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As more professionals turn to standing desks to boost productivity and improve health, enhancing the standing desk experience with the right accessories is essential. Whether you’re just getting started with a standing desk or you’ve been using one for years, the right tools can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the must-have standing desk accessories that can elevate your workspace, focusing on mats, footrests, and other ergonomic tools.
Why Standing Desk Accessories Matter
Standing desks offer many benefits, such as reducing the risk of obesity, lowering blood sugar levels, and even improving mood. However, standing for long periods can also lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even joint pain if your workspace isn’t optimized. This is where desk accessories come into play.
The right desk accessories can enhance the ergonomics of your space and make your standing desk more comfortable, improve your posture, and prevent the common aches and pains associated with prolonged standing. From anti-fatigue mats to height-adjustable footrests to monitor arms, these tools can help personalize your space and allow you to get the most out of your standing desk experience.
Best Accessories to Use With Standing Desks
Standing Mats
Standing mats are specially designed floor mats that reduce the discomfort and fatigue that often come with standing for long periods. These mats provide a cushioned surface that encourages subtle movements, promoting blood circulation and reducing pressure on your feet, knees, legs, and lower back.
By providing a soft surface to stand on, a standing mat can help reduce the fatigue that often accompanies long periods of standing. A standing mat can also encourage subtle movement, helping you maintain better posture. Moreover, the cushioning effect of an anti-fatigue mat can ease strain on the joints and muscles.
Ergonomic Chairs
Sitting for too long can cause health issues, but so will standing for long hours. It’s best to adapt the sit-stand method of working, where you switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. An ergonomic chair can support and keep your body comfortable while you work through your tasks. Many ergonomic office chairs are designed to allow for slight movements, promoting better circulation.
Ergonomic Desk Footrests
Maintaining the same position for extended periods can lead to discomfort. An ergonomic desk footrest can help you shift your weight, promote circulation, and reduce soreness in your legs and lower back. You can pair footrests with standing desks and adjustable chairs, especially if you subscribe to the sit-stand method of working throughout the day.
Monitor Arms and Risers
Proper monitor placement is crucial for maintaining good posture and reducing neck and eye strain while using a standing desk. Monitor arms allow you to adjust the height and position of your screen, ensuring it’s at eye level and preventing you from hunching over while you work. They’re especially helpful if you adapt to the sit-stand method of working and need to adjust your screen every now and then.
Aside from improving your posture and reducing neck aches, monitor arms can also keep your workstation organized and tidy by lifting your monitors or laptops off your desktop thereby creating more space. Sturdy monitor arms also offer flexible positioning, allowing you to easily adjust the height, tilt, and angle of your monitors. They also let you customize the placement of your monitors for maximum comfort.
Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse Trays
Even with a standing desk, using a standard keyboard and mouse directly on the desk surface can lead to wrist pain and discomfort over time. To complement the monitor arms on your workspace, you’ll need an ergonomic keyboard tray. Ergonomic keyboard trays are designed to alleviate this issue by providing a more comfortable typing and mousing posture.
Ergonomic keyboard and mouse trays are designed to promote a natural hand and wrist position, minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). By positioning your peripherals at the optimal height and angle, these accessories prevent the awkward postures that can lead to discomfort.
These trays also allow you to personalize your desk setup to suit your specific needs, providing you with greater comfort during long office hours. A well-designed tray can enhance your focus, enabling you to do your tasks more efficiently.
Cable Management Solutions
A cluttered desktop and workspace can lead to stress and decreased productivity. Many devices these days are now wireless but many gadgets still make use of cables, causing a messy space. Cable management systems help you organize and hide the various monitor cords, printer wires, and other cables that come with a standing desk setup, creating a cleaner and more efficient workspace.
One of the best accessories to have, cable management systems can save you from accidents, reducing the risk of tripping especially when used with standing desks. A lot of cable management solutions are also pretty easy to install and compatible with most office desks, adjustable or not. Many of them also have a design that lets them be hidden away from people’s eyes.
Filing Cabinets
Filing cabinets are a cornerstone of any organized office, providing a functional solution for managing documents and supplies. One of the best accessories to have in any office space, these cabinets are designed to enhance efficiency by keeping important files and materials easily accessible, while also helping you maintain a clutter-free desk.
Whether you need to save and store paperwork, office supplies, or personal items, a well-assembled filing cabinet can maximize your space and streamline your work environment.
Filing cabinets help you make the most of your office space by providing vertical storage solutions that free up desk space. Additionally, many filing cabinets are easy to assemble, allowing you to quickly set up your storage system and get back to work.
CPU Holders
One of the most overlooked yet vital accessories is a CPU holder. A CPU holder lets you free up valuable desktop or floor area, making your workstation orderly and functional. With your CPU mounted under your desk or alongside it, you’ll have more room for other essential accessories.
Desk Organization Tools
A workspace filled with clutter can lead to distractions and decreased productivity. Desk organization tools can help keep your workspace clean, neat, tidy, and functional. From desk drawer organizers to monitor arms with built-in storage, these tools can make a big difference in how efficiently you work.
Decluttering your workstation can also reduce stress and create a more calming environment. Additionally, an organized desk setup can look more professional and can boost your mood, efficiency, and creativity.
Foam Rollers
Incorporating foam rollers into your workspace can significantly enhance your overall well-being, especially if you’re spending long hours at a standing desk. They promote motion and encourage regular movements, stretching your muscles and helping prevent stiffness. A foam roller can provide support and the ample cushion needed to perform deep stretches that target specific areas of your body, such as the back, legs, and hips.
Many foam rollers are compact and easy to store, making them great to have in the office. You can use them to do quick stretches during the day or during breaks.
Balance Boards
A balance board is a flat surface that requires you to engage your core and keep your spine in a straight line to maintain balance. Many boards are made to complement standing desks, keeping users healthy while working. When you stand on a balance board, you’ll naturally shift your weight which can then help reduce fatigue and improve your overall posture.
Foot Massagers
Foot massagers are a great way to enhance your standing desk experience. They provide relief for tired, aching feet, and can help improve circulation. Massaging your feet regularly can also promote better blood flow, reducing swelling and fatigue.
Standing Desk Treadmills and Bike Desks
For those looking to take their standing desk experience to the next level, adding motion can be a game-changer. Standing desk treadmills and bike desks allow you to stay active while working, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting or standing. Moving regularly can enhance not only your well-being but also improve your energy levels and concentration, making you more productive.
Many desk treadmills are designed to fit under the desk, allowing you to walk while you work. A lot of them have a compact design as well and can be put aside when not in use.
Final Note
Standing desks are highly useful in adding more ergonomics to any office. While standing desks themselves are already helpful, adding accessories can increase their usefulness.
Standing desk accessories play a crucial role in transforming your office space into an efficient and comfortable environment. These accessories are designed to enhance ergonomics, ensuring that your workspace supports your body while allowing you to focus on your tasks. By adding the right tools, you can complement your standing desk setup, making it easier to stay productive and supported throughout the day.
Using accessories such as monitor arms, cable management systems, adjustable chairs, standing mats, and more with standing desks allows you to personalize and align your space according to your preferences. When you use these accessories, keep essential items within easy reach, and create a spot for everything, you can maintain an organized environment that promotes efficiency.
