How to Convert Your Sitting Desk to a Standing Desk
03.06.2024

How to Convert Your Sitting Desk to a Standing Desk

In the modern professional world, more and more people are searching for ways of working that support good health and wellbeing. As such, standing desks have emerged as an interesting solution to the sedentary nature of traditional office work, helping to improve our health by encouraging movement while working. As an expert in ergonomic design and workstation ergonomics, we’ve put together this guide to explore the benefits of standing while working and the best way to convert your sitting desk to a standing desk.

Why use a standing desk?

It’s been widely reported that sitting down for extended periods is bad for our health. Our bodies are not designed to be sedentary, and being still for too long can cause problems. For example, back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain have all been linked to sitting still for long periods, as have other musculoskeletal disorders.

Sitting can also cause vascular problems and in severe cases, deep vein thrombosis. Being sedentary and not being active enough will also affect our heart health, and can lead to heart disease, as well as weight gain.

A standing desk then, can help to avoid many of these issues, especially when used in conjunction with a sitting desk. Just like sitting for extended periods, standing for too long can also cause health issues, such as muscle pain and fatigue. Using both means that you will not be working in one position for too long and instead will be able to move between the two positions.

Working at a standing desk can help to improve our health by keeping as active and moving, strengthening muscles and burning calories. It can also help to support working at the correct desk posture and improve circulation.

Working while standing has linked to improved mood and productivity. It’s thought that standing helps us to feel more energised, which in turn can help improve our overall health and wellbeing. We can be more engaged with our work and more motivated.

Easily convert your desk with a sit stand desk converter

A simple way of reaping the benefits of both sitting and standing desks is to use a standing desk converter. The adjustable standing desk from Leitz allows you to easily switch your workstation between sitting and standing using pneumatic assisted height adjustment. The desk converter can be positioned between 72mm and 380mm, and supports 16kg of equipment, so can accommodate all of your workstation accessories and be used for various heights.

Our sit stand desk converters rise and lower within their own, small footprint, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time from your day rearranging your workstation every time you switch. You can simply place your laptop, laptop stands, and monitors on the top of the converter, and then rise and lower it as needed. We offer a variation that includes a sliding keyboard tray, so you can ensure your accessories are in the right position whether you’re working standing or sitting. 

When raising and lowering your standing desk converter, ensure all cables are out of the way of the mechanisms. Positioning all your cables so they fall to the back of the desk can be the best way of keeping your equipment safe.

Accessories to use with a sit stand desk converter

There are various ergonomic office accessories that can be used to enhance your experience with a sit stand desk converter.

Ergonomic office stool

An ergonomic office stool can be a great addition to an ergonomic workstation that utilises a sit stand desk. The Leitz Ergo Cosy Active Sit Stand Stool 2 in1 is perfect for use alongside a traditional office chair, allowing for flexibility to move between sitting and standing while you work. The stool features various height adjustments, with a higher than usual maximum setting, so it can be used to provide additional support at standing desks.

Our sit stand tool has a rounded base to encourage movement and improve core strength while you work. The non-slip base and robust fittings mean you can work safe in the knowledge that the stool will be strong and stable at any height and won’t scratch or damage your floor. It has a lightweight design, making it easy to carry from room to room or to switch out with your traditional office chair when you require lumbar support instead of active movement.

Anti fatigue mat

An anti fatigue mat is a must-have when you are working at a standing desk. Anti fatigue mats, like the mats from Leitz, help to alleviate pressure on the feet, providing extra support for soles. A mat will help to improve circulation and help to avoid foot and leg pain that could otherwise arise when standing. Studies have shown – such as this study from Appl Bionic Biomech and this study from the University of Waterloo – that using anti fatigue mats when standing can reduce lower back pain, alleviate fatigue, and optimise the distribution of weight between each foot.

The anti fatigue mat from Leitz is made of a strong, soft foam, that’s comfortable underfoot and still able to withstand heavy foot traffic. It’s designed with enhanced durability, so it will retain its shape over time and not tear or collapse.

Adjustable laptop riser and monitor stand

Whether you’re working sitting or standing, the top of your screen/s should be at eye line or just below. Using a laptop or monitor riser will help to raise your screens so they’re at the correct height, and you can maintain correct desk posture while you work.

The Leitz Ergo Adjustable Multi-Angle Laptop Stand can be positioned at multiple heights and angles, making it perfect for using with a sit stand desk converter. You can easily change the position of your laptop screen, so it remains at the optimum viewing angle whether you’re sitting or standing. Remember to use a separate keyboard and computer mouse, so you can keep your arms and wrists in the correct working position, with forearms relaxed and parallel to the desk and elbows at a 90 degree angle.

Tips for using a sit stand desk converter

There are a few steps you can take to improve your way of working with a sit stand desk converter. 

Alternate between sitting and standing

It’s generally advised to spend one hour standing for every one to two hours you spend sitting. However, each individual may have different optimum timeframes. If you’re new to using a standing desk, you may find it beneficial to stand for shorter periods, say 20 to 30 minutes at a time, and build up from there.

The important thing to remember is that you are trying to avoid any aches and pains. If you start to feel achy while working, consider switching position. You may also need to adjust your posture to ensure you’re working in a comfortable position that isn’t straining muscles or slouching.

Encourage active movement

When standing, you want to avoid locking your knees or keeping too rigid a position. Ergonomic accessories such as the anti fatigue mat and sit stand stool can help to encourage small movements, which will improve circulation and prevent strain on one set of muscles.

You can incorporate some simple desk exercises and stretches while working at your standing desk. This can include heel raises, knee bends and arm stretches.

Maintain correct desk posture while standing

Your posture when working at a standing desk is just as important as when you’re working while sitting. You should stand upright with your chest above your pelvis and your head above your chest while maintaining the natural curvature of the spine. Shoulders should be relaxed and down, with elbows at a 90 degree angle and forearms parallel to the desk.

You should avoid putting all your weight into one leg and instead ensure your weight is distributed evenly between both feet. As mentioned, you should keep knees loose and avoid locking them in place.

Maintain good workstation ergonomics

The features of good desk ergonomics will apply whether you’re sitting or standing. We’ve already discussed the importance of positioning your screens correctly, but the rest of your equipment should also be properly placed.

You should be able to reach all your tools without stretching or straining too far. You should use the “handshake” rule, which is that you shouldn’t reach further than you would for a handshake to pick up and of your items.

 

Leitz has a huge range of ergonomic office equipment to support productive and comfortable working both at home and in the office.

You can read more about ergonomic working below:

How to Set Up The Perfect Ergonomic Workstation

Choosing the Best Ergonomic Office Chair: What to Consider

What Are The Benefits of Sit Stand Desks?