- Business Tips
Stay Comfortable At Your Desk
By Stephen Weber
The business world used to be a lot more “active” 100 years ago. You’d hop on a horse and buggy to meet with potential customers, walk up several flights of stairs to ask your boss a quick question, and eat whatever was in walking distance of your office.
Today, you don’t even have to leave your desk to get most things done. You can control the temperature of the room with the tap of your finger (with Nest), have an instant conversation with your coworker halfway around the world (via Slack or Microsoft Teams), and have delicious food delivered to your doorstep with a few taps on your phone.
Technology makes our lives significantly easier, but it also tends to confine us to one area—the desk. Mobile phones and iPads give us more flexibility, but the average adult still spends over 6 hours a day sitting at their desk. It’s no wonder we’re experiencing back pain earlier, hunched posture sooner, and exercising less each day.
You can help combat the negatives of desk confinement by taking regular breaks, doing simple stretches, and utilizing well-designed, ergonomic products.
Here are a few of our updated recommendations:
1) The Ergonomic Office Chair
If you’re going to be sitting for hours a day, you might as well be comfortable. A good ergonomic chair supports your lower back, encourages natural posture, and reduces muscle fatigue.
- Herman Miller Aeron: The gold standard of mesh office chairs. It’s highly breathable, durable, and supports posture exceptionally well. A brand new Aeron starts around $1,200 to $1,800+.
- Steelcase Gesture or Leap V2: The premier fabric alternatives. The Leap offers unparalleled lumbar support, while the Gesture features highly adjustable armrests designed for users who switch between typing, phone use, and tablet drafting.
*Pro-tip: Search Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or refurbished office sellers to find these chairs in great condition for half-off or less.
2) Standing Desks
Alternating between sitting and standing is one of the easiest ways to keep your energy high, burn a few extra calories, and relieve spinal pressure.
- Uplift V2 / V3: Widely considered the best overall standing desk. It is remarkably stable even at maximum height, offers an extensive selection of desktop materials and finishes, and starts around $600.
- FlexiSpot E7: A fantastic budget-to-mid-range contender. It features a reliable dual-motor system, sturdy frame, and a digital control pad with height memory presets for under $400.
- XDesk Terra: The premium successor to NextDesk’s Terra. It features gorgeous, eco-friendly bamboo desktops and high-grade aluminum columns. This remains a luxury choice starting at over $1,600.
3) Active Sitting & Movement
Traditional chairs keep you completely static. Active sitting engages your core muscles, improves circulation, and keeps your body subtly moving.
- Håg Capisco: The ultimate sit-stand chair. Its unique saddle-seat design allows you to sit forward, backward, or sideways, and is perfect for perching at standing desks.
- Active Balance Stools: Stools like the Vari Active Seat or a quality wobble stool (starting around $150 to $250) are great for keeping your core active while working and making it effortless to transition back to standing.
What types of office furniture or movement techniques do you use to stay comfortable at work? Let us know in the comments!
