Maybe there isn’t, but we can always aim for the closest state, can’t we? And when it comes to a perfect workstation, there are several elements that we can look into. With the standing desk at the core of every high-functional workstation, it’s easy to design one that will work for you best.
Accessibility
Are you able to access everything you need to perform your tasks conveniently without causing unnecessary strain on your body? This means your monitor should be placed at the correct level so you can conveniently look at it without straining your neck. The mouse and keyboard should be at a height that makes clicking and typing easy and comfortable for your hands, arms, and wrists. All the materials and equipment you use at work should be within easy reach as you need them.
Comfort
Are you able to go through your day without feeling fatigued or stressed? This can be affected by several factors. The standing desk must be set at the correct height. Your office chair must have the right cushion and lumbar support to fully hug and protect your back and body. And, you must be able to develop the right sit-stand cycle throughout the day.
Productivity
A perfect workstation is one that encourages you to be productive and to function in your best state. This means you are able to focus on what you need to do well, able to finish your tasks fast and efficiently, and able to emerge from your day feeling fulfilled about your day’s work. This is often determined by several factors—the lighting and temperature in your space, the noise, how everything is arranged, including your working habits.
Order
How is everything in your space? Is your standing desk overloaded with stuff? Are your wires and cables hanging loosely from your equipment? All of these create both virtual and physical clutter that can cause distractions and pose real work hazards. A perfect work station is one where everything has its safe place, including your cables.
Given all these elements that affect the condition of your working space, and with a standing desk at the center of your space, how do you now create the perfect—okay, near-perfect—workstation? Check out some tips below:
- Match the standing desk with your available space. With the standing desk at the center of your workstation, it’s important to ensure that it matches the space you have. If you have a limited space, get a smaller standing desk that won’t eat up the bulk of your space. Apart from size, design is something you can look into—some standing desks (such as the L-shaped desk) are great for limited spaces.
- Make your space ergonomic. Ergonomics plays a huge role in creating a good workstation, and it covers a lot of things. Replacing your old fixed desk with a standing desk is a good start, but don’t stop there. Invest in an ergonomic chair, too, including ergonomic accessories that can help protect your body against pain, discomfort, and stress. Some of the ergonomic accessories you can consider are mouse and keyboard, an anti-fatigue mat and footrest, and monitor arms to support your monitors, among others.
- Take advantage of natural lighting and fresh air. Nothing beats the sun as the source of natural light, so try to keep your workstation close to a window from which natural light could filter through. As an alternative, invest in high-quality lighting for your space. Make sure as well that your space is well-ventilated. If the weather permits, try if you can open the windows to allow fresh air in. Having plants in your workspace can also be good for your health.
- Keep your space tidy. Don’t allow clutter to invade your space—they are not only an eyesore but can also be hazardous. Ensure that you only have the essentials on your standing desk; don’t overload it with stuff. Get a high-quality and durable file cabinet for all your documents. For your wires and cables, you can invest in a wire management system or get cable sleeves and tubes to keep them out of sight and keep you out of trouble.
A perfect workstation is not possible, you say? Maybe not, but you can still create one that works for you best according to your needs. Start with a good standing desk and office chair, and then build your workstation by adding more ergonomic accessories.
