Top Productivity Techniques You can Try with Your Standing Desks

Finally, you've decided to use a standing desk in your workstation—smart move! It’s one of the best decisions you can make to ensure comfort and proper ergonomics at work. Standing desks not only help you avoid the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle, but they also encourage better posture, improved circulation, and greater focus throughout the day.

In one of our previously published articles, The Importance of Good Posture, we emphasized how vital it is to maintain proper posture. Doing so helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries and posture-related disorders. Common causes of poor posture include prolonged sitting, frequent slouching, poor work habits, and a poorly arranged workstation.

Using ergonomic equipment, such as standing desks, supports good posture and helps you produce high-quality work results while promoting overall health and wellness.

In an article from U.S. News, it was mentioned:

“Research suggests that using a standing desk can encourage workers to spend less time sitting. People who sit with poor posture put themselves at risk for a raft of health problems, including the misalignment of the spine and knees, which can increase stress on the knees; exacerbation of arthritis; poor circulation; fatigue; jaw pain; headaches; sexual function issues and shoulder and back pain.”

The article also recommends easing into a standing routine with the help of a sit-to-stand desk to avoid sudden discomfort or fatigue.

How to Stay Productive at Work with Your Standing Desk

Everyone wants to complete tasks efficiently and on time. The more you aim to be productive, the more important it is to follow practical tips to make the most of your workday. Investing in a standing desk is a great start—it reduces the risk of back and neck pain, which often disrupts focus and performance. Since you’ve already made the switch, here are several ways to boost your productivity even further:

1. Set Up Your Standing Desk Properly

Standing desks vary in style and functionality, so it’s important to follow the manual that comes with your desk. Proper setup ensures ergonomic alignment and helps prevent strain or discomfort.

As we previously noted:

"Once you've committed to using a standing desk in your workstation, you need to be aware of how to properly utilize it. This will ensure you overcome any discomfort and promote better usage over time. Most of us think that once equipment becomes available, it will do all the work. That is not always the case. As workers, we should also do our part if we want to achieve an overall healthy working experience."

A correctly set up workstation eliminates unnecessary distractions and promotes better focus.

2. Use Ergonomic Accessories

Alongside your standing desk, consider using accessories like an ergonomic vertical mouse, keyboard, or monitor mount. A vertical mouse helps prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and reduces arm strain. An ergonomic keyboard promotes a natural wrist position, while a monitor mount aligns your screen at eye level, reducing neck pain and eye strain. These small additions can have a big impact on comfort and productivity.

3. Improve Your To-Do List

If your to-do list isn’t helping you stay on track, it might be time to upgrade your system. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and break down big projects into smaller, manageable steps. You might also benefit from project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to visualize and organize your workflow more effectively.

4. Stay Organized with an Online Notepad

Instead of using sticky notes, consider a digital alternative like Evernote or Google Keep. These tools let you set reminders, organize thoughts, and access notes from any device. Going digital helps you stay organized while saving time and desk space.

5. Evaluate Your Daily Work Results

At the end of each workday, take a few minutes to reflect:

• What tasks did you complete successfully?
  
  

• What took more time than expected?
  
  

• What needs improvement tomorrow?
  
  

This simple habit helps you identify patterns and optimize your workflow for better results.

6. Use an Anti-Fatigue Mat

If you're standing for long periods, an anti-fatigue mat is a must. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):

“Anti-fatigue mats are often used to decrease foot and lower limb disorders for workers who stand in one position for long periods. However, providing a mat may not solve the entire problem. Discomfort, tiredness and sore feet, legs, knees or hips after long hours of standing are the combined effect of several factors, namely the design of the work, the workers' footwear, and the flooring material.”

Standing too long, even with the right shoes or floor covering, can lead to fatigue. Using a high-quality anti-fatigue mat helps reduce strain and improve comfort throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Standing desks, along with other ergonomic tools like desk converters, chairs, and accessories, play a vital role in creating a healthier and more efficient workplace. By optimizing your setup, staying organized, and making small daily improvements, you can work more comfortably, avoid physical strain, and boost your overall productivity. With the right habits and tools in place, your standing desk can become a powerful ally in achieving a more focused, energetic, and pain-free workday.