We know that standing desks come with a wealth of benefits. Standing at your desk can improve both mental and physical health while working in an office. So, how long should you stand at your desk?
As standing desks increase in popularity, it’s not hard to see why so many office workers are converting to height-adjustable working environments. There has been extensive research into the workplace advantages and health benefits that come with using a standing desk, from enhanced productivity to reducing the risk of heart disease.
This newfound technology and research come with a wide variety of questions for users. Once you’ve purchased a standing desk, adapting to the new working position can be tricky. With little information or guidelines of the best ways to use standing desks, we thought we’d break down how long to stand at standing desks, how to set standing desk height some tips to maximise productivity while using your standing desk.
How Long to Stand at Standing Desks in the Office?
In case you’re unaware, sitting for a full eight hours a day at work has been proven to be incredibly harmful to both mental and physical health. Combatting sedentary behaviour is nothing new; however, standing desks are a relatively recent addition to modern workplaces that provide a solution to sedentary behaviour.
There is plenty of evidence that demonstrates the many benefits that come with using a standing desk. However, if you’ve done your research, there really isn’t that much conclusive research on just how long to stand at a standing desk to improve health.
If you’re wondering how long to stand at desks at work, you’re not alone. Many are keen to jump on the trend of standing desks at work, as the impressive number of benefits that come with implementing these desks at work seems too good to be true. So, once you’ve gotten your new desk, how long should you stand at your desk to reap these benefits?
How Long Should You Stand at Your Desk?
Despite what many believe, using a standing desk does not equate to standing while working all day. In fact, it is recommended that users of standing desks alternate between sitting and standing – which can easily be achieved with a sit to stand or height adjustable desk.
How long you should stand at your desk can be determined by a ratio of sitting to standing. In the beginning, for every 1-2 hours that you spend sitting, you should aim for at least 1 hour of standing; alternativist between sitting and standing every 30 minutes.
Once your body has adjusted to standing at work, you’ll feel much more comfortable at your standing desk. When it becomes a natural habit in the office, you want to ideally move to a sitting to standing ratio of 1:1; with half of the day spent standing at your desk, and the other spent sitting. This even split ratio should still be undertaken with switches every 30 minutes to an hour, to avoid putting strain on the body.
Keep in mind that if you go straight from sitting all day to standing for the full 8 hours the day after, your body is going to be very confused. If you don’t ease into using your standing desk, you run the risk of developing leg, back or foot pain. If you’ve just purchased a new standing desk, ease into how long to stand at desk stations and start with 30 to 60 minutes, gradually increasing the amount of time standing each day.
The Risks of Standing at Desks for Too Long
Believe it or not, standing at your desk all day is not healthy either. A common question that our customers ask when purchasing height adjustable desks is: Is it okay to stand at my desk all day?
To which the answer is no. Standing all day at your standing desk is not okay – and even comes with its own health risks. Standing for too long can increase muscle tension, the risk of heart disease, the risk of varicose veins, slouching, and back pain.
So, while standing desks are a fantastic addition to your office, standing at your desk all day is not the solution. If you’re still wondering how long to stand at standing desks without putting yourself at risk of these problems, you need to find your optimal sitting to standing ratio. Research suggests that once you’ve gotten used to standing at a desk, you should aim for a 1:1 ratio of sitting to standing.
How to Use A Standing Desk Correctly
Purchasing a standing desk is one thing; understanding how it can benefit your working space is another. There are a number of steps that you can take to maximise the benefits and productivity of a standing desk. Epic Office have broken down the top tips for how to use a standing desk correctly here:
- Alternate Between Standing and Sitting
As discussed earlier, office workers should aim to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday. While a ratio of 1:1 for sitting and standing is great, it’s important to ensure that you’re alternating between the two every 30-45 minutes.
- Find Your Optimal Standing Desk Height
Your standing desk should be adjusted to offer the perfect height for your body. You should be able to adjust the height easily so that while working, your eyes align with the top third of the screen. Having your desk too high or too low could put a strain on your neck, back and shoulders. Your desk should be at or slightly below elbow height.
- Use an Anti-Fatigue Mat
Anti-fatigue mats are commonly used in workplaces where employees require extended periods of standing, such as while working on a product line or at a counter. Anti-fatigue mats work to combat muscle fatigue by encouraging small movements of leg muscles, improving blood flow and reducing discomfort while standing.
- Evaluate Standing Desk Keyboard Height
Working extended hours on the computer can put a strain on your wrists. For this reason, it’s important to evaluate your standing desk keyboard height. The ideal angle for your keyboard while standing is for it to be positioned and tilted slightly upwards, ensuring your wrists are straight when typing.
Shop Standing & Height Adjustable Desks Today
Now that you know everything there is to know on using standing desks correctly, there has never been a better time to invest in a new standing set-up. At Epic Office Furniture, we stock a wide range of height-adjustable desks, electric standing desks and ergonomic workstations for every type of office.
The experts in office furniture in Australia, Epic Office will ship your standing desk directly to your door, with fast and reliable shipping across the country. If you still have some more questions on how long to stand at standing desks, do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly furniture specialists today, either online or on 1300 883 438.