An electric height-adjustable desk allows you to change positions while working. This doesn't mean you have to stand all day. Sitting and standing can both be prolonged stationary positions; the key is to alternate between them occasionally and also move around.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) states that there is no single mandatory ratio: recommended intervals range from one hour of sitting and five minutes of standing to changing every 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. It recommends changing based on your needs and adjusting gradually. Read the CCOHS recommendations for height-adjustable desks.
Start with a small change, not a strict schedule
If you usually sit for most of the day, start by setting a reminder to change positions at the end of a work block. As a simple test, you can try 30–45 minutes of sitting, then 5–15 minutes of standing, and take a short walk during transitions. This is just a starting example, not a rule for everyone. If changing every half hour or at the end of an individual task suits you better, use that rhythm.
After a few days, check what helps you maintain a comfortable working position. If you become restless or uncomfortable while standing, sit down or move around. There's no need to wait for a reminder to go off.
Try this rhythm during a typical work block
- For a more demanding task: choose a sitting or standing position in which you can most easily keep your shoulders relaxed and your hands in a neutral position.
- When you finish a block: change the desk height. You can use a phone call, document review, or a short meeting for a few minutes of standing work, if that suits you.
- During a transition: stand up, take a few steps, or pour a glass of water. Simply changing from sitting to standing still means you remain in one place.
- When you return: choose a position based on the next task and how you feel. There's no need to start every block the same way.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work points out that prolonged stationary standing is not a solution for prolonged sitting; it makes sense to combine sitting, standing, and movement. Its materials also mention a brief change in position or movement approximately every 30 minutes. EU-OSHA materials on prolonged standing at work.
Check the settings before raising the desk
When working standing up, the work surface should be approximately at elbow height. Your elbows should remain close to your body, your forearms relaxed, and your wrists as straight as possible. The screen should be in front of you so you don't have to turn your body or look down for long periods. CCOHS also recommends comfortable footwear; if you stand for longer periods, you can occasionally shift your weight from one foot to the other or use a suitable foot support.
Before the first adjustment, check that cables, drawers, or objects under the desk do not obstruct its movement. When changing the height, also check the screen and keyboard: the correct desk height alone does not guarantee a comfortable position if the monitor is too low or too far away.
An electric desk is useful if you actually change its height
If you want to change positions without manually lifting the work surface, an electric desk can be a practical choice. Ergosed HQ72 has an electrically adjustable height of 72 to 117 cm according to its catalog, height memory, and collision protection; it is available in several desktop sizes. When choosing, check whether the selected dimensions suit your space and the equipment you use.
The best start is simple: choose an interval you can maintain, include a short walk, and adjust the rhythm based on your tasks. If reminders become overwhelming, link them to natural transitions in your day, such as the end of a meeting or sending a report.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I alternate between sitting and standing?
There is no single schedule for everyone. CCOHS lists various possible intervals and advises you to change positions based on your needs. Start with a reminder at the end of a work block and adjust it.
Is it better to work standing up all the time?
No. Prolonged stationary standing is also not the goal. Alternate between sitting and standing, and take a few steps or a short break from the screen in between.
Do I need special settings on an electric desk?
Not necessarily. It is important that you can set the desk to approximately elbow height when working standing up, that your arms remain relaxed, and that you can change the height without obstruction. A memory setting is convenient, but not a requirement for changing positions.
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