support your lower back and adjust the height of your office chair for optimal comfort. When working standing at your desk, do gentle movements or rocking to improve your blood circulation and reduce fatigue. You can also take small steps to avoid stiffness and stay active at your desk.
To learn more about the posture you should adopt at work, don't hesitate to consult our article: Gestures and posture at work: The right reflexes to adopt
Using active seating
Using active seating such as the Bloon ball seat can significantly improve your posture and comfort at work. Active seating encourages gentle movements and promotes better posture in a natural way, strengthening your core, abdominal and back muscles while sitting. Active seating has many benefits such as improved posture, reduced back pain, increased productivity, prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, reduced stress and improved well-being.
We can recommend the Bloon active seat, which in addition to being an ergonomic ball seat for the office, allows you to do sports in the office at any time and fits perfectly into any office design. To find out more, read our article: Bloon active seat: The ergonomic solution for your well-being
By following these tips for adjusting your desk height and adopting dynamic posture practices, you will contribute to increased comfort and better health at work.
The best way to improve your productivity, health and comfort at work is to set up an ergonomic workstation that includes a sit-stand desk and active sitting.
Practical advice for a successful transition
Making the transition from a traditional desk to a sit-stand desk is a great move to improve your office health, but it does take some preparation. Here are some practical tips for making the transition.
Take it step by step
We recommend that you work standing at your desk only for short periods of 10 to 30 minutes per hour to start getting used to standing. Finally, once you are used to it, you can gradually increase your time working standing at your desk. This will allow your body to adapt without creating excessive fatigue or pain.
Pay attention to your posture
The goal of sit-stand desks and active or dynamic sitting is to adopt good posture in a natural way. Whether you are sitting or standing, make sure your screen is at eye level, your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle, and your feet are comfortably resting on the floor or a footrest. Adopt a dynamic posture by alternating between sitting and standing regularly.
Take active breaks
Use your transition from sitting to standing as an opportunity to incorporate more physical activity into your work. Take regular breaks to walk, stretch, or do light exercise. This will help you avoid fatigue and stay energized throughout the day. Small active breaks can also improve your focus and productivity.
If you are looking for exercises to do with the Bloon active seat, check out our article: 10 exercises with a ball at the office: For an active and balanced life
Listen to your body
Listen to your body as you transition, if you feel pain or discomfort, don't hesitate to adjust the height of your desk or the duration of your standing sessions. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, find your rhythm and the setup that works best for you.
Finally, working standing at the desk has many benefits, it improves productivity, well-being, posture, blood circulation and reduces back pain. To work standing at the desk you just need to integrate a sit-stand desk into your workstation and make your transition gradually.
FAQ: Working standing at a desk
What are the benefits of working standing at the office?
There are many benefits to standing at your desk, including reducing back pain, improving blood circulation, increasing productivity and staying active at work.
How do I choose my sit-stand desk?
When choosing your sit-stand desk, consider several criteria, such as the type of desk (manual, electric or pneumatic), its ergonomics and ease of adjustment, as well as the manufacturing materials to ensure its durability. We recommend that you choose a desk that is easily adjustable in height and that meets your personal needs, in terms of comfort and workspace.
How do I adjust the height of my sit-stand desk?
Your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle when working in a standing or sitting position. Your computer screen should be at eye level to avoid neck strain. When sitting, make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are also at a 90-degree angle.
How much time can I work standing at the desk per day?
We recommend starting out by standing at your desk for short sessions of 30 to 60 minutes, then alternating between sitting and standing every hour. The long-term goal is to spend about 2 to 4 hours standing per day. You need to listen to your body and adjust the duration according to your comfort.
What ergonomic equipment is useful for a sit-stand desk?
The most useful ergonomic equipment for a sit-stand desk is an active chair, an anti-fatigue mat to reduce pressure on the feet and legs, a footrest to support the legs while seated, and an adjustable monitor stand to keep the screen at eye level.
Is standing work suitable for everyone?
Standing work is not suitable for everyone. People with circulation problems, joint pain or specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before changing their work routine.
What is the difference between a manual, electric and pneumatic desk?
A manual desk is adjusted in height using cranks or levers, the manual desk is an economical option but requires more effort to change position. An electric desk allows for smooth and effortless height adjustment at the push of a button it provides more comfort and flexibility. A pneumatic desk works with a compressed air system to adjust the height, it offers faster adjustment than the manual desk, and does not need an electrical power supply.
Where can I find quality sit-stand desks?
You can find quality sit-stand desks at specialty office furniture stores, online retailers like Amazon, Ikea, or directly from manufacturers like Fully, Uplift Desk, or VariDesk. We recommend reading user reviews and checking warranties to ensure the quality of the product.
Is it good to work standing up?
Yes, standing up for work has several health benefits, such as reducing the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, improving posture, and increasing productivity. However, it is important not to stand all day. Alternating between sitting and standing, combined with regular movement, is the key to maximizing the benefits of standing work.
