Take your work to the next level with an adjustable desk

Adjustable desks are quickly becoming a popular option in offices around the world. Research shows that using a standing desk can boost your productivity, your mood and your energy levels, as well as reduce back and neck pain. But—as anyone who works on their feet will agree—standing all day could actually do the reverse!

Here are some tips for first-time sit-standers to take into consideration.

1. Get your ergonomics right

Just like your seated desk, your standing desk should also tick all the safe workplace ergonomic boxes.

Correct height
When you're standing, your keyboard should be around your hip level, so when your elbows are bent over the desk they're at a 90° angle.

Monitor at eye level
To avoid neck and eye strain, the top of your monitor should be at eye level height and the correct distance from your face. A quick tip for this is to take the size of your monitor (i.e. 17 inch monitor) and keep your screen the same distance from your face (in this case, 17 inches).

With a moving desk, this can be tricky. If you know you'll be switching from sitting to standing and back a few times throughout your day, take this into consideration and opt for a desk mounted monitor stand.

2. Look after your feet

Be kind to your feet! Wear comfortable shoes (save the high heels for meetings) and invest in an anti-fatigue mat.

They may not sound like much, but a good anti-fatigue mat can help you stand a lot longer. The softness of the mat causes your muscles to subtly flex and shift as you stand, increasing the blood-flow and oxygen levels to your heart, significantly reducing fatigue.

3. Give yourself another option

Why stick to two options when you could add a third? That's right, instead of just sitting or standing, you can also lean or perch. Perching stools can help you get even more movement and comfort out of your sit-stand desks. You can use these to take some of the weight off your feet while you're standing – but remember to maintain your posture and ergonomic settings.

4. Switch it up

The key benefits of adjustable desks come from giving your body some movement. While sitting in a sedentary position all day has proven to have unhealthy side effects, so does standing all day. The key is to switch it up.

Set a timer
The amount of time you spend sitting or standing will depend on the type of work you do and how used to standing you are. When you first start with a standing desk, it can be hard to remember to switch, so set yourself a timer (start with 20 minutes) and adjust it to suit your needs and physical strength.

Another option is to invest in a desk such as our Breeze Active Desk. This desk works with an app via Bluetooth. You can set it to send you reminders, plus view your sitting vs standing history and more.

Take breaks
Take a break where you can, go for a walk to the kitchen for some water (and up your bathroom breaks). Eat lunch away from your desk and, if you can, see if you can take a walk outside for fresh air and to get that blood pumping again. These mini breaks will get you through that afternoon slump!

Make sure your desk is easy to adjust
If it takes you 10 minutes to crank your desk up and down, you're not only losing time, you're probably losing your enthusiasm as well. Invest in a desk that has a good electric motor, and if you really want to get fancy, one that has memory settings so you can set it at your ergonomic sweet spots.

Sit-to-Stand Desk Comparison

Agile 2
65991423

The Agile 2 is a single-user desk which allows you to set your height preferences with the touch of a button. Plus it comes with a 4 point memory, so you can set and forget it at your preferred heights.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
120		1130		450		22		15		$$$

Agile 3
65866023

The Agile 3 Electric Desk allows you to set your height preferences with the press of a button. This desk has a 2 point memory to let you set your perfect sitting and standing height to get it right every time.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
140		1230		620		35		15		$$$$

Klever
2589338

This German-designed adjustable desk is an intuitive, intelligent solution designed to meet the evolving dynamics of corporate New Zealand workplaces.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
155		1270		620		35		20		$$$$

Switch
2594331

The Switch Electric Desk is a versatile, ergonomic solution. With an easy to use LCD display, this desk can be programmed to three height settings to conveniently set the desk to your preferred height.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
140		1270		620		30		15		$$$

Amplify (electric)
1372114

The Amplify desk is sturdy with a simple, modern design. It comes with a single, 2-stage motor, 3 programmable height memory setting and built-in levelling guides to ensure it can be used on most floor surfaces.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
80		1195		470		25		10		$$

Breeze (No USB)
2518228

This height-adjustable desk is easily controlled with a hand paddle. It runs on a single motor with low noise level.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
80		1100		400		22		15		$$

Breeze (With USB)
2556456

This desk is electronically controlled with a hand paddle. It can be personalised through the Sit Stand Desk App by setting minimum and maximum heights, reminders for standing/sitting, position favourites and more.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
80		1100		400		22		15		$$

Cubit Highrise
2449374

Go from sitting to standing at the touch of a button. This classic desk is great for hot desking as it's easy to adjust for multiple users.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
70		1205		545		25		10		$$$

Duo II
61211423

The Duo II is electronically adjustable with a fast and quiet motor. The desk comes with a programmable controller with an LCD display.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
100		1145		500		20		10		$$$

Emerge
2451190

The Emerge desk is great for activity-based working. It comes with a built-in cable port to make cable management easy and built-in levelling guides.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
160		1275		640		35		5		$$$

ETL

A classic, this ETL electric height adjustable desk comes with all the levelling feet to keep the desk on a right angle, protecting the rod and motor.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
70		1205		520		25		2		$$$

Summit II
2554135

This desk is an excellent option for the home or office. Programme three height settings, plus keep peace of mind with its collision avoidance technology.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
140		1255		640		30		10		$$$$

Tidal Premium
2540800

The Tidal Premium has a 4 button digital display and programmable height settings. It operates smoothly and quietly, perfect for home or office use.

Load Bearing (kgs*)		Max Height (mm)		Height Range (mm)		Speed (mm per second)		Warranty (years)		Price (ex GST)
240		1300		640		25		5		$$$$