Advantages of Standing Desks

Health experts said that sitting for more than 90 minutes at a time or 6-8 hours a day is considered long-term sitting. It may cause a variety of health problems, including back pain, obstructed blood circulation, musculoskeletal injuries, decreased visceral function, and deterioration of psychological state.

We've all been there: hunched over a computer typing away, causing back pain and stiff shoulders as the minutes tick by. With the frequent occurrence of sub-health in offices, standing desks emerged. At Sunaofe, we care about your back health. Learn about the ergonomics of standing desks and how they can effectively prevent back pain and injuries caused by long-term computer use.

What Is A Standing Desk

The concept of standing desks can be traced back to Europe in the 19th century, when some writers and scholars began to adopt this way of standing and writing. A standing desk with an adjustable height function allows users to switch freely between sitting and standing positions. Its design concept is to improve employers' health and efficiency at work.

Characteristics of Standing Desks

Standing desks have three characteristics: lifting function, stability, and ergonomic design.

Lifting Function

Lifting function is the main feature of a standing desk to meet the needs of people of different heights. It is divided into manual and electric.

• Manual adjustments: lower cost but relatively troublesome to operate, especially when more things are on the table.
• Electric adjustments: more convenient and accurate, and a memory function can also be set to facilitate different users' quick adjustment to the appropriate height.

Stability

Standing desks are designed with stability in mind to ensure that they will not shake or deform during use.

• Frame structure: such as H-shaped, X-shaped, or T-shaped brackets. These designs increase the contact area with the ground and improve overall stability.
• Material selection: The legs and frames are made of metals with high strength and good toughness, such as aluminum alloy and steel.

Ergonomic design

Standing desks are designed with ergonomics to reduce fatigue caused by long work hours.

• Adjustable height: The height is in the range of 100-120cm. Office staff can adjust the height to ensure that when the arms naturally droop in the standing state, the elbows are at a comfortable angle of 90°-100°.
• Tilt angle: Some tables (like the Sunaofe Tau2 Standing Desk) can be designed with a certain tilt angle (10°-30°) to facilitate reading and writing and reduce pressure on the arms and shoulders.

Health Benefits of Standing Desks

Research reveals that prolonged sitting is a silent contributor to chronic diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and metabolic dysfunction. Health benefits of standing desks include improved blood circulation, increased basal metabolic rate, weight control, relief of muscle tension and pain, and improved work efficiency and concentration.

1. Improved Posture and Reduced Pain

Slouching in chairs strains the spine, shoulders, and neck. Standing office can disperse body pressure by changing posture and relieve muscle tension and pain in these parts. On the one hand, standing redistributes weight evenly, reducing disc stress by 54%. On the other hand, standing engages abdominal and back muscles, fostering long-term postural stability.

2. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Sitting for extended periods is linked to obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Standing desks disrupt this cycle by reducing sedentary time.

3. Lower Blood Sugar

Standing for 180 minutes after meals reduces blood glucose spikes by up to 43%, lowering the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. Another study shows that alternating between standing and sitting every 30 minutes throughout the workday reduced blood sugar spikes by 11.1%.

4. Keeps Blood Circulation

Standing can improve leg muscles, balance, and core strength and prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. Sitting for a long time for a worker may lead to a blood clot. When we stand up, we move our legs to promote blood circulation.

5. Combats Obesity

Standing burns 60–70 more calories per hour than sitting, aiding weight management over time.

6. Adjust Mindset and Passion

If you find that your work hours are long and you are easily distracted, standing can improve your focus and mood, making you more productive. Standing helps us feel healthier, and our mood is usually better when we feel good. A study by Texas A&M University found that people who stood while working in call centers were 50% more productive.

How to Choose a Standing Desk for Yourself

Choosing the right standing desk involves balancing ergonomics, functionality, and personal preferences. 3 steps to help you pick the best standing desk for your needs:

Step 1. Determine Your Needs

• Workstyle. Does your work require frequent switching between sitting and standing? If so, prioritize smooth, quick adjustability.
• Workspace. Measure your workspace to ensure the desk fits comfortably. Consider I-shaped or L-shaped designs for small areas. The 48–72 inches wide is ideal for dual monitors, and the 30–48 inches for compact setups.

Step 2. Key Features to Prioritize

• Mechanism. Electric type is quiet, easy to adjust, and ideal for frequent transitions (e.g., Uplift, Fully Jarvis). The manual standing desk is budget-friendly but less convenient for daily adjustments.
• Adjustable height. Ensure the desk adjusts to your ergonomic height (elbows at 90°, screen at eye level). Most adults need a range of 22–49 inches (56–124 cm).
  Stability. Look for sturdy frames (steel or aluminum) and crossbars to minimize wobble, especially at taller heights.

Step 3. Ergonomics & Health

• Anti-Fatigue Mat: Pair the desk with a cushioned mat for comfort during long-standing sessions.
• Cable Management: Built-in grommets or trays to keep wires organized.
• Memory Presets (for electric desks): Save preferred heights for sitting/standing transitions.

Summary of the checklist

1. Fits your height and workspace.
2. Stable at all heights.
3. Supports your equipment's weight.
4. Easy to adjust (electric preferred).
5. Includes ergonomic accessories.
   

How Long Should You Stand at A Standing Desk

Just like long sitting, standing for a long time will also affect one's health. It is recommended to change posture or rest every hour or so.

Aim to switch between sitting and standing every 60 minutes. This prevents strain and promotes circulation.

An idea guideline is the 20-8-2 rule: Sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8 minutes, and move/stretch for 2 minutes. However, for office staff, the best ratio based on comfort is 30 minutes sitting, 30 minutes standing.

Embrace Standing Desks Wisely for Health & Productivity

Standing desks offer a powerful way to combat sedentary habits, improve posture, and boost energy—but only when used thoughtfully. They can transform your work health by blending movement, ergonomics, and self-awareness. Matching a standing desk with an ergonomic chair can maximally improve working efficiency.