Many employees are choosing to invest in their physical and mental well-being by purchasing new ergonomic equipment like standing desks for their workspace. With so many options available, knowing what standing desk to buy and how to set it up can seem like a daunting task.
This guide breaks the process down into easy and actionable steps to help you choose the right standing desk to add comfort and a new sense of energy to how you work.
Create Your Wish List
As you start researching, search for equipment that can be adjusted to your dimensions to create a personalized fit. With a standing desk, consider the travel range between sitting and standing. This height adjustability allows you to have a neutral posture when sitting and standing.
Create a list of accessories that would help you stay comfortable and productive. Monitor arms and drop-down keyboard trays can help make your workspace a perfect fit.
Select a Reputable Company
There are a lot of choices when it comes to purchasing a standing desk. Choose to invest in a brand that puts the customer experience first.
Top companies offer product training, warranties, and free shipping and flexible return policies. Look for a brand with many years of experience and a long history of positive customer reviews.
Accessibility and communication channels can also help you decide on a leading manufacturer. Research their customer service hours and see if they offer online chat or email options. Companies with live customer support are more likely to provide personal assistance during set-up and months down the road instead of having you rely on automated virtual assistants.
Select a customer-focused company that recognizes the unique, individual process of choosing and using a sit-stand desk and provides the customer outreach to match.
Equipment Selection
Now it’s time to find the desk that’s the right fit for you and your space. When selecting equipment, quality and fit are key. Prioritize the investment in a high-quality desk that’s designed for the long-term. After all, an active workstyle is a permanent lifestyle change that will pay dividends in future comfort, productivity, happiness and health.
Step 1: Choose the type of desk that will work best with your space and style.
- A desktop converter is placed on top of your current desk, so you can make use of what you already have, depending on the weight capacity. The thickness and construction of your desk will determine whether a front-mount, back-mount or on-surface converter design is most compatible.
- A freestanding, stationary desk often has a large worksurface that’s fully height adjustable. Choose this style if you have heavy equipment, more than two monitors, or require a large space for papers and other items.
- A freestanding mobile desk offers the flexibility to move from one room to another, for quick collaboration or to easily find a quiet spot to work.
Step 2: Create a shortlist of products.
Using your workspace priorities, create a shortlist of products that have the adjustability and features you’re seeking. Then, choose the product that best fits your style and needs.
Step 3: Customize your desk with accessories.
Select equipment and accessories that promote good posture, like an external monitor and adjustable monitor arm. For a clutter-free space, a wireless keyboard and mouse can reduce cable chaos. Add an anti-fatigue standing mat to ease the transition to an active workstyle.
Making the Purchase
Before clicking “add to cart,” investigate possible reimbursement options. Ask your manager or the HR team about well-being initiatives that include standing desks.
As part of the spike in remote work, a growing number of employers are offering one-time payments to remote workers that partially or fully cover the cost of height-adjustable desks and monitor arms.
Also ask if your organization can order products in bulk and pass the savings on to employees. In some cases, it takes as few as three products to qualify for a corporate discount through a furniture or IT reseller.
Other options may include:
- Reimbursement accounts: Individuals with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) may qualify for reimbursement. When available, these accounts are a great way to leverage pre-tax dollars on ergonomic furniture. The process can be as simple as providing a letter that outlines how the item will be used.
- Medical accommodations: If you have been advised by a doctor or chiropractor to use a height-adjustable desk, you might qualify for accommodation through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other country-specific programs. Your employer will guide you through the process and any necessary documentation.
Delivery and Installation
Quality standing desks and desktop converters are made from heavy-duty materials and often ship fully assembled. That makes installation easy, but it also means boxes can be large and heavy.
Plan for the delivery like you would a piece of small furniture to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
- Before the product arrives, read the installation instructions and prepare your space. Some products require two people to unbox or lift into place.
- Request help from a family member, friend or neighbor, or you could make an appointment with a local handyman or installation service to move, install and adjust your new desk.
Once installed, gently lift and lower the adjustable desk and any mounted monitors, checking the user force. Some products require fine-tune adjustments until the equipment moves effortlessly. If the product isn’t performing as expected, contact a customer care specialist for one-on-one assistance.
Start a New Routine
Adopting an active, ergonomic workstyle is like a new fitness routine. Start slowly and give your body time to adjust and strengthen. Resist the temptation to stand all day, especially when starting.
Gradually increase the time spent standing until you reach a comfortable balance and decrease workday sitting by half.
Use visual or verbal cues as a reminder to change positions. When you walk away from the computer, raise your workstation to standing height. You could also choose to stand whenever you have a conference call or set a timer and change positions every 30 minutes to follow the Sit-Stand Switch™.
Kickstart a Healthier Workday
For more information on how to buy and use a standing desk that revitalizes your work routine, download our full white paper.
