Sit-to-stand workstations are all the rage in office furniture right now, allowing each user to individually adjust the station to his own needs and preferences. Height adjustable tables are also a great ergonomic solution that help promote movement in the workplace. But, before you sell your next sit-to-stand solution, (or better yet, use one yourself) you’ll want to consider a few things:


Surface height
A height adjustable table can be raised and lowered to a seated or standing position. In each position, the worksurface should be used at an appropriate height that enables the user's forearms and wrists to be straight and parallel to the surface. If the surface is too low, the arms may pull or strain the back, neck, and shoulder muscles. If the work surface is too high, shoulders bunch up towards the ears, creating tension through the neck and back. Both positions (too high or too low) are less than ideal and lead to awkward postures that can cause soreness and muscle fatigue, so it’s important to make sure that your worksurface height is right for you.


Monitor placement
When using a sit-to-stand solution, consider the monitor placement:

• Be sure to place monitors where they will not impede the functionality of the height-adjustable table.
• Monitors should always be placed in a direct line of sight. Avoid placing monitors off in a corner where the user will have to turn to view them.
• Monitors should be positioned about an arm’s length away from the user, but this may need to be adjusted forward or backward depending on the individual’s visual acuity.
• The top of the monitors should be aligned with the user’s eye level in both the seated and standing positions. If monitors are placed above eye level, users will start craning their necks up to look at the screens. To reduce likelihood of eyestrain, we should have a slight downward gaze while looking at monitors.

HON accessories, such as monitor arms and risers, can help put computer screens at just the right height and placement. Take the time to readjust your monitors after you transition from sitting to standing height to ensure they are still properly positioned.


Footwear
When fully utilizing a height adjustable base to the standing height position, be sure to consider footwear. This is true for men and women alike. Wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive. Flat shoes or shoes without a heel will help with overall posture and allow feet to be more stable on the floor.


Sit-to-stand solutions are trending right now, providing individualized adjustments to any workstation and encouraging movement throughout the workday. But, they are not the right solution for everyone and can be a big change in work style for many. If standing is new to you or your customers, be sure to work up to standing for longer periods of time. If the user starts leaning on the surface, shifting weight often, or locking knees, this can serve as a good indicator that it is time to sit down for a while.

Want to learn more about HON’s height adjustable solution -Coordinate™? Visit the spotlight page on hon.com or view the latest Two-Minute Tutorial video from the HON University team for extra tips and tricks.

What do you love about height adjustable workstations?