Standing Workstation | Hacker News Reader

Standing Workstation

webworkerdaily.com

12 pointsrarestnews6 comments

I often work standing up. One thing he missed, probably because he uses a laptop, is that it is more comfortable when standing to have your keyboard quite a bit lower than your monitor. For some reason, it feels more uncomfortable to me to have my elbows bent as much as would be necessary to have the keyboard directly below the monitor. I have my keyboard at about 42 inches (navel height) which is also where I have my fine assembly workbenches (for electronics and other small work). My monitor I have raised higher, with my eye level about one-third from the top of the screen. Footrests do help, but I just have file boxes around that I can rest my feet on when needed.

Hmm, seems like this writeup is missing the vital recommendation that you have a foot rest and alternate between elevating one foot, elevating the other foot, and having both feet on the floor. I've tried working standing up without a footrest and found it intolerable after a short time, but with alternating feet height I can work standing for extended periods of time - and me feet/knees/back are happier than when I work seated.

I have been trying to work on a treadmill for the last 2 days. The platform shakes, the motor is noisy at low RPMs and so far isn't sustainable for a long period of time.

I also think often that it would be much greater to be working standing. Anyone tried?

I started about a year ago. I found that I have better focus at work and more energy at the end of the day. I'm happy I made the switch.

My work involves periods of concentration where I'm focused on my workstation for hours. And also periods of activity when I have to move frequently to and from my desk. Remaining standing makes the transition to and from workstation much less of a distraction.

Lessons learned:

- it's not for everybody.

- your co-workers/boss may make Rumsfeld jokes about you. (But you will have the Benjamin Franklin / Winston Churchill retort)

- it will take a week or two for your body to make the transition.

- a stool or drafter's chair will help with the transition.

- "Standing Desks" are outrageously expensive. Unless you can find something like Ikea's (out of production) Jerker Desk, or BYO.

- plan to play with the height adjustment. Your first guess may be uncomfortable. So ensure your desk makes this easy.

- budget for comfortable shoes and/or standing mat(s).

From my personal experience, it's a bit overrated. After 45 min. of standing, my knees and feet start to hurt -- resulting in an irresistible urge to find the closest chair.

Perhaps, its best to have access to a variety of working positions/environment and switch to one that best suits your disposition. In my case, (bed <--> recliner <--> desk <--> standing desk).

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