kibemo talk podcast

Buying a high table: What matters for ergonomics, stability, and height adjustment

By Samuel Gamper

This podcast episode is about the standing desk and why height-adjustable desks are becoming increasingly important in modern offices. The conversation explains what to look out for when buying a standing desk and what mistakes companies should avoid.

In Brief:

  • A standing desk brings more movement into the office routine.
  • Stability, motors and memory function are key purchasing criteria.
  • A height-adjustable standing desk should fit the room size.

Interview with...

Pajtim Berisha – Country Manager at Narbutas

Pajtim Berisha is Country Manager Switzerland for the office furniture manufacturer Narbutas. Narbutas is one of the largest office furniture manufacturers in Europe and develops solutions for modern workplaces. His focus is on ergonomic office chairs, functional office furnishings, and dynamic work.

Name: Pajtim Berisha
Occupation:
Country Manager at Narbutas
Website: www.narbutas.de

"A standing desk offers more flexibility, promotes movement, and supports ergonomic work in the office."

Pajtim Berisha – Country Manager at Narbutas

Buying a Standing Desk: What Matters for Ergonomics, Stability, and Height Adjustment

Stehtisch kaufen: Worauf es bei Ergonomie, Stabilität und Höhenverstellung ankommt

The complete interview to read:

 

Why is the standing desk becoming increasingly important in modern offices?

The classic desk is increasingly being replaced by the height-adjustable standing desk in many offices. The reason is simple: modern workplaces should encourage movement and enable ergonomic working.

Anyone who works at the same height all day often remains in a rigid posture for too long. An office standing desk brings variety to the workday. You can switch between sitting and standing, remaining more active as a result.

Especially in offices, schools, and home offices, the height-adjustable desk is therefore becoming increasingly standard.

 

What problems arise from sitting all day?

Long periods of sitting make the workday more cumbersome. Many people notice that they are less focused and move less after several hours. A height-adjustable standing desk introduces a different dynamic here.

Those who can stand intermittently remain more alert and automatically move more. This positively impacts well-being, concentration, and the overall work feeling. The important thing is not to stand all day, but to regularly change positions.

 

When do companies decide to purchase a new standing desk?

Often, a height-adjustable standing desk is purchased when old furniture is replaced. Existing desks are often no longer up-to-date, defective, or do not fit modern workplace concepts.

Companies then look for a durable solution that is more ergonomic and improves the workday. Especially in new office spaces, teachers' lounges, or open-plan concepts, height adjustment is increasingly being planned from the outset.

 

How does a height-adjustable standing desk work?

A height-adjustable standing desk has a frame with a lifting function. This allows the tabletop to be moved lower or higher than a classic desk.

Models with two motors are recommended. They move both table legs evenly, are generally quieter, and run more stably. Especially in open-plan offices, noise plays an important role. If many people adjust their desks, it should happen as quietly and quickly as possible.

 

How often should one switch between sitting and standing?

A good guideline is to switch every 30 to 60 minutes. This brings movement into the workday and keeps the body more active.

However, there is no single rule that fits everyone. Some people like to stand for longer periods, while others switch more frequently. The decisive factor is to actually use the standing desk and not remain in the same position all day.

A height-adjustable standing desk only truly shows its benefits when sitting and standing are consciously alternated.

 

What role does the correct height play in working?

The correct height is crucial for ergonomic working. If you sit or stand too low or too high, poor posture quickly develops.

A well-adjusted standing desk supports a relaxed posture and helps to work with concentration. Arms should be able to rest comfortably without the shoulders being hunched. When standing, the desk should be adjusted so that the posture remains natural.

A memory function is very helpful here, as sitting and standing heights can be saved.

 

What should you look for when buying a standing desk?

When buying a standing desk, you should pay particular attention to stability, motorization, speed, and operation. A desk often looks solid at first glance. However, how it performs in everyday use is crucial.

A simple test helps: raise the desk all the way up and shake it gently. You'll quickly notice if it remains stable or wobbles significantly.

Important criteria are:

  • stable construction
  • two motors
  • quiet height adjustment
  • good speed
  • memory function
  • suitable tabletop size
  • tidy cable management

Especially with inexpensive models, differences often only become apparent in daily use. 

 

What role do design and materials play?

A modern office standing desk should not only function but also fit the room concept. Colors, base shape, tabletop, and accessories should harmonize with the rest of the furnishings.

The quality of the tabletop is also important. Coating, edges, and surface determine how durable the desk is in everyday life. In addition, there are practical elements such as cable ducts, modesty panels, acoustic shielding, or integrated storage solutions.

A good standing desk is therefore not just a height-adjustable frame, but part of the entire workplace.

 

How should one proceed with planning?

For a single workplace, it is worthwhile to test different desks. It is important whether the height, stability, desk size, and operation suit one's needs.

For open-plan offices or school projects, planning is even more crucial. There, desk sizes, aisles, escape routes, storage space, and cable management must all work together. Waste bins, cabinets, modesty panels, and acoustic elements should also be considered early on.

This creates a workplace that is not only ergonomic but also functional in daily use of the space.

 

What desk sizes are common in offices? 

For many office workplaces, desk sizes between 160 and 180 cm wide are common. In open-plan offices, more compact variants are also used, for example, with a width of 140 cm.

Which size fits depends on the space and its use. Those who work a lot with paper, notes, or multiple screens need more space. In paperless offices, smaller tabletops are often sufficient.

It is important not to automatically choose the largest desk. The desk must fit the space, the walkways, and the actual work.

 

What mistakes are commonly made when buying a standing desk?

A common mistake is to focus too much on price when making larger purchases. Inferior models often only have one motor, are louder, slower, or less stable.

This is particularly noticeable when the desk is fully extended. If the monitor wobbles or the desk moves when leaning on it, it interferes with daily work.

A missing memory function can also be impractical. If sitting and standing heights have to be found anew each time, the desk will be used less.

 

What feedback is there after switching to a standing desk?

The feedback is usually very positive. Many users say that they feel more agile in their daily work and would not want to miss the option of standing.

Especially the switch between sitting and standing makes the difference. The workday feels less rigid, and one remains more active.

Hardly anyone misses their old, non-height-adjustable desk afterward.

 

What configuration options are available for modern standing desks?

Modern standing desks can be highly customized. Besides colors, top shapes, and frames, there are many practical additions.

These include, for example, drawers, cabinets, cable ducts, cable clips, cutouts for cables, modesty panels, and acoustically effective back panels. In open-plan offices, bench solutions are popular, where two desks face each other and are separated by a visual or acoustic element.

Especially in open offices, such elements improve not only order but also acoustics and privacy.

 

What is the most important tip before buying?

The most important tip is: test the desk. Stability, speed, and noise are only noticeable in use.

Anyone looking to buy a standing desk should also pay attention to a suitable desk size, two motors, a digital display, and a memory function. The desk must fit the room and its use.

The largest or cheapest desk is not automatically the best. The decisive factor is that it remains comfortable, stable, and functional in the long term.

 

Conclusion: A standing desk brings movement to the workday

A standing desk is an important component of modern office workplaces today. It allows for switching between sitting and standing and thus supports more movement in daily life.

When choosing a height-adjustable standing desk, particular attention should be paid to stability, motors, operation, desk size, and accessories. In offices, schools, and home offices, careful planning is worthwhile.

A good office standing desk is not just height-adjustable. It fits the space, supports ergonomic work, and remains reliable in daily use.

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