7 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Sit-Stand Desk

An eight-hour workday can make staying alert and fully focused a challenge for even the most invested employees. Standing desk ergonomics can go a long way toward improving focus over the course of the workday. It also puts you in a better mood, since your body releases endorphins while standing. 

Experts recommend the use of a sit-stand desk to optimize alertness and reduce the risk of back pain due to prolonged sitting. Meanwhile, a standing desk allows for calorie burning at a rate of 50 calories per hour. That means over 30,000 calories are burned in a year if you stand for three hours per day. 

A workstation that incorporates a sit-stand desk allows employees to maintain focus while burning excess energy. However, before you get approval for the purchase and run out and buy the first sit-stand desk you see, it might be a good time to do some research and consider a few factors. 

7 Factors (Beyond Budget) for a Sit-Stand Desk Purchase

There are a variety of things to consider when you decide to purchase new office furniture. In addition to the budget, which is always going to factor heavily into any purchase, there are seven things to consider specifically for a Sit-Stand Desk purchase:

1. Assembly
2. Length of Use on a Daily Basis
3. Fit
4. Features
5. Reviews
6. Warranty
7. Shipping Timeline

Below, we go into detail for each of the seven factors:

Assembly: A Sit-Stand Desk can be heavy, which means assembly could require two or more people. Research the expectations for the desk you choose, so you can be prepared if you need help. 

Length of Use on a Daily Basis: The goal is to spend around two hours of your eight-hour workday standing or moving. If your work day is longer, factor in additional time to get away from a seated position. With this in mind, look for a desk that will be optimal for both sitting and standing, while not taking time away from your focus on work tasks.

 Fit: Read carefully when the desk description outlines the measurements, and make sure the desk will fit your office. If the workstation will have multiple users, it is a good idea to look into the capability for adjustment - and the potential noise levels during that process. 

Features: Consider whether you will need additional features, such as a keyboard tray (with or without a mouse platform), and see if these are included with the desk you are considering or if they will need to be purchased separately.

Reviews: Look at customer reviews and see if the feedback matches the expectation set by the website. Some customers may have run into an issue you haven’t considered, so you can benefit from their feedback before you invest in a desk that won’t work out for your needs. 

Warranty: Read carefully what parts of the desk are covered (i.e. motor, legs, surface) and the details of the return process if there is an issue. 

Shipping Timeline: In today’s retail environment, it is a good idea to make sure the desk you choose not only is in stock but has a reasonable shipping time frame. There could be any number of reasons the desk could get held up in transit, and that will be an issue when you are hoping to use it as soon as it arrives. 

Using a Sit-Stand Desk Properly

Purchasing a sit-stand desk is the first step to changing your workday and implementing standing desk ergonomics, which can reduce injury risk. However, in order to make that work to your advantage, you need to know the best way to incorporate standing into your daily routine. 

Alternate Sitting and Standing

According to Healthline.com, the current research supports a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 during your workday. That means, for every hour to two hours you spend sitting, you should spend an hour standing. The recommended plan is to alternate between sitting and standing every 30 to 60 minutes. 

Adjust position

This refers to not only your position at the desk, but also the position of your keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Make sure that you are comfortable in whatever position you will maintain as you focus on your task. 

Also, make sure that the keyboard and mouse are within easy reach and that the top of the monitor screen is at eye level. It should have an upward tilt of 10 to 20 degrees as well, and the monitor should be between 50 and 100 cm from your body. 

When it comes to the desk, it should be around 44 inches off the ground for a person who is 5’11”. The goal is to have it elbow height so that your elbows can rest on the desk surface and be at a 90-degree angle with the ground. 

Take Breaks

While standing is helpful to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries due to prolonged sitting at work, it is still a good idea to walk away from your workstation, stretch and give your eyes a break. Clearing your head can be a great way to encourage creativity as well. If necessary, try downloading an app to schedule reminders (there are plenty of free options available). 

Use Arm Support

If you find you feel pressure on the wrist that operates the mouse, arm support is a good investment. This helps reduce that pressure and also decreases the risk of neck and shoulder problems in the future. 

Have a Reliable Standing Surface

It is important to have a floor surface in your office that facilitates standing without putting you at risk of a slip or fall. In addition, there are anti-fatigue mats available that, when combined with your sit-stand desk, optimize blood flow and help with lower back and leg pain. 

Reach Out for Assistance

Standing desk ergonomics are new and can be hard to navigate. Proper research can help you find the right one to suit your workspace. Weber Knapp experts can help you find the best accessories for your desk in order to optimize your office setup.