Are Standing Desks Better for You Than Standing Desk Converters?

Working from home and stuck behind a screen all day? We all know the dangers of sedentary lifestyle, but how can we strike a balance when our jobs require us to work from a desk? The answer -- you’re probably using it right now, that’s right, your desk! 

Standing desks have been increasing in popularity as they can help you get on your feet without having to sacrifice valuable time out of your workday. 

They have been known to help boost productivity, improve circulation and ease muscle strain. 

With the recent rise in demand there are a ton of options on the market ranging from electric standing desks, to manual sit stand desks and even standing desk converters. 

You’re ready to make the leap and invest in your health, so which one is right for you?

Why Use Desk Converters?

A sit-stand desk converter is a good introduction into ergonomic office furniture. Rather than purchasing a new desk outright, a sit standing converter allows you to try working while standing without investing in a full standing desk.

A desktop converter sits on top of your existing desk, they can sometimes be adjusted manually to fit your height. Not all standing desk converters will allow you to make height adjustments, in which case you will need to measure the height of the converter and your desk ahead of time to ensure it suits your standing height needs. 

When switching between working sitting and standing, you will need to manually remove the desk converter, as it is not suitable for use while seated.

Tip: Make sure your desk converter fits your needs, and allows you to work from your optimal ergonomic position so that you can reap all the benefits of making the switch! 

Flexibility

The first major advantage of desk converters is the flexibility and minimal commitment they offer, as they are just an extension of your current desk. 

You can enjoy the benefits of working while standing, and simply remove and store the extension when you feel like sitting. 

If you find yourself not moving for most of the day, breaking up your sedentary lifestyle by standing for an hour or so can do wonders for your health and productivity. Standing desks have been known to help with reducing back pain and lowering blood pressure.

Space

Standing desk converters come in an array of sizes, depending on the size of your current desk there are lots of options available on the market. 

You won’t need to worry about finding space to store your current desk, as it is just a removable extension. 

If you want to take a break from standing, you can collapse the converter and tuck it into the corner or a storage closet. 

Whether you have a home office or work in a corporate building, space can be hard to come by. You can enjoy the benefits of a stand up desk, without having to make the space for a new desk. 

Budget

There are a wide range of options for all price levels.  Standing desk converters have risen to popularity, with many large retailers now offering desk converters. 

Just be careful, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cheaply made desk converters may be wobbly, and break easily, so do your research! 

The last thing you want to do is set your expensive laptop on a cheap desk converter, only for it to break during the first use causing your coffee to spill all over your laptop and your work.

Before you make the switch to a standing desk converter, there are a few things to factor in. If you spend a lot of time at a desk, it may be worth it to skip the training wheels and invest straight into a standing desk. 

Why Switch to Standing Desks?

While converters let you test things out, they aren't always the best long-term solution. Unlike electric standing desks, many are not backed by warranty. 

Some desk converters are cheaply made, out of materials like plastic and have a tendency to wear down quicker over time. 

If you find yourself alternating between sitting and standing frequently throughout the day, you may want to consider a desk that adjusts automatically. That way, with the press of a button and the preset heights on your memory keypad you will be able to adjust the desk to your optimal height. No more breaking away from your concentration zone to adjust your desk. 

Stability

Some desk converters don't use the best materials or construction, so they can be very shaky. The added segments that enable you to adjust the converter height can make it harder for the design to be stable and secure.

You may notice that your workspace isn't as level, or the converter may be slightly awkward to use as it does not give you access to all of your valuable tabletop real estate. Converters often act as a laptop stand rather than raising your entire work surface. 

Full-size standing desks often have better construction and durability. Standing desks are built with standing in mind, they often feature added elements for increased stability. 

Workspace

Some desk converters can be quite small, and will require you to sacrifice your work surface. If you need to use a keyboard and mouse or even another monitor, and monitor arms, you may not have enough room.

Many standing desks provide larger surfaces than regular desks. You can still get your work done like you would with a sitting desk, without the on space or stability. 

Ergonomics

In addition to the health benefits of standing, you have more ergonomic options with standing desks.

 A good standing desk will let you adjust it to your optimal standing height so that you can reach everything comfortably, in a proper ergonomic position. 

You won't have to stand on your toes or hunch over to see your screen.

What If You Aren't Ready for a Full-Size Standing Desk?

If you aren't ready to commit to a full-size standing desk, you can test things out with a converter. If you don’t want to waste 100 dollars on a converter, look for a standing desk that provides a risk free trial. 

Reputable standing desk companies that believe in the quality of their products will offer a hassle free return policy, and a risk free trial. A perfect way to test out an ergonomic desk, with zero commitment. 

If you aren’t ready to make the change for your health and would still prefer to sit, make sure you invest in an ergonomic office chair.

Look for a chair that can mold to your body to support your spines natural alignment. Make sure the chair is fully adjustable, meaning the lumbar support, arms, chair height and tilt can all be adjusted to fit your needs.

Invest in an ergonomic chair that will help reduce back strain, especially if you will be spending a lot of time sitting. 

Using Full-Size Standing Desks or Desk Converters

Standing desks are an amazing way to get work done and get you on your feet. If you work an office job, it can be hard to get enough activity or get your blood flowing during the day.

By making the switch to a standing desk you can keep yourself active throughout the workday. At first it may feel weird to stand and work but your body will thank you in the long run. Just make sure you choose the right standing desk, with a wide range of adjustments to suit your needs.

Looking to ergonomically optimize your workspace? EFFYDESK is here to help. 

At EFFYDESK — we design, mould, and deliver the best Electric Standing Desk for professional or personal use.

Our award-winning ergonomic office chairs ensure that office workers are protected against desk job damage and are well-equipped to maximize efficiency and morale in the workplace — wherever that may be for you.

Browse our signature Standing Desks, Office Chairs, and Monitor Mounts designed to boost workplace productivity, so you can get more done, more comfortably. Claim your 30-day free trial today.

To learn more about EFFYDESK’s products and services, be sure to check out our FAQ page or browse our ergomindfulness blog for more helpful articles on ergonomics in the workplace.