INTHEBLACK July 2025 - Magazine - Page 56
WORK SMART
TECH STACK
Standing
desks
There is a growing body of research
which suggests that sitting down
all day increases the risks of a range
of health issues. If it isn’t possible
to get away from the work desk,
one option is to push aside a chair
and stand for a while.
Words Adam Turner
DESK RISERS AND EXTENDERS CAN TURN
an ordinary desk into a makeshift standing
desk. There are a range of purpose-built
standing desks that are simple to adjust using
a hand crank, pneumatics or an electric motor.
The idea is not to abandon the office chair
completely, but rather to alternate between
sitting and standing during the workday.
Simply standing isn’t enough — it is still
important to consider ergonomics. Try to keep
a straight back and relaxed shoulders, with
your pelvis in a neutral position and straight
legs with knees unlocked.
From the waist up, the same ergonomic
rules apply as when sitting at a desk.
Elbows should be level with the desktop to
ensure wrists remain straight when reaching
for the keyboard. The top of the monitor
should be at eye level, to avoid neck strain
from looking down.
56 INTHEBLACK July 2025
If sore or aching feet and legs are
a challenge when standing on a hard
floor, consider using an anti-fatigue floor mat.
Standing desks come in a range of models,
and prices vary depending on the lifting
mechanism, cable management, size of
the desktop and construction material.
It is also possible to combine a standing
desk with a walking pad or treadmill to keep
active. A few treadmills have a built-in flat
surface to work on, but they offer little desk
space and typically are not height adjustable.
If moving while working is of interest, it may
be better to opt for a separate under-desk
walking pad or treadmill to use with a suitable
standing desk.
UPDOWN KLIK
This UpDown standing desk has a 160 kg
lifting capacity, with a built-in electric motor
and desk-height memory. It is compatible
with the Desk Control app, using bluetooth
to track desk usage stats and suggest when
to stand. A cable management set comes
by default, with an optional integrated
power board and slimline drawer.
ARTISS STANDING DESK
Artiss’s dual-motor model offers a 100 kg
lift rating with height memory presets,
while the single-motor option lifts 70 kg
with no memory presets. The choice of
desktop materials is less premium than
other manufacturers, but Artiss does offer
some eco-friendly materials.
