The electric sit-stand desk is a practical and effective solution to improve your well-being at work . But to take advantage of all its advantages in terms of comfort, productivity and ergonomics, you have to learn how to properly adjust your height .
HOW AND WHY SEEK AN ERGONOMIC POSITION?
When you work in front of a height-adjustable desk, you have already taken a step towards a suitable working environment. Indeed, sitting all day is a real risk to your health . Here are the basic rules to know to keep a real well-being in the office.
PREPARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT WELL WITH A HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE DESK
Before even talking about your posture, it is necessary above all that the location of your office is adapted, arranged for your work. For example, avoid putting your back to a window, at the risk of having reflections on your computer screen. Prefer indirect light to work.
Foresight is in order when it comes to desk depth . Indeed, the tray must be large enough to allow you to give back to your screen, to be able to place all your equipment and to offer your legs the necessary space.
You will complete your standing desk with storage within easy reach (drawer, box on wheels), but alsopractical and ergonomic equipment such as an adapted mouse, a wrist rest, a cable pass, an anti-fatigue mat or a footrest, for example.
YOUR POSTURE: A PILLAR OF WELL-BEING AT WORK
Equipment and furniture are not everything to create an ergonomic environment. Your posture matters too! Your upper back should not be bent forward, shoulders tucked in. This slouched, unbalanced posture puts pressure on the discs in your spine. And precisely, an ergonomic position must avoid any repeated tension on your muscles and your joints .
Ideally, your shoulders are positioned slightly back, without any particular contraction. The arms are relaxed. If you find it difficult to position yourself, stretching and toning exercises for the postural and back muscles will help you. If this does not solve the problem, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. A short visit to the podiatrist or physiotherapist may be necessary.
Finally, do not forget to take regular breaks , to regain physical activity, even if only for a few steps. This will give you a boost of energy and reactivate blood circulation throughout your body. And this advice is valid whether you are standing or sitting in front of your height-adjustable desk!
WHY LOOK FOR A SUITABLE POSITION WITH THE HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE DESK?
Beyond true day-to-day comfort, ensuring an ergonomic posture and work environment allows you to take care of your health . Indeed, long-term tensions and repetitive movements can create musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ). These persistent discomforts and pains are the leading cause of occupational disease in France. They directly impact business productivity and efficiency. A very heavy cost for the employer.
The latter must provide for the well-being of its employees, in a QVT approach . This involves both raising awareness of good practices, but also by suitable equipment with the height-adjustable desk.
ZOOM ON THE ADJUSTMENTS OF THE HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE DESK
The height-adjustable desk is quickly becoming an essential part of healthy and ergonomic work environments. At the time of the digitization of professions, it is more and more popular and used, whether in business or in telework . But how to use and adjust it to take advantage of all its benefits? Follow the leader !
ALTERNATE POSITIONS REGULARLY
The secret to a productive and health-free working day at the office? Alternate positions . It is only in this way that you will be able to remove the major risks that a sedentary lifestyle poses to your body. We advise you to change your position every hour , whether by changing the height of your sit-stand desk or by walking a few steps to take a break, for example.
You have everything to gain :
better oxygenation of the brain,
reduction of the risks of overweight, diabetes, cardiovascular pathologies, MSDs,
more comfort, energy, efficiency for your work,
less back pain or muscle tension,
maintenance of your postural muscles.
THE STANDING POSITION WITH A HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE DESK
To work well with a sit-stand desk, height is very important. Ideally, choose an electric desk that will be much more precise and easy to use than a crank desk. The work surface should be at the height of your elbows , to allow them to form a 90 degree angle . Your wrists should not stretch upwards, be in flexion. Keyboard and mouse are positioned on the same line.
There are solutions to put your screen at the right height . The top edge of it should be at eye level. You can use a screen with an articulated armto easily position it regardless of your sit-stand desk setting. Otherwise, a screen riser or a second screen (ideal for laptops for example) will be welcome. UP AND DESK desks provide you with optimal stability, without the risk of dropping your equipment.
CORRECTLY ADJUST YOUR SITTING POSITION
An ergonomic posture sitting in front of a desk also implies that your elbows form a 90 degree angle with the tabletop, the keyboard about 10 cm from the edge . You will have to play with the height of your office chair to achieve this. The latter must also be chosen with care, to offer you a good seat and suitable lumbar support.
