Open-plan offices win on many fronts, from promoting more communication between colleagues to saving space and money, increasing accountability and transparency, and creating a sense of community. As a result, more companies adopt this approach to boost employee morale and productivity. However, as anyone who works in such a setting will tell you, your actions affect your colleagues. So, how can you introduce a standing desk to your space without hampering the flow in the office? We have practical tips that you will love.
How to be a Considerate Standing Desk User in the Office
Using a standing desk is a great way to boost your productivity at work as it encourages you to be more active, which promotes better blood circulation, less muscle fatigue, and more mental clarity. But how can you enjoy these perks without getting in the way of your colleagues?
Minimise Noisy Disruptions
Many people work best in a quiet setting. So, you can imagine just how disruptive you would be if your sitting-standing alternations were noisy, especially if you are using a crank, lever, or any other mechanism that produces noise. One thing you can do is be slow and quiet during your adjustments, which requires you to be intentional about your changes. Where this proves difficult due to the noise that some desks make, you can schedule the adjustments during coffee and lunch breaks when noise is not an issue. An alternative to this is getting an electric height-adjustable desk frame – these desks have smooth and quiet movements that can enable you to adjust your desk as often as you want without worrying about being too loud. Besides, these desks also enable you to choose memory presets of your favourite working heights, which cuts back on adjustment time.
Noise can also come from your shoes as you shift your weight from one foot to the other. You can prevent this by wearing shoes with soft soles, as the soles will absorb the sound of the impact. Even with soft-soled shoes, it’s important to move slowly and gently to avoid making unnecessary sounds. An anti-fatigue mask is also a good way to reduce the noise from your feet as it often features sound-absorbent materials like foam or rubber – and it also serves to provide you with enough cushioning to make standing more comfortable.
Choose the Right Position
Traditional open-plan layouts hinge on a setting where people work while seated. So, the minute you change your position to standing, you may spark changes that could affect others. Here’s how you can solve this:
- Do not block light. If your desk is near natural light, ensure that your standing position will not obstruct the light or create a glare that might affect other people. If this is the case, you might want to change the desk position or adjust the curtains to ensure others are comfortable. Along the same line, ensure that the extra lighting in your space shines on your desk without creating a glare for other people;
- Ensure a clear view across sightlines. Open-plan offices rely on open communication between colleagues. So, if your standing position creates a barrier between people, it’s time to rethink the position;
- Be aware of personal space requirements. Is your desk encroaching on another person’s space? Is your standing position resulting in you working in a towering position over your colleagues? Thinking about how these changes will make other people feel is important.
Assessing your office layout can help you determine how to position your desk. You can also set up your desk in varying positions to see which fits best with the open layout.
Communicate With Your Colleagues
Using a standing desk can result in some concerns in your office. For example, a colleague who handles sensitive data may feel that your standing position puts the confidentiality of their work at risk. Knowing these concerns can help you make the most practical decisions regarding where to place your desk, which enables you to foster a positive work environment for everyone.
