Are Standing Desks Ergonomic?

Ergonomics is designing a workspace ergonomically designed to suit the worker.

Ergonomics is about creating safe, productive, and comfortable workplaces for employees.

This brings us to the question, are standing desks ergonomic?

Yes, standing desks are ergonomic as they allow you to embrace the positions your body is best suited for. Standing desks can make your office more ergonomic.

Read on as we explore the benefits of standing desks. 

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics studies humans and tools used to live and work.

Our comfort, safety, efficiency, and productivity aim to improve our well-being.

These ergonomic tools include the monitor arm, desk, anti-fatigue mats, footstools, curved keyboards,  etc.

Principles Of An Ergonomic Environment

Sitting for long periods reduces your ability to move.

You should move your body. Your blood circulation is decreased, and you feel more pain.

Research has also shown that standing desk users have higher energy levels and are less stressed.

Standing desks can increase morale in the office.

The main principles that are relevant to ergonomic environments include:

• In a neutral and comfortable position
• Work at the right height for your head and eyes
• Ability to move and stretch

These principles say that you must ensure your body is in a natural place while working to optimize your workplace.

To avoid straining your back or neck, ensure that your computer and desk are at the right height.

You should also ensure you can move about and stretch throughout your work hours.

Your body can become stiff and irritable if you stay in one place for too long.

A standing desk can be an ergonomically useful accessory if used properly.

Because it encourages more movement than a standing desk, a standing writing desk can be a great ergonomic accessory.

Standing desks allow your body to move more freely.

This is in contrast to sitting at desks, where your limbs can be restricted.

Standing makes employees more productive and alert.

These factors make standing desks very efficient in an ergonomic environment.

How To Setup A Standing Desk Ergonomically

Below are exciting ways to get the most from your standing desk:

Desk Height

You must first adjust the height of your desk.

Your standing desk should be at least the height of your elbows.

Your forearms should be parallel with the ground while working on your keyboard.

Your neck, arms, and hands should be kept as low as possible while you work.

Your forearms should rest comfortably on the desk.

Monitor Height

You must also ensure that the monitor is properly set up.

Your eyes should be in line with the top of your computer monitor.

The monitor’s top should be tilted slightly backward).

This is so that you don’t have to tilt your head to the type or see.

Your neck muscles are put under a lot of strain when you tilt your head for too long.

Arranging Items On Your Desk

To avoid straining your wrists or putting pressure on your wrists, your computer mouse should be kept close to your keyboard.

You can strain your wrists and wrists by moving your hands in unnatural ways.

This is especially important for video editors who work at standing desks.

You can arrange extra items on your desk to reach the ones you use most often.

This increases efficiency.

This will allow you to save time by not having to stretch unnecessarily if you have stationery, water, or a phone at your desk.

Extra Accessories For Your Standing Desk

You can add some options to your standing desk to optimize your comfort.

You can purchase an anti-fatigue mat to reduce foot fatigue.

Anti-fatigue mats reduce fatigue by encouraging gentle movement of the legs.

This reduces tiredness from standing and improves blood flow to the feet and legs.

For your standing desk, you can also get additional arm supports.

These attach to your desk and provide soft padding under your wrists and arms.

It prevents wrist movement and is much more comfortable than resting your arm on the desk.

A leaning chair that creates an angle between your legs and torso can be purchased.

These “seats” allow you to lean back and work at your standing desk.

This allows you to create a variety of positions that your body can be in while you work.

Things To Remember When Using Standing Desks

It is important to remember these things when you’re at your desk.

Position Yourself Correctly

When working, ensure sufficient distance between your eyes (and the screen) and your computer monitor.

Your eyes should be at least 51 to 71 cm from the screen.

You should measure this distance when standing straight up and not leaning forward.

Your wrists should be at a 180-degree angle to your forearms.

This means that you should keep your wrists straight and flat.

Your wrists can become arched over time, which can lead to injury.

You can rest your foot on a small stool or footrest if you feel right.

Then you can switch between standing on one leg and standing on the other.

You can also move into stretching positions with practice.

Posture

Keep your shoulders back and maintain a straight posture at your desk.

Your shoulders should not be rounded. Your back should be straight but not too bent.

A good posture means that your knees are slightly bent when you stand.

This neutral position is good for preventing hyperextension and joint locking.

Your head should be straight and pointed directly at the computer monitor.

It shouldn’t tilt either up or down. You shouldn’t need to adjust the desk if it is properly set up.

Remember that your best friend is comfortable shoes.

Standing desk ergonomics are not suited for high heels.

FAQs

Here are the top questions people ask about ergonomics on the standing desk.

What is workplace ergonomics?

Workplace ergonomics refers to the science of creating a workspace that is comfortable and reduces strains (such as carpal tunnel syndrome or neck pain) while also increasing productivity and efficiency.

How can you sit comfortably at your desk?

Your elbows, knees, and torso should be 90 degrees.

Your feet should be flat on a hard surface. The monitor should be at a distance that is the same as the screen from your eyes.

What makes a desk ergonomic

Standing desks are ergonomic as they allow you to stand, reducing the risk of injury resulting from inactivity for long periods.

A monitor arm can make a desk more ergonomic.

What is the correct height for a desk?

The keyboard should be at least elbow high, so the keyboard is at hip level, so the hands are about the same height as the elbows.

A keyboard tray can help achieve the right height.

Are standing desks ergonomic?

Yes. It allows users to change their positions at any time.

Sitting for long periods can cause back pain and other health problems.

Final Thoughts

We have extensively discussed the top reasons why standing desks are ergonomic.

Also, you need to ensure your standing desks are properly set up to offer the needed benefits. So, are standing desks worth it?

Yes, standing desks have many benefits, and you may want to try one today!