Your sit-stand desk arrived, and you are excited to get started. You know that sit-stand desks improve health, energy [1] & productivity, that’s why you bought one. The next step is to change your work style to accommodate this new way of working, so you can get the most out of your sit-stand desk.
How to Transition to a Sit-Stand Desk
Your body
Changing the habit of sitting all day, to using a sit-stand desk is a marathon, not a sprint. The muscles in your legs and back will need time to adjust. Slowly increase the time you spend standing until you feel comfortable.
- Set Timers – Use an alarm clock to remind yourself to change position. Habits take a while to change. If you are used to sitting all day, then use a timer to remind you to change position, and build new habits.
- Ergonomic Standing Position – Make sure you know how high the desk should be for you to be in an ergonomic position while standing and sitting. Stand with pressure evenly on both feet with pressure more to the balls of your feet and shoulder width apart. Make sure to keep your back straight, your head directly over your shoulders, and your shoulders relaxed. Your upper body should be in the same position as when you are sitting.
- Take Breaks! – Just because you can now stand while doing your work, you still need to take time away from your desk. Go for a walk at lunch, go to the gym, move to a common area for collaborative tasks, and eat in the lunchroom. The change of scenery will do you good, and moving is good for your mind and your body.
- Stretch – Stretching and making small movements while standing can prevent back, leg, and feet aches. Always make sure to be considerate of other people in the office when doing certain stretches. Be discreet, and wear appropriate clothing. Here are some exercises that you can do in a small space http://www.mnn.com/money/green-workplace/stories/do-you-work-on-your-feet-all-day-read-this
Your Workspace
- Chair Safety – Have a place to put your chair when you are standing, so it is not in the way. The key is to make sure you have enough space to move around while standing and can easily access your chair when you need it.
- Cord management – Cords should be long enough to extend to the highest position
- Keep the space under your desk clear – You may not need the space when you are standing, but when sitting, you want to have a clear space for your knees and feet. Keep the bulk of your personal items in a locker away from your desk. For items that you need close at hand use a locked drawer unit that fits your workspace; some options have a bench-like top that can double as a seat when you need it.
- Floor Fit for Standing – Look for the ‘Goldilocks’ plushness for under your feet: not too hard, and not too soft. Standing for any length of time on flooring such as hardwood, concrete, and even some carpeted floors, can be hard on your body. Many look to individual anti-fatigue standing mats for extra padding.
These are some ideas to consider when going from being confined to a desk when you are forced to sit all day, to the freedom of a sit-stand desk where you can change positions while still getting your work done. Our team can help you find the right sit-stand desk to fit your work style and space.
Always remember that these are general guidelines. Contact your HR manager to see what options are available to you at your workplace. And it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional when integrating new habits that can affect your health and wellbeing.
References
[1] ’The proportion of workers who reported they had enough energy throughout their workday increased seven-fold, from six percent to 44 percent when using sit-stand desks,’ Dr Chau said ( www.dailymail.co.uk; Research Workers that use Sit-Stand at Work are More Energised and Productive – viewed April 15, 2016)