Transitioning to a Sit/Stand Workstation

For some individuals, the conventional workstation in which the user remains seated for most of the day will cause discomfort. An example of this is an individual who has recurring lower back problems. Sitting in a conventional chair that provides inadequate support or movement will only exacerbate the back problem, and may at best delay the discomfort and pain (and any potential for progress toward recovery). One solution which is often suggested in this situation is a sit/stand workstation which means that the user will sit for a certain length of time and then resume work standing, and so on. This alternation between sitting and standing can help alleviate pressure on the back by forcing back muscles to continually respond the body shifts and slight movements, thereby balancing the load on the sensitive areas along the backbone and associated discs.

For most people, this transition to a sit/stand workstation can be the biggest obstacle to improving their condition, since it involves changing one's work behaviour substantially. Most people are willing to make slight adjustments to alleviate minor problems, but such a radical concept as sitting and standing can prove to be an insurmountable obstacle for this otherwise potentially viable solution. Nevertheless, the benefits of this arrangement can pay dividends over the long-term and are often well worth the effort for those suffering from chronic back pain. Ergonomic equipment is readily available to make this transition as easy as possible, including devices like this month's featured product, the TaskMate from Health Postures. This device easily adjusts the height of your monitor (and keyboard with keyboard tray) up and down, to accommodate you whether you are sitting or standing.

One theory which has been suggested as to why adopting a sit/stand solution is harder for most people, besides the significant behavioural changes required, is the fact that the user is further required to consciously adapt this behaviour to take advantage of this kind of dynamic workstation. It requires an active role for the user in which he/she voluntarily gets up and sits down at pre-determined intervals. This is harder to do than simply passively and unconsciously using equipment whose design automatically gives you benefits just by using it! Fortunately, with time and patience, this downside can be minimized through developing regular habits that make such behaviours more natural and 'instinctive'.