Standing desks are in vogue. These pieces of office furniture allow people to work while standing. The rationale is that standing is much healthier than sitting for many hours. Good standing desks should not have any impact on the quality of work done. Therefore, choosing a functional and ergonomic standing desk is not a simple task.
In all companies, productivity is of utmost importance. Since productivity is closely related to a worker’s mood, a standing desk contributes to increasing productivity in a company. No wonder modern offices are full of motorized desks and other sophisticated accessories. So, a standing desk brings benefits for workers and employers alike. Why not choose one for your office?
If you are unfamiliar with standing desks, you might be a little bit confused when you see the different options available in the market. You can find standing desks in different sizes and shapes. What is better for you, a rectangular or an L-shaped standing desk? What other features you should pay attention to? In this article, we try to answer all these questions to help you choose the ideal standing desk to increase your productivity at work while remaining healthy.
A Few Considerations Before You Buy a Standing Desk
Fixed tables and desks are often regarded as outdated office furniture. In contrast, standing desks are new-age office hardware. You can adjust the height of the tabletop of a standing desk, so you can shift between sitting and standing during a workday. Medical research has found that sitting for many hours for prolonged periods can lead to many health problems. But standing for a long time can be harmful too.
So, when you are in the market for a standing desk, the first thing you need to consider is the easiness to adjust the tabletop height. In this regard, the best standing desks are electric. These desks are equipped with electro-mechanic devices known as lifting columns. A lifting column consists of an electric motor and a mechanism that converts rotation into up-and-down motion. The result is that you can adjust the tabletop’s height with the push of a button.
Other options in the market like manual standing desks are not recommendable. So, now that you know that the best option is an electric standing desk, you can start choosing the best one for you. You should take into account factors such as:
- Height range;
- Size and shape;
- Noise level;
- Speed;
- Lifting power.
Confused? Do not worry. We will discuss each of these factors separately.
Height Range
This factor refers to the minimum and maximum tabletop height that your standing desk can provide. If you buy a standing desk for yourself only, you can test whether the desk allows you to work comfortably in sitting and standing postures. If more than one person will use the standing desk, then it is better to get the largest height range possible. Some vendors recommend an ideal range between 22.6” and 48.7”. But these values can vary depending on the height of the person (or persons) that will use the standing desk.
Size and Shape
Typically, desks have a depth of 30”, but this value can be larger if needed. If you choose a rectangular desk, make sure the width and depth provide enough area to do your tasks. Also, verify that you have sufficient area for your computer, printer, notebooks, and other accessories. If your office space is limited, you can optimize it by choosing an L-shape standing desk. This type of desk fits perfectly in a corner, giving you more working area to keep your work organized.
Noise Level
An electric standing desk generates noise because of the electric motors it includes. Some standing desks are noisier than others. Noise can or cannot be a problem, depending on your particular situation. If the standing desk is for your home office, the noise level may not represent any problem at all. However, if it is for a shared office, you should ask your colleagues if their mind the noise when you adjust your tabletop’s height. If noise is a problem, choose the quietest standing desk available.
Speed
This factor refers to how quickly the standing desk can raise or lower the tabletop. Again, the importance of this factor depends on your particular conditions. For your home office, speed might not be as critical as in a regular office.
Lifting Power
A standing desk has a limit on the weight it can lift. Therefore, you should estimate the weight of all the things you usually put on the tabletop. Choose a standing desk with enough power to lift the estimated load. Allow for a weight margin to be on the sake side.
Final Remarks
With the above considerations, you can be sure you will choose the ideal standing desk for you. Remember to measure your office space before you start shopping for a standing desk. Also, make sure there is at least one electrical outlet at the place where you will install your standing desk.
