Sunday, October 23, 2011

Six Month Feedback on Raised Work-Surface


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
o   Some argue standing is good for dieting as it burns more calories than sitting:http://lifehacker.com/5798791/calculate-how-many-calories-you-can-burn-if-you-switch-to-a-standing-desk
·         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
§  Alternatives at Amazon.com
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

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