
Standing Workstation Ergonomics: Frequently Asked Questions
Standing Workstation Ergonomics: Frequently Asked Questions
Standing workstations accounted for 95% of desk sales in 2019, and experts expect this number to rise. Those interested in proper workstation ergonomics (ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment) already know that standing desks contribute to an ergonomic office by improving employee health and productivity.
Keep reading if you’re considering a new desk for your office or home office. Below are a few frequently asked questions about standing workstations that the ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. commonly answer.
What are the Benefits of a Standing Workstation?
The popularity of standing workstations is no mistake. The standing workstation can help combat the adverse effects of sitting all day. There are many health benefits to using a standing workstation. Here are a few.
- Lower Blood Sugar – Standing after your lunch break can help reduce the blood sugar spike from eating. High blood sugar levels are associated with poor health. A sedentary lifestyle is a precursor to Type II Diabetes. Even something as simple as standing to digest your meal can lower your risk.
- Lowered Risk of Weight Gain – Even standing in one place at your standing workstation burns more calories than sitting. To stave off weight gain, you must burn more calories than you eat. An afternoon spent standing at work instead of sitting can burn 170 calories; if you stand every afternoon all week, you can make a big difference.
- Lower Risk of Heart Disease –Exercise is key to lowering the risk of heart disease but sitting all day may negate the effects of your workout. Standing appears to be better for heart health.
- Higher Energy Levels – You’ve probably noticed how sleepy you feel sitting at your desk, especially in the afternoon. Studies show that standing workstations can decrease feelings of fatigue and stress. Your body is more alert when it has to hold itself up.
What are the Downsides of a Standing Workstation?
After going over the benefits of standing while working, we must acknowledge that there are also risks to standing all day the same as there are risks to sitting all day.
Jobs that require standing for many hours have shown to cause pain and swelling in the feet along with certain vascular complications. Standing all day can also add unnecessary strain on your hips, ankles, and knees.
This is why most people will choose to invest in a sit-stand desk that allows you to lower and raise the height of the desk throughout the day. Our ergonomics consultants recommend setting a timer to switch between sitting and standing to allow for a more a balanced workday.
Related Article: “Sitting vs Standing at Your Desk”
Standing Workstations FAQ:
Now that you know you can sit and stand throughout your work day using a sit-stand desk, let’s try answering a few frequently asked questions about standing workstations that the ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. commonly answer below.
Will a Standing Workstation Help with My Back Pain?
Standing workstations can reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain. In some experiments, even individuals with chronic back pain found relief from standing desks.
How High Should I Have My Standing Workstation?
To determine your standing workstation’s correct height, stand up as you usually would. Then, bend your elbows until your forearms are parallel to the ground.
The distance between your elbow and the floor is the ideal height for your workstation. Adjust the height depending on what shoes you’re wearing or if you use a desk mat.
Are Standing Workstations Affordable?
There are many different options for workstations. Some are very affordable, and others are more pricey. The cost will depend on the number of different configurations, the mobility of the unit, and the types of built-in accessories. Shop around for what suits your budget and your needs.
Standing Workstation Ergonomics
The popularity of standing workstations speaks for itself. Workers love standing workstations for the health benefits, like decreased risk of heart disease and weight gain to improved back pain and energy levels.
However, as we noted, our ergonomics consultants recommend purchasing an adjustable sit-stand desk that will allow workers to take a break from standing and sit down throughout the workday.
If you have other standing desk questions or need more help finding ergonomic solutions for your workplace, contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. for a consultation.
We offer both in-person ergonomics assessments and virtual ergonomics assessment. Through our detailed assessment tools, you can find out exactly what you need to fix in the office for better health and productivity in the workspace.
Check out our website SolutionsNW.com for more details on how you can find the best office setup today!
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Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:
Multiple Locations
Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

Portland/Salem, OR
