Standing desks are an excellent way to break up long periods of sitting, but simply switching to a standing position does not automatically create an ergonomic workstation. If you don’t have the correct setup, standing may simply replace one uncomfortable position with another.
An effective ergonomic standing desk setup requires more than finding the right desk height. Your monitor, keyboard, and accessories must all support your standing setup.
This guide covers eight important details people often overlook when optimising their standing workspace.
1. Set The Desk to Your Elbows
Standing desk height charts are a useful starting point, but relying on them alone can result in an uncomfortable working position. People of the same height can have different arm lengths and torso proportions, so the same desk setting will not suit everyone.
Instead, use your own body as the guide. Stand naturally in the footwear you would normally wear at the office and relax your shoulders. Bend your elbows to approximately 90 degrees, then adjust the desk until the keyboard sits around elbow height or slightly below. Your forearms should feel comfortable, and your wrists should remain straight whilst typing.
2. Account for the Height of Your Standing Mat
An anti-fatigue mat is a cushioned mat designed to make standing on hard flooring more comfortable. The mat raises your entire body slightly and helps reduce pressure on your feet.
Ensure that when setting up your desk, you set your standing position while the mat is in place. Choose a mat that feels supportive, has a non-slip base, and is large enough to vary your stance.
Keep in mind that a mat is optional and is not a substitute for regular movement.
3. Adjust the Desk and Monitor Independently
A common mistake many people make is raising the standing desk while leaving the monitor where it is. The result is that the screen is often too low, causing the user to look down or lean forward.
Set the desk according to your arms and typing position. The monitor should then be adjusted separately to suit your viewing angle, without straining your neck.
4. Check the Monitor Arm Range and Screen Layout
A monitor arm can make it easier to adjust the screen independently, but not all monitor arms allow for the correct position. This is true for both seated and standing desks. Some arms have limited vertical or forward movement, which can leave the screen too low when the desk is raised. The screen should sit at a comfortable height and distance without you having to look down or lean forward.
5. Check the Desk’s Minimum Height
When choosing a sit-stand desk, it’s easy to focus on whether it rises high enough. However, the desk’s minimum height is equally important.
Adjust your chair first so your back is supported and your feet are stable. Then lower the desk until the keyboard sits around elbow height. If the desk cannot go low enough, raise the chair until you can type comfortably and use a footrest to support your feet rather than lowering the chair and compromising your arm position.
6. Consider a More Compact Keyboard
A compact keyboard can improve both the seated and standing positions of a sit-stand workstation. A full-sized keyboard with a built-in number pad may push the mouse farther away from your body, particularly if you have limited desk space. Repeatedly reaching to the side may contribute to discomfort in the mouse-side shoulder and upper back.
You should be able to use your mouse with your elbow close to your body rather than extending your arm outwards. If the mouse feels too far away, consider a smaller keyboard.
7. Make Sure the Standing Desk Has Enough Depth
A standing desk may be wide enough for all of your equipment but be too shallow for an ergonomic chair and desk setup.
WorkSafe Queensland recommends a desk depth of around 800mm or 80cm – enough space for comfortable monitor placement and legroom. As a simple check, sit or stand in your normal working position and extend one arm towards the screen. The monitor should sit roughly an arm’s length away, although a larger display may need to be positioned slightly further back.
8. Bring Paperwork Up to a Better Viewing Angle
Reading or writing documents placed flat on a standing desk can lead to repeated downward head movement.
An angled document holder, also known as a document slope, brings paperwork closer to eye level. Position the slope between the keyboard and monitor so that you can easily move between digital and printed information without repeatedly bending your neck. This is particularly useful for admin, finance, healthcare, and other roles involving frequent data entry or printed documents.
Read more: 10 Benefits of a Standing Desk for Health, Posture, and Productivity
What is Causing Your Discomfort?
If your standing desk is causing discomfort, you may need to adjust your setup. Use the table below as a starting point.
|
What you notice |
What to check first |
| Neck pain | Monitor height, viewing distance or laptop position |
| Raised or tense shoulders | Desk or keyboard may be too high |
| Leaning forward | Monitor may be too far away or text too small |
| Wrist discomfort | Keyboard height, tilt or distance from the body |
| Pain on one side of the neck | Primary monitor may be positioned off-centre |
| Sore feet or heels | Standing duration, hard flooring, footwear or mat |
| Lower-back fatigue |
Static stance, locked knees or lack of foot support |
Create a More Comfortable Standing Desk Setup
A comfortable ergonomic standing desk setup starts with a desk that suits your height and equipment.
Explore Mitronics’ range of standing desks and electric tables to find a solution that suits your office. The Mitronics team can also help you compare desk sizes and adjustment ranges and recommend accessories to help you create a setup that works for you.
