In the last few years, the hype about standing desks has been quite infectious, with office workers and remote workers alike touting their benefits. But in the midst of all this positive recognition, experts have been quick to point out some glaring misconceptions about these desks. We look at where the myths come from and the truth about using these innovative desks.
Uncovering the Truth
Myths about standing desks have been spreading fast, thanks to a world where user-generated content takes just minutes to create and share. But where is the misleading information coming from? It mainly comes from the misinformation in the market, from not knowing how to use the desk correctly to the fear of change, thinking that all desks are the same, the notion that standing desks are here to solve all health problems, and the belief that everyone has the same experiences. Combine all these factors, and you have the recipe for a long list of myths.
So, which myths are the most common, and what’s the truth behind them?
Myth 1: Standing Desks Are Hard to Use
In the past, working while standing proved difficult as the desk heights were not optimal for working in this position. Things have now changed with the making of standing desks, which allow users to adjust their standing and sitting positions to match their comfort needs while ensuring their posture is correct. This adjustment is especially easy with electric desks as they enable you to switch positions by just pushing a button. You can learn more about such desks on this site: https://desktronic.co.uk/collections/height-adjustable-desks, where you can also see the perks of memory presets for simple adjustments.
Other than choosing an ergonomic desk, you can increase your overall comfort by following the setup instructions in the owner’s manual, adding an anti-fatigue mat, and doing stretches between your work sessions.
Myth 2: Standing Desks are For Fit People
Some people think that standing while working is only possible if they are fit. Others think that the whole goal behind standing at work is to burn calories or get more steps in – but this is not the case. Standing works to promote blood circulation and ease muscle tension, which helps you feel and think better. In fact, studies have shown that people who use standing desks are more productive than those who work while seated for these very reasons. As such, standing is all about mental clarity and keeping muscle fatigue at bay, which are perks that people at all fitness levels can enjoy.
Myth 3: Standing Desks Lower Productivity
The general consensus, which has been backed by scientific research, is that standing desks enable people to be more productive. But are there people who may suffer from reduced productivity when using the desks? Here are some underlying reasons behind this myth:
- The adjustment period. Learning how to work while standing can take a while for some people, and this can affect work quality. However, this phase lasts a few days, after which people find what works for them.
- Wrong desk setup. If your screen is not at eye level with your elbows meeting the desk at a 90-degree angle, you will likely feel a strain in your back and neck, which can affect your working experience. You can avoid this by properly setting up your workstation.
- Prolonged standing. Some people will start by standing for hours at a time despite being new to standing desks, which can result in fatigue. Balance is important when using these desks, and it’s always best to start slowly and build from there.
Poor productivity often stems from desk overuse or improper use. If you can avoid these pitfalls, you should be fine.
Myth 4: Standing Desks are Only for Offices
While standing desks were initially made with office workers in mind, their uses have proven to be quite versatile, thanks to their positive physical and psychological benefits. As a result, you can incorporate them into home offices, classrooms, libraries, study areas, physical therapy centres, art studios, receptions, and any other area where the sitting-standing alternation can bear fruit.
