Standing Desks: Fad or Beneficial?

Lrokufan on 03/10/2020 - 20:30
Last edited 03/10/2020 - 23:08

No better informed community to ask than the professionals on OzBargain. I've learnt so much from here over the years.

Like many in these days of Covid, I'm updating my home office setup for WFH (the OzBargain Dell monitors are on their way!).

I'm thinking about a standing desk. I've never used one. I've read about half a dozen articles, and I'm not yet convinced that there is a significant benefit. However, I've had a bad back my entire adult life. I feel sitting makes it worse, and I really slouch when sat. Perhaps standing will help, even if the primary touted benefits are overblown.

I want to hear what others think. Please tell me your personal experience, or links to studies, both welcome.

And for those who use one, how so? Do you have regimen? Stand 15 minutes every hour? Use an app? Or just sit/stand, whatever your body feels like?

Don't forget to vote.

Cheers,
Kevin

Poll Options

  • 12
    Fad
  • 40
    Beneficial
  • 6
    Undecided
Home & Garden Desk

Comments

  • bangzzz on 03/10/2020 - 20:36
    +3

    I think getting up and moving away from your desk is better.

  • CKTAS on 03/10/2020 - 20:44

    My 2 bobs.
    A guy I work with sat for the morning and stood for afternoon or whatever the preference.
    It seems the biggest challenge is to get into a habit, as I have worked with 2 people that have them and they just didn't bother after a while.
    It seems like a good idea (no science to back that up). You probably already know, but have heard a soft/padded/gel mat is good to help your feet.

  • mafroew on 03/10/2020 - 20:44

    It's definitely beneficial for me, I can only sit for about 20mins (due to my accident in Feb) before my leg starts hurting…

    HOWEVER

    I'm starting to really like it. Im 6'2" so have always found setting up a workspace a pain. With a standing desk you also get an additional point of adjustment - instead of just your seat, you can move the desk to the right height.

    I'd also recommend a monitor arm as it clears up more space on the desk.

  • Emerald Owl on 03/10/2020 - 20:49
    +2

    An adjustable height means you can get a better sitting position. Most sitting desks are too high for 95% of people.

    • Drogo on 03/10/2020 - 22:55
      +1

      Absolutely. I don't understand why they are made this way

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2020 - 21:36
    +1

    Do you have a good BMI or bad, if bad you need a stand up desk, if good, get a stand up desk to keep it.

  • tight-ass on 03/10/2020 - 22:14
    +2

    Our workplace has had them for a couple of years now.

    I initially thought what a crock of sh!t, however I'm now a convert. So much so I got 2 electric desks installed in my home office last week.

    Sitting on your butt all day isn't good for your health (DVT). I found with WFH that I was getting up from my desk even less Vs the office.

    Plus I found my new desk at home great when scanning lots of docs/photo's etc…..no more getting up & down with every scan! Also makes connecting peripherals and running cables a breeze - just put the desk right up to work underneath. Plus it makes cleaning in and around super easy, particularly the floor.

    Also everyone who uses your desk can find the exact height that works for them. Throw in some monitor arms and your neck will be happy too, along with your workplaces OSH rep when they come and assess your home office

  • netjock on 03/10/2020 - 22:44

    Agree it is a habit problem.

    Got one at home (electric) and it is very good if you use it properly. Still possible to have bad posture.

  • silverrat23 on 04/10/2020 - 00:11
    +3

    Don't get the ones that sit on an existing (fixed) table, as they take up too much space. An electric proper desk is much better, but it comes with a price tag to suit.

    As for anti-fatigue mats, either go all-in or don't buy one at all. It'd get in the way of the chair when do you need to roll it back in front of the desk, especially the cheap stuff. Good shoes and some regular pacing-on-the-spot will help too.

  • Tinkle Ass on 04/10/2020 - 00:57

    I think office chairs are only good for 3 hours even if it's a Herman Miller. I think I also slouch as my butt creases up as my back falls into the seat. Chairs have pressure points that will make standing up feel relieving after a few hours so a standing desk is definitely beneficial.
    Most of the standing desks I've touched are very wobbly. Test them out before you buy them especially if you want to use monitor stands that can rotate screens between landscape and portrait.
    I'd recommend the Ikea Idasen. At $750 it's pricey for a desk, but apparently it's very reliable and sturdy.
    Another point to consider is that the time it takes to adjust the height of an electric standing desk can be used to get up and go take a sip of water instead. The electric standing desks with the height presets go above $750. Though I think the Ikea Idasen comes with an app that connects via Bluetooth. Best do your research to find out if you can press a button and let the desk do its own height adjustment while you drink.

    • try2bhelpful on 04/10/2020 - 08:09

      https://www.costco.com.au/Home-Furniture/Office/Office-Desks…

      We got this one from Costco and it is pretty sturdy. It has a glass top and the buttons can be preset heights. There is, also, a lock position on the buttons. We don’t always remember to engage them and the cat has activated the desk a couple of times by walking over the buttons. Hilarious.

      The disadvantages are it is relatively small and the cross bar at the bottom is a bit annoying if you are sitting down.

  • AustriaBargain on 04/10/2020 - 01:32
    -1

    Fad. You should be getting up every now and then anyway, you don't need to be glued to your computer all the time. Or if you do then that sucks for you.

    • Hardlyworkin on 04/10/2020 - 09:59

      Righto Arnie.

      • KLoNe on 04/10/2020 - 13:59

        Found the neckbeard.

  • Donaldhump on 04/10/2020 - 08:00
    +5

    WFH = lie down desk

    • tight-ass on 04/10/2020 - 09:48
      +1

      Bit pricey, but they do look comfortable- https://altwork.com

      Might be able to convert a dentists chair into one ;)

  • KLoNe on 04/10/2020 - 13:59

    If you're asking, you already know the answer.

  • Architectonic on 07/10/2020 - 19:54

    Anyone arguing anything other than "fad" needs to post evidence in the form of peer-reviewed prospective studies with a reasonable follow up period (several years at the least).

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