Making An Investment In Your Health With A Sit-Stand Workstation

I am a big advocate for sit-stand workstations and increasing standing time at work. With the government incentives for small businesses to purchase assets for an immediate tax write off, why not consider an investment in your health before end of financial year.

There are a number of options available when it comes to sit-stand workstations. Your decision will be based on a number of different factors, and one of the major ones may be available space. There are essentially two basic options when it comes to sit-stand workstations:

1. Adjustable height desks (which means replacing your existing desk); and
2. Portable sit-stand workstations (using your existing desk with an attachment).

With adjustable height desks, you will need to consider the following factors:

• Size (dependent on space available)
• Shape (rectangular, corner, L-shape)
• Manual or electronic controls (with or without memory function)
• Aesthetics (Are you happy with the standard parchment or beech work surface or do you want something a little bit fancy?)
• Will require additional purchase of a monitor arm (this will enable optimal positioning of your monitor for sitting or standing, and can incorporate either a laptop or single/dual monitors dependent on your specific needs)
• Lifting capacity (dependent on what equipment you have on your desk)
• Height adjustment range (most desks will have a range which suits the majority of us)

If considering the alternative, a portable sit-stand solution, the following factors need to be considered:

• Size of desk available to accommodate this option
• Size of work surface of the workstation itself
• Is the keyboard/mouse platform separate from the rest of the product and is it large enough?
• Is the monitor raise/monitor shelf part of the whole system or not?
• Do you use a laptop, standard monitor or dual monitor?
• Load capacity
• These are manual and require you to physically adjust the workstation from sit to stand
• Some require clamping or screwing to your existing desk

Now, no matter which option you decide on – adjustable height desk or portable sit-stand workstation, investment in an anti-fatigue mat is imperative. You will not regret this additional purchase as it will help improve your standing tolerance and reduce strain on the lower back when standing.

If possible, having the opportunity to trial products is always beneficial. Go to the store if you can, check it out, have a play around with the equipment and make sure you are confident your choice is the right one for you. Below is a list of a few suppliers that you may consider checking out.

The final word – remember the best position for working is a combination of sitting and standing. Alternating between these positions throughout your workday is vital. When starting out with your sit-stand workstation, gradually build up your standing time – don’t try and go from zero to hero!

Here’s to your work health wellness.

Cheers, Cath

P.S. Have you got your copy of the Change Your Pain Report yet? No? Take the first step to changing your experience of pain at work and get FREE INSTANT ACCESS by clicking here.

P.P.S. If you know something needs to change in the way you are working, we need to talk. Click here to arrange your FREE consult.

Please note it may be beneficial to discuss your proposed purchases with your accountant. I am receiving no endorsements from the suppliers mentioned.