Through the years, commercial furniture for offices has developed significantly, and that includes new inventions and products of all kinds becoming increasingly popular.

Many of these developments have arisen due to the increased focus on and awareness of workplace health and safety, and the realisation that sitting at a desk for several hours per day benefits no one, and that includes employers.

There is little gained by an employer who does little to promote occupational well-being amongst their employees when all that leads to is low motivation, poor productivity, and increased sick days taken by their staff.

Better to invest time and, yes, some money to make the workplace a healthier environment for all.

One of the investments that an employer could make, or yourself if you are self-employed or work from home,  is a standing desk.

As the name suggests, this is a desk which has adjustable height and instead of sitting at it as you would normally, you stand whilst you work.

The health benefits that have resulted from using a standing desk have included:

That is an impressive list, and it is not exhaustive given that there are other health benefits that users of standing desks claim to have experienced.

Before you rush out to buy a standing desk or urge your employer to purchase one for you, you must know that it is not a case of simply swapping sitting at a desk for 8 hours, for standing at a desk for the same length of time.

That defeats the point of a standing desk and can cause as many health issues as sitting all day.

You must understand that a standing desk has to be used in certain ways that are beneficial to your health not detrimental, and to help you towards that realisation, here are five tips on using a standing desk correctly for maximum health benefits.

Tip #1 – Switch Between Standing And Sitting

The biggest mistake users of standing desks make is they think it is about eliminating sitting down completely. It is not.

The most benefits will be derived if you alter the time between standing and sitting.

You certainly should not stand at your desk for hours on end as that can cause several health issues.

Tip #2 – Move The Positions Of Your Mouse And Keyboard

Assuming you use a computer, you should be aware that the positions for your mouse and your keyboard need adjusting when using them on a standing desk versus where they were when you were sitting.

When sitting they tend to be below your wrists but when you are standing you want them raised slightly higher so that they are both straight in line with and at the same level as your wrists.

Tip #3 – Ensure Both Your Standing Desk And Computer Screen Are The Optimal Height

As your height plays a bigger role in your eye level when standing than sitting, you must ensure your standing desk and the computer monitor on it are adjusted to the correct height to avoid neck and eye strains.

A rule of thumb is to set the standing desk at the same level as your elbows with the midpoint of the monitor at eye level and a distance from your face between 20 and 28 inches.

Tip #4 – Place An Anti-Fatigue Mat Under Your Feet

Anti-fatigue mats are used for many occupations which require standing for long periods and are certainly ideal for use with a standing desk.

They promote subtle leg movements whilst you work to minimise discomfort and boost blood circulation, plus they are known to reduce tiredness and back pain.

Tip #5 – Ensure You Have Regular Breaks

This might not be the most unique tip you have heard, but it is no less important.

Whether you sit, stand, or hopefully do both throughout your day, you must ensure you take breaks.

Even a few minutes of sitting after a period of standing will help.