It has been proven that sitting at a computer all day has a negative effect on the back muscles and can cause a variety of health problems. As a result, height-adjustable desks are becoming increasingly common in offices and studies, allowing users to alternate between sitting and standing positions. How do they work? And what benefits do they offer users?
How to sit and stand correctly?
If you don’t want to strain your cervical spine or trapezius muscles, you need to sit upright at your computer. Don’t let your elbows hang down, but rest them lightly on the desk so that they are level with your shoulders. This will make you feel comfortable even after several hours of work. Your legs should be slightly apart, with your knees at a right angle, which an ergonomic office chair will help you achieve.
However, sitting for long periods of time is not natural for the human body. According to the latest trends, you can spend part of your working time standing up. This activates individual muscles and relieves your back. This will help you concentrate better on all your tasks and increase your overall productivity. And if you tend to slouch, there is nothing easier than using a tabletop with an ergonomic cut-out that mimics the armrests of a chair.
So, improving your company’s results doesn’t always mean paying for expensive training for your employees or staying late at the office. Height-adjustable desks also play a big role in the quality of work done. And while you’ll work best sitting down in a calm and collected state, creative work and performance are better when standing.
Manual and electric control
In addition to dimensions, the choice of table is also influenced by the method of operation. The worktop can be raised and lowered manually, using a crank or screws, or simply by pressing a button on the control panel. Many models now also support smart technologies, allowing them to be controlled via a mobile app on your smartphone.
Design according to your ideas
It is no longer true that height-adjustable tables have to be made of wood. On the contrary, it is entirely up to you which material and color you choose. For example, combinations of wood and metal or metal and glass have proven to be very popular. There are countless color options available, but neutral tones are a safe bet, as they look subtle and unobtrusive. However, if you prefer an original look, choose tables with an unconventionally shaped and adjustable tabletop or contrasting acoustic elements.
You can’t do without an ergonomic chair
You will probably alternate between standing and sitting during working hours, so you will need an ergonomic office chair on casters. Here, too, high-quality materials play an important role. An adjustable backrest with a headrest and 4D armrests are also a must, meaning you can adjust their height, width, and depth. With a height-adjustable desk, this chair is an indispensable pair for a healthy back and an overall comfortable working environment. Finally, all you need to do is add other practical equipment such as storage space, electrical connections, charging points, or acoustic panels.
Regular breaks and stretching exercises
Even the best adjustable desk cannot work miracles, and without regular exercise, it will not relieve your back pain. So if you have a sedentary job, don’t forget to do compensatory exercises, stretch regularly, and get some fresh air. According to occupational health and safety guidelines, you should take a 5- to 10-minute break every two hours. However, some experts recommend these short breaks after every hour.
If you sit or stand up straight, you shouldn’t suffer from back pain. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with a short walk or a few stretching exercises that you can do right in your office. You can find plenty of instructions online on how to exercise to achieve the desired effect without disturbing your colleagues at the next desk.
