Should you invest in a standing desk for your home office? Complete guide.

Ok so should you invest in a standing desk? The short answer; yes. I may be a bit biased because I love them but hear me out. In this article I will explore why you should invest in your own standing desk, but of course I appreciate that we all have our individual preferences. Personally, I have definitely noticed a difference when I am utilising a standing desk compared to sitting.

There is plenty of research now that looks at the impact having a standing desk has on your posture, productivity and overall health. Studies have found that the benefits range from reduced sedentary behavior, improved focus and lower risk of certain health issues.

.

Let’s explore the health benefits, the practicality of a standing desk such as space requirements, pricing and assembly and everything you need to know before investing in a standing desk for your home office setup.

..

The world of remote work is changing and more and more people are looking for ways to optimise a home office desk setup. In fact this has become a top priority for some. More and more workplaces have invested in standing desks and now people who work from home are also investing in a standing desk. When considering a standing desk for your own home office setup you will need to weigh up the potential benefits against the practical considerations. So, let’s see if a standing desk is the right fit for you and your workspace.

.

What are the health benefits of a standing desk?

A standing desk is an amazing practical tool that has seen a range of health benefits emerge such as improved posture, reduced risk of sedentary-related health issues, and enhanced energy levels. I don’t know about you, but I have worked a 9-5 job that required me to sit for up to 8 hours a day. I was constantly feeling tired, sore, tight and to be honest frustrated that I was stuck in that position for a long period of time. I was also experiencing neck and back pain which increased over time. There is so much research now that shows that a standing desk can alleviate back and neck pain associated with prolonged sitting.

..

A standing desk has also shown to increase circulation, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.

..

Personally, I noticed increased focus and productivity when I went to a standing desk, which a lot of others also find as a benefit. When standing your body engages more muscles, preventing stiffness and lethargy that usually comes with prolonged sitting. Have you ever felt tired, so you stand up to “wake yourself up”? That’s because when you stand up more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your muscles and brain, enhancing your alertness and overall energy.

..

A standing desk can also alleviate back pain by promoting better posture and reducing the strain on your lower back. When you set up your standing desk properly it encourages you to be in an upright position, preventing slouching or hunching which is common with prolonged sitting. This improved posture helps distribute body weight more evenly, reducing the stress on the spine. Humans were not designed to sit for long periods of time, standing encourages our core muscles which provides better support for the back. I recommend investing in an anti-fatigue mat and wearing comfortable shoes with prolonged standing to prevent any discomfort.

..

It’s also important to balance the sitting with the standing and incorporate regular movement.

..

What practical requirements should you consider when investing in a standing desk?

Let’s break this down into dot points:

• Height adjustability: When considering a standing desk, you will need to find one that can be adjusted to your preferred standing and sitting heights. Standing desks only adjust to certain height so if you are quite tall you will need to ensure that the one you purchase can be adjusted to a height that doesn’t cause you to be in a hunched position.
• Stability: Look for a stable and sturdy desk design to prevent wobbling or tipping when adjusting the desk.
• Workplace size: Measure the dimensions of your workspace and assess whether or not a standing desk will fit in your home office workspace. When working from home we all have our own requirements so make sure that this setup accommodates you and your workstation.
• Ease of use: Find a product that is user friendly such as mechanical controls that make going from sitting to standing a smooth adjustment.
• Build quality: A standing desk should be an investment so you want to ensure it is quality and will last.
• Assembly: Check reviews about assembly, especially if you are like me and you prefer minimal setup challenges.
• Price: Establish your own budget and compare different models within your budget. There are plenty of options out there.

When you consider these practical points it will help you choose a standing desk that aligns with your workspace needs and will enhance your overall comfort and productivity.

Standing desk versus sitting

A more important question is should you invest in a standing desk or an ergonomic chair? . The answer is yes. Using a standing desk has health benefits, such as reducing sedentary time and improving posture. It’s important to find the right balance though between sitting and standing. It’s important to have the option though and invest in a quality standing desk with adjustable features. Also balance out the sitting portion by investing in an ergonomic chair.

Standing desk and walking pad combo

Combining a desk with a treadmill, these encourage movement while working. They’re suitable for those who want to stay active throughout the day. And an excellent opportunity to get in those sneaky steps! You don’t need a big bulky treadmill, in fact there are treadmills specifically designed to fit right under your standing desk.

What should you budget for a standing desk?

The cost of a standing desk varies based on factors like design, materials and features.

A desktop converter could be as little as $50 and as much as $500.

A fixed-height standing desk for a basic model may set you back from $100-$300.

Adjustable-height standing desks could be around $300 and up to $1000.

Premium or customized options are what we call high end standing desks. These could set you back from $1000-$3000.

We have reviewed the top five affordable standing desk options for you.

Ergonomic requirements for a standing desk.

Correct desk height:

The desk height should allow your elbow to form 90-degree angle when resting comfortably on the desk. This promotes a neutral wrist position.

Monitor placement:

The top of your monitor should be at or slightly below eye level. This helps maintain a natural neck position, reducing strain.

Keyboard and mouse positioning:

Keep your keyboard and mouse at a height where your arms form a 90-degree angle, ensuring a relaxed and neutral position.

Anti-fatigue mat:

Use a cushioned, anti-fatigue mat to reduce strain on your legs and feet. This will also assist with enhanced circulation, joint and muscle relief and increased productivity. I recommend investing in an actual anti-fatigue mat as they are designed to be non-slip and ensures safety and stability.

Ergonomic chair for breaks:

If your standing desk is adjustable, use a chair occasionally to break up periods of prolonged standing. If you find yourself sitting for long periods, I suggest investing in an ergonomic chair.

..

Investing in a standing desk can really transform your home office workplace and can positively impact your physical wellbeing and work productivity. With available standing desks now being adjustable from sitting to standing, the decision to invest in one becomes easy. You don’t have to commit to one or the other and can alternate between standing and sitting throughout your day. The potential benefits really do make a compelling case for incorporating a standing desk into your home office.

..

Before investing in a standing desk take some time to consider your specific needs, any space constraints and the practical points mentioned above. Creating a workspace where you can alternate between sitting and standing, with regular movement can contribute to a more dynamic and healthier work routine. A standing desk isn’t just a piece of furniture, it’s an investment in yourself which will help you improve your health and your productivity moving forward.