Adjustable stand up desks are no longer rare; they have become part of modern workspaces. Since they skyrocketed in popularity, they have transformed how we work, whether at home or in the office.
As one of the leading suppliers of electronic adjustable desks, HADO has seen first-hand how these workstations can improve people’s posture, boost their energy levels, and promote healthier working habits.
However, many people make simple mistakes that compromise the benefits of their new sit-stand desks. If you’re considering a stand up desk, it’s worth knowing these common pitfalls so you can avoid them from day one.
- Setting Your Desk at the Wrong Height
One of the biggest mistakes is failing to adjust your desk to the correct height. Some people leave the desk too low, forcing them to hunch, while others set it too high, straining their shoulders and wrists.
How to get it right? When standing, your elbows should rest at around a 90-degree angle, with your wrists straight and your screen at eye level. When seated, apply the same rule of keeping forearms parallel to the floor, and ensure your knees are at roughly a 90-degree angle.
With HADO’s electronic adjustable desks, adjusting the height is effortless. But it still pays to measure yourself and set memory presets to ensure you’re always sitting correctly.
- Standing for Too Long
Another misconception is that standing all day is automatically good for you. In reality, standing for too long can be as problematic as prolonged sitting. It can potentially lead to lower back pain, swollen legs or fatigue.
The key is to switch regularly between the two. Aim to stand for 20–30 minutes per hour, then sit for a while, and repeat.
Our desks make this easier with programmable settings that let you switch positions with a button press.
- Not Wearing the Right Footwear
If you’re working at a stand up desk in unsuitable shoes, you’re likely to feel discomfort sooner rather than later. Wearing hard-soled shoes or going barefoot on a hard floor can lead to foot pain and even knee or hip strain.
You might also want to consider an anti-fatigue mat to cushion your standing position.
- A Poorly Positioned Monitor
Even with the height of the desk set correctly, many people forget to adjust their monitor. If the monitor is too low, you’ll find yourself bending your neck downwards, putting strain on your upper spine.
Your monitor should sit directly in front of you with the top third of the screen roughly at eye level. If you use a laptop, add a stand or external monitor to avoid looking down for hours.
- Not Using an Anti-Fatigue Mat
Standing too long on a hard floor, as mentioned, can lead to sore legs and pain in the lower back. An anti-fatigue mat is a simple, cost-effective accessory that encourages you to move your feet and legs in a subtle way, reducing pressure and discomfort.
This is especially valuable for remote workers who might have hardwood floors or thin carpets. If you’re investing in a premium electronic sit-stand desk, adding a mat is a smart complement to protect your joints.
- Skipping Moving Around Properly
Adjustable desks are meant to encourage us to move more, but some people end up standing stock-still for hours on end. That defeats the purpose.
Remember to shift your weight, move your legs, and stretch every so often. These small movements improve blood flow and prevent stiffness. You might also want to set reminders on your phone or use apps that nudge you to change positions.
Your adjustable desk is a tool for more movement: not a reason to freeze in place.
- Forgetting to Adjust Other Parts of Your Workspace
Your desk’s height isn’t the only factor that matters. Think about your keyboard, mouse, chair and even your lighting. If your keyboard is too high, for example, you may strain your wrists even if the desk is set correctly.
When switching between standing and sitting, check that everything else is also adjusted. HADO recommends reviewing your entire workspace ergonomics whenever you change the height of your desk. This approach prevents repetitive strain injuries and makes your setup truly supportive.
- Remember, it’s a Learning Curve
Many people using a stand up desk for the first time expect to feel instantly comfortable, but there’s usually an adjustment period. Standing more, moving more, and using a height-adjustable surface takes a little practice.
Give yourself time to adapt. Start with short standing intervals, gradually increasing them as you build strength and stamina.
- Neglecting Cable Management
When desks move up and down, cables can snag, pull or even disconnect if they aren’t properly managed. Many people overlook this, only to discover a laptop yanked onto the floor.
Use cable trays, ties, or flexible cable spines to keep everything neat and allow for smooth desk movement. HADO includes options for cable management with its desks to make this simple from day one.
- Choosing the Wrong Desk Altogether
Be clear on your priorities:
- Will you use multiple monitors?
- Do you need a larger desktop for paperwork?
- Should it handle heavier equipment?
HADO offers electronic adjustable desks for a range of scenarios, from small home offices to large corporate environments.
For help finding the right desk for your needs, contact our team today.
