I wrote this feedback for my raised work-surface at my place of employment; adapting to share my thoughts with the general public. I raised my work-surface in April, 2011.
Six Month Feedback on Raised Work-Surface
· General Feedback
o I suggest a strategy of standing and sitting:
§ I stand for two hours, then sit for two hours
§ Adjust as needed (sit more if tired, and so forth)
o Per above, I suggest you obtain a chair with proper ergonomic seat height (see “Suggested Equipment,” below)
o Occasionally, I still feel some light back soreness—but I would never go back to sitting all day, given the choice
o Food for thought, only—electric or hydraulic height-adjustable desks would allow for variable work-surface heights throughout the day
· Installation
o I raised two work surfaces and left one lower, which allows a bit more room to spread papers and such, and looks a bit cleaner
o Face monitors toward a low-traffic area, to minimize passer-by distractions/eye-contact
o Before the movers arrive, make it easy for them by moving all objects off of the desk, disconnect any cables, remove things from walls, and so forth, as needed
o Set work-surface height at distance from 90-degree elbows to the floor
o Monitor at time of installation, to properly set the ergonomic work-surface height (critical):
§ Take a tape measurement from the floor to your 90-degree elbow to determine the ergonomic desk height
§ After installing the work-surface, confirm the height (for example, place an unplugged keyboard on top and verify ergonomic arm position)
§ A bit low work-surface height is better than a bit high work-surface height, as you can always fine-tune height increase (for example, standing on a mat)
§ Surface height should feel comfortable!
· Standing “Pros”
o Standing eliminates post-lunch lethargy, for me
o I perceive an increased focus while standing
o I still feel a bit of back soreness while standing, from time to time—standing helps but is not a miracle solution
· Standing “Cons”
o Standing all day, like sitting all day, is hard on the body, but in different ways—to compensate, alternate between standing or sitting, and take breaks, walk around, and so forth
o Shorter colleagues may find a high work-surface challenging during desk-side meetings (a good reason to keep at least one lower work-surface)
· Suggested Equipment
o Foot rest
o Anti-fatigue mat
§ $10 at Harbor Freight Tools for four 2’x2’ foam mats
o Chair with ergonomic seat height
§ A short-term work-around: adjust existing 30” stool with reams of paper until 90-degree elbows (while seated)
§ Chair options: foot-rest, seat back
