Common Standing Desk Mistakes

It’s no news that standing while you work is becoming the new normal in the modern-day office. As people begin to realize the benefits of standing as opposed to sitting all day, standing desks are popping up in offices around the world. Standing desks can be a great tool to increase your health, productivity, and collaboration at work, but take note there are wrong ways and right ways to stand. Here are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

1. Standing too long

Many people have become accustomed to the belief that, if you own a standing desk, you should be standing all day. This is far from the truth. Studies* actually recommend that you work towards standing for two hours in the beginning and eventually build up to standing for four hours a day, alternating between sitting and standing. Too much of anything is a bad thing, so don’t negate your standing benefits by ditching sitting completely.

2. Not having your standing desk at the right height

Even when sitting, many people do not have their desks at the correct height for their bodies, but when standing, it becomes apparent very fast when your desk doesn't match your height.

A good rule to follow for standing desk posture and height is to keep your elbows at no less than a 90-degree angle and your screen at, or slightly below, eye level**. If you're having a tough time getting into the standing routine or feel like your standing desk isn't working its wonders, monitor arms can make a world of difference. Monitor arms specifically designed for standing desks can help you to maintain proper standing desk posture by adjusting your computer monitor height separately from your keyboard height.