What is a standing desk?

A standing desk also referred to as a height adjustable, sit-stand or stand-up desk, allows the user to work more healthily in both standing and seated positions.

Experts recommend regular change of posture and position throughout the workday to avoid the risks of prolonged sitting and boost metabolic burn by becoming more active at work. Intermittent standing throughout the day reduces multiple health risks but also improves performance, creativity, motivation, and productivity whilst you work.

Standing desks are increasingly becoming the new norm for office workers who wish to reduce their risks of the “sitting disease” during the workday.

Why should you work at a standing desk?

Height adjustable desks enable you to transition easily between sitting and standing. This has many benefits and most importantly you work more healthily, more comfortably and more productively.

Experts recommend regular change of posture and position throughout the workday to avoid the risks of prolonged sitting and boost metabolic burn by becoming more active at work. Stand-up working helps prevent many backs and Musculo-skeletal conditions. You will also experience higher energy levels and carry out routine tasks much more time efficiently.

Switching between sitting and standing throughout your working day helps reduce workday fatigue, eases any joint and muscle pain, improves productivity, and means you can end the day feeling energised rather than wiped out.

Multiple advantages of using a standing desk

Speak to anyone who has a standing desk, and you will quickly become convinced of the widespread health and comfort benefits of making the switch to sit-stand working. 

Public Health England guidance recommends office workers convert two working hours each day from sitting to standing. The equivalent calorie burn over the course of a year equates to running 10 marathons, which is mind-blowing.

Sit-stand workers are also more motivated, energised, and productive. Our customers frequently tell us they would never return to their old static desk sitting working habits. “I wish I’d started using a standing desk years ago,” is a frequent refrain.

Key features of a standing desk

Electric Standing Desks often include a digital memory control switch that raises and lowers the entire desk at a push of a button, enabling you to save your preferred height positions.

Desk risers convert any desk to a standing desk as they can be placed on any work surface. Gas-powered levers make them easy to operate with

What are the different types of standing desk?

Height adjustable desks fall into three categories: electric standing desks, desk risers and portable laptop stands.

Electric standing desks are a permanent piece of office furniture which is increasingly popular with both business and work from home customers. The whole desktop raises and lowers at the touch of a button using an electric switch. Electric sit-stand desks can be fitted into a corner space, may have ‘wings’ or function as a ‘bench desk’ enabling staff to work opposite each other operating each standing desk individually.

Hand crank desks are not recommended as they break down easily. Furthermore, crank systems are very slow to transition up & down, so they are used much less than electric solutions.

Desk risers sit on top of any existing desk so are easily integrated into an existing office or homeworking space. They enable you to convert any desk or table into a healthy standing desk with minimal disruption. Check the maximum weight load your desk riser can handle, whether it is appropriate for multiple screens and whether it is suitable for your height. Some models are better for taller users. Yo-Yo DESK® risers are the sturdiest available and prevent wobble whilst you type; they are very robust and perhaps a bit heavy to move regularly between work areas.

Portable laptop stands are a good choice for home working on a temporary basis as they can be used in multiple locations, then folded up and stored when not required. They are light and compact, yet stable and robust.