Finding the right desk for you can be tough. There are so many things to consider.
Should you sit? Should you stand? How high should the desk be? How much work space do you need? Not to mention… what does the desk look like?
You’re looking for a desk with purposeful aesthetic, a balance of form and function. But the confusing part is that when you sit down to do some research, there are so many different opinions and conflicting research studies on the “perfect desk”.
The truth is that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all perfect desk solution. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each solution and find out what’s right for your situation. To help you do that, we’ve compiled a list of resources for finding the right desk.
(If you’re a Safety/HR/Office Manager and you’re in charge of selecting desks for your office, grab a free copy of our office ergonomics checklist.)
11 Resources to Help You Find the Right Desk
Sitting and Standing at Work
This post from CUErgo provides a balanced view between the perils of sitting and the perils of standing too much. According to the author, the key is to build frequent movement variety into the normal workday.
Sit to Stand: Effective Dynamic Workstations or Expensive Static Desks?
This is another balanced view of the sit-stand debate. Read this post for a great review of the health concerns of sedentary work and also the benefits and challenges of sit-stand workstations.
5 Solutions to Common Mistakes in Implementing Sit-Stand Workstations
If you’re going to implement sit-stand workstations, avoid common mistakes and get it done right the first time.
Video: An Overview of a Standing Workstation
In this video, Steve Meagher gives and overview of a standing workstation.
Research in Sitting and Standing
While often over-hyped, “sitting disease” is a real challenge. This page is a resource hub for the research behind sitting disease and the dangers of sedentary work.
Ergonomic Guidelines for Arranging a Computer Workstation
When selecting a desk, it’s important to make sure it is compatible with the rest of your computer workstation. See these ergonomic guidelines for arranging your workstation so the desk fits into the overall workstation puzzle.
Standing Workstations Are Older Than You Think and Here to Stay
According to this interested read in Fast Company, “Sitting down to work has only become the norm for the past few generations of modern workers. Michelangelo, Thomas Jefferson, and Ernest Hemingway all stood up when they worked.”
Ideal Height Calculator for Desk, Chair and Keyboard
Use this handy tool from The Human Solution to determine the ideal height for your desk, chair and keyboard.
Truth vs. Myth: Should Treadmill Desks Be Used to Prevent Sitting Disease?
Should you combat sitting disease by conducting your work while walking at a treadmill desk? We tackled this question in the most popular installment of the Ergonomics Plus Truth vs. Myth series.
How to Choose (or Build) the Perfect Desk For You
Check out this article on Lifehacker for the pros and cons of many of the issues surrounding your desk selection: desk shape, storage and working surface, construction and quality, and style.
Desk and Work Surface Height
Finding your ideal desk and work height can improve your posture and help prevent painful back, neck and arm problems. If your desk doesn’t fit, you will find yourself hunching over, craning your neck forward, and straining your eyes and arms to find comfort.
Get Up and Move!
There is one thing we know for sure: getting regular movement into your daily routine is vital to your health and well-being as an office athlete. Sitting at a desk all day is not what your body is designed for. The human body is designed to move. Stretch, go for a walk, or do a few of your favorite yoga poses. The bottom line is that you need to get your muscles moving and your blood flowing.
Grab a free copy of our office ergonomics checklist
For more on how to set up your office workstation, grab a free copy of our office ergonomics checklist.
