Does your standing desk give you lower back pain? Do you find yourself hunching forwards in the middle of the day due to fatigue? At the end of the week, do your feet hurt? Did you begin at the desk with high hopes for the increased "productivity," "comfort," and "energy" that you were promised, only to find that these benefits were illusory?
Ergonomic tables have seen tremendous growth in popularity in recent years. The advantages of a standing desk at an ergonomic height are starting to be recognised by the general public. Whenever you look, you'll find a variation on the old adage that "Sitting is the new smoking, and it's time to quit." A lot of the credit for this shift goes to the advent of the information age and the subsequent expansion of automation in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
Most people used to spend their days standing at work, either in a factory or out on the fields. Because of this, most workers were able to get enough exercise while still on the clock. Now, in the modern era, most jobs can be performed while sitting at a desk and there is little need for employees to spend extended periods of time on their feet. Inactivity has been linked to rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and back pain. Millions of us who spend our days at a computer could benefit greatly from an adjustable table raise to alleviate this newfound problem.
The terms "standing desk" and "ergonomics" are gaining popularity these days. The health benefits of standing desks are numerous because they encourage their users to spend less time sitting and more time moving. Ergonomics is the study of creating stress-free workplaces for people to do their jobs in. Modern offices that are designed with ergonomics in mind provide a more pleasant place to work compared to the conventional, painful workplace. One way to learn more about ergonomics is to use a sit-stand desk, but are standing workstations actually more comfortable to use? Below, we've detailed the solution.
Standing desks conform to the three major tenets of ergonomics, which include correct posture while working, decreased tiredness, and enhanced mobility. Check This Out.
If you want to avoid pain and discomfort while working, good posture is the most important component. Hence, correcting your posture is a primary goal of ergonomics. Good posture is always described as being "well-balanced" or "aligned" when discussing ergonomics.
Ergonomics places an even greater emphasis on maintaining energy levels. It's a common foe of our productivity at work. Although we start off with a lot of vitality, it gradually fades away over time. The term "ergonomics" is used to describe the study of all the aspects that contribute to a healthy and happy workplace. It encourages natural motion, which helps you maintain a calm and stress-free state.
It may come as a surprise to learn that standing desks adhere to all three of the foundational tenets of ergonomics, but this is just one of the many ways in which they improve workplace health and productivity. If you believe that standing workstations are inherently ergonomic, then... In short, no. These workstations are not ergonomic desks per se, but rather ergonomic aids that will improve the quality of your day at the office.
Is A Standing Desk Ergonomic? No.
No, they can't do it by themselves. But, they ARE a vital component of an ergonomic setup, which would be improved by the addition of an anti-fatigue mat, an elevated footrest, and a standing desk chair.
Let's start with the foundational notion of a relaxed, natural posture. As you stand up, your body doesn't automatically adopt a neutral position. If you don't have anything to prop you up, your drooping shoulders and hunched back are a sure sign of tiredness. Most people find that sitting, or perching, with their pelvis tilted forwards, is more relaxed than standing. Since it encourages a 'neutral spine,' or one without tension or stress, the perch posture has recently been shown to alleviate low back discomfort. But, without an adjustable chair, a "perch" is not conceivable at a standing desk. See here.
The phrase "ergonomics" is probably not new to you. UX design is the method of creating systems, products, or processes with the goal of satisfying the needs of the people who will use them in mind.
As an offshoot of OSHA, ergonomics emerged throughout the industrial revolution with the goal of reducing the prevalence of common workplace injuries such as back strains and muscle sprains related with lifting and bending. The 1980s marked the emergence of ergonomics as a field with application in the workplace. Increasing computer use has been linked to an uptick in occurrences of Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand due to wrist-based median nerve compression characterise a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive wrist bending and extension, as in keyboarding, or medical problems like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Because of the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, we now know that the standard 29" height of an office desk is insufficient for the majority of people. In response to a rise in reported cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, manufacturers created movable keyboard platforms and arms.
What about our intention to take frequent breaks where we get up and move around? The truth is that if you stand for hours on end without a backrest or cushion, you will be exhausted and in pain at the end of the day. Both sitting and standing for long periods of time are impractical for mobility. When you stand for too long, you stop paying attention to your body and may miss signals that it needs you to move about or stretch (indicators like stiffness, discomfort, and pain).
An Ergonomic Tool Is A Standing Desk.
Posture: Unless you actively work to improve your posture, a sit-stand desk will not help. These height-adjustable desks do not force your body into compliance with the "proper posture guideline." This leaves you vulnerable to basic postural errors like hunching over your desk without the tools to remedy them.
Fatigue: Although a sit-stand desk is intended to get you up and moving around during the day, the novelty will wear off quickly if you have a habit of sitting in one place for hours at a time. Hence, to maximise efficiency, switch up your working posture regularly. Knowing how much time is spent sitting versus standing is also important.
Movement: It's true that getting up and moving about more often will help you feel better, so consider getting a desk that can be adjusted to different heights. Yet you can't beat the health advantages of walking and stretching. Ergonomics promotes a comfortable workplace by decreasing the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries like backache, neck pain, and wrist strain.
The adjustable height of your desk is an example of ergonomics; additional examples include an anti-fatigue mat and a standing desk.
Sit-stand desks are only part of what you need for an ergonomically sound workplace. Here, we've kept the list short to help you easily create a workspace conducive to improved health and productivity.
Benefits
The health and well-being of office workers can be enhanced by the use of a height-adjustable ergonomic table, which allows them to get up and move around more frequently throughout the workday. Standard desks often come at a single height and require workers to alter their sitting posture to accommodate the available work space. People are more likely to remain in one place for extended periods of time. Because of this, the user is more likely to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. But, height-adjustable tables make for a far more comfortable office environment. In addition, users of varying statures can find comfortable working postures at the standing desk. This aids in the prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders and other chronic health issues that might affect office employees (MSDs).
Having a more secure workstation is yet another advantage of an ergonomic desk. Each workstation at a modern office usually houses a personal computer. Add in the many screens, printers, and other gadgets, and soon you have a tangle of wires and cables everywhere. The potential for harm is very high here. You might be surprised to learn that trips and falls are a common source of injuries at work. That's why lots of companies who make adjustable tables also sell wire clips and similar accessories. Having a neat and tidy work area would greatly reduce the possibility of injuries caused by tripping and falling. Find more info.
Ergonomic table lifts are not only good for the health of your employees, but they can also boost productivity. As we discussed before, it only makes sense that a company's productivity would increase if it took steps to reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries and boost the health of its employees. Table lifts aid workers in a variety of ways, some of which are not immediately obvious. Standing up from sitting several times a day has been shown to improve worker productivity. Their new working position will help them remain attentive and focused on their work. As an added bonus, an ergonomic office environment demonstrates that the company values its workers' health and is willing to make an investment in their wellbeing. Staff morale is boosted and new hires are attracted as a result.
You probably know about the emergence of ergonomic tables unless you've been working in a cave for the past few years. The trend of firms caring about their workers' health and providing for it is growing. Desks that can be adjusted to the user's height will soon be standard in workplaces of all types.
FAQs About Standing Desk
A standing desk is ergonomic because it gives you the option of standing, reducing the risks that come with long periods of inactivity. Monitor arms can also make a desk more ergonomic.
Summary of the proper way to use a standing desk.
- Always adjust your standing desk to your elbows' height.
- Keep your neck tall and your shoulders relaxed.
- Don't lock your knees while standing.
- Keep your screen at eye-level.
- Keep your wrists straight and parallel to the desk surface.
Those who used standing desks during the studies reported an improvement of up to 32% in their lower back and neck pain after using the desk for a period of several weeks.
Sitting behind your desk all day is bad for your health and experts have long been advising people to stand at their workstations for about 15 minutes an hour. But a University of Waterloo professor says his research shows that people should be standing for at least 30 minutes per hour to get health benefits.
If you want to improve your posture and reduce eye strain, a standing desk is a smart option. Standing leads to better overall posture and a stronger core. Your spine falls into a harmful “C” shape, from craning your neck toward your monitor when you remain at a sitting desk for hours.
What Should You Know About Sit-Stand Desks?
One of the most common issues is employees who have been given a sit-stand desk or who have moved into a cubicle that already has one but who have not been given adequate training on how to utilise it. This might have devastating consequences.
Many people, mistakenly believing that prolonged standing is good for them, do so in these circumstances. In addition, they probably adjusted the height of their desk incorrectly, which increased their time spent hunched over.
Most people don't realise that the position of their monitor(s) in relation to their workstation changes depending on whether they are seated or standing. This occurs as the natural variation in eye distance between the user and the typing surface takes effect.
If you don't have a monitor stand that can be adjusted, you may end up with neck pain.
Lastly, when shopping for standing desks, make sure the top is big enough to accommodate all of your office necessities, including phones, keyboards, mice, writing surfaces, and calculators. If not, you'll have to stoop over and reach for controls instead of staring down at your screen.
If you stand at your desk all day, anti-fatigue mats are not a good investment. Because of this, your body's internal feedback system will be muted. Discomfort is a signal from your body that you need to adjust your position.
Still, you should put on some comfortable shoes. Shoes with a high heel or cowboy boots are not conducive to use with a sit-stand.
What Can You Do To Make A Difference?
You get that standing desks are in style since they are tidy and modern looking. But so did the ball chairs. Spending on unnecessary equipment giveaways takes money away from other, more pressing needs. Don't fall for the sit-stand fad; instead, incorporate regular brief walks throughout your workday, switch between standing and sitting, or even pace while on the phone. There will definitely be a change as a result of this.
The phrase "sitting is the new smoking" is widely used today. Contrary to popular belief, standing at your desk is not the new smoking. More walking than standing is required. On top of that, a walk provides a much more substantial break from standing than simply shifting your weight from one foot to the other.
When compared to sitting, standing for three hours burns as many calories as are found in a single carrot. With more than four carrots, a half-hour walk is a nett energy loss. For me, the answer is quite clear.
If you're using a sit-stand, that's excellent, but keep in mind that you'll need to be much more cognisant of ergonomics than at a standard desk. It's important to learn more about this if you aren't already aware of it.
Conclusion
Ergonomic tables became popular due to the information age and industrial and agricultural automation. In addition, standing workstations are becoming more popular due to their health benefits. Ergonomics—the study of workplace comfort and productivity—starts with good posture. Employ a sit-stand desk to investigate ergonomics.
Since most people's wrists are too long for a 29" office desk, keyboard platforms and arms are adjustable. Standing all day without a backrest might tyre you out. Adjustable desks, anti-fatigue mats, and standing desks can help you maintain proper working posture. Ergonomics can avoid repetitive stress problems like backache, neck pain, and wrist strain. Ergonomic table lifts allow office workers to stand and exercise more, improving their health. They reduce slips, trips, and falls, making workplaces safer.
More companies are offering height-adjustable desks to improve employee health. Sadly, many think standing for long durations is beneficial, which causes neck stiffness and hunching. Avoid anti-fatigue mats, and make sure your standing desk can contain all your office equipment. Despite the widespread saying "sitting is the new smoking," working while standing is not. Instead of sitting all day, move around. High heels and cowboy boots are better for sit-stand ergonomics. Three hours of standing burns the calories in a carrot.
Content Summary
- Ergonomic tables have seen tremendous growth in popularity in recent years.
- The advantages of a standing desk at an ergonomic height are starting to be recognised by the general public.
- Now, in the modern era, most jobs can be performed while sitting at a desk, and there is little need for employees to spend extended periods on their feet.
- Inactivity has been linked to rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and back pain.
- The terms "standing desk" and "ergonomics" are gaining popularity today.
- Good posture is the most important component if you want to avoid pain and discomfort while working.
- The term "ergonomics" describes the study of all aspects contributing to a healthy and happy workplace.
- It may be a surprise to learn that standing desks adhere to all three foundational tenets of ergonomics, but this is just one of the many ways they improve workplace health and productivity.
- If you believe that standing workstations are inherently ergonomic, then. In short, no.
- These workstations are not ergonomic desks but rather ergonomic aids that will improve the quality of your day at the office.
- But, they ARE a vital component of an ergonomic setup, which would be improved by adding an anti-fatigue mat, an elevated footrest, and a standing desk chair.
- Because of the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, we now know that the standard 29" height of an office desk is insufficient for most people.
- Both are sitting and standing for long periods are impractical for mobility.
- Posture: You need to actively work to improve your posture so that a sit-stand desk will help.
- These height-adjustable desks do not force your body into compliance with the "proper posture guideline."
- Hence, to maximise efficiency, switch up your working posture regularly.
- The adjustable height of your desk is an example of ergonomics; additional examples include an anti-fatigue mat and a standing desk.
- Sit-stand desks are only part of your need for an ergonomically sound workplace.
- The health and well-being of office workers can be enhanced by using a height-adjustable ergonomic table, which allows them to get up and move around more frequently throughout the workday.
- But height-adjustable tables make for a far more comfortable office environment.
- Having a more secure workstation is yet another advantage of an ergonomic desk.
- Ergonomic table lifts are not only good for the health of your employees, but they can also boost productivity.
- Standing up from sitting several times a day has been shown to improve worker productivity.
- Desks that can be adjusted to the user's height will soon be standard in workplaces of all types.
- One of the most common issues is employees who have been given a sit-stand desk or moved into a cubicle with one but still need adequate training.
- Many people mistakenly believe prolonged standing is good for them but do so in these circumstances.
- In addition, they probably adjusted the height of their desk incorrectly, which increased their time spent hunched over.
- Most people need to realise that the position of their monitor(s) about their workstation changes depending on whether they are seated or standing.
- If you don't have a monitor stand that can be adjusted, you may end up with neck pain.
- Lastly, when shopping for standing desks, ensure the top is big enough to accommodate all your office necessities, including phones, keyboards, mice, writing surfaces, and calculators.
- Discomfort is a signal from your body that you need to adjust your position.
- Shoes with high heels or cowboy boots are not conducive to use with a sit-stand.
- Stay away from the sit-stand fad; incorporate regular brief walks throughout your workday, switch between standing and sitting, or even pace while on the phone.
- Contrary to popular belief, standing at your desk is not the new smoking.
- More walking than standing is required.
- If you're using a sit-stand, that's excellent, but remember that you'll need to be much more cognisant of ergonomics than at a standard desk.
- It's important to learn more about this if you still need to.