Why Standing Desks Make Sense for Remote Workers
Working from home often means working more sedentarily than in an office. No commute, no walking to meetings, no spontaneous coffee runs with colleagues. You can easily spend 8-10 hours barely moving from your desk.
A standing desk doesn't solve sedentary work entirely, but it makes changing positions effortless. Instead of intentionally getting up and walking somewhere, you just press a button and continue working in a different posture.
The Remote Work Standing Desk Case
- More time at desk = more value from adjustment: If you're at your desk 8+ hours, the ability to change positions matters more.
- No office-provided ergonomics: You're responsible for your own setup at home.
- Meetings while standing: Many remote workers prefer standing for video calls.
- Energy management: Position changes can help manage afternoon slumps.
- Long-term investment: Remote work isn't going away; your home office is worth investing in.
Setting Up Your Remote Work Standing Desk
Choose the Right Size
Remote workers often need more desk space than traditional office workers—you might have personal items, reference materials, or secondary devices that wouldn't be at an office desk. Consider:
- Space for work computer/monitors
- Room for personal device (phone, tablet)
- Notebook/writing area if you take manual notes
- Drink and snack zone (you're at home, after all)
For most remote workers, a 48" × 24" desk is the minimum comfortable size. See our size guide for detailed recommendations.
Optimize for Video Calls
Video calls are a huge part of remote work. Your standing desk setup should account for:
- Camera angle: Webcam at eye level for natural eye contact. External webcams or monitor-mounted cameras work well at both sitting and standing heights if positioned correctly.
- Lighting: Face a window or use front-facing lighting. Standing height may change what's behind you—check your background at both positions.
- Audio considerations: Standing height may affect how your microphone picks up your voice. Test and adjust as needed.
💡 Standing During Calls
Many remote workers find they prefer standing for video calls—it feels more energetic and engaged. Use memory presets to quickly switch to your "call position" before meetings start.
Separate Work from Life
One challenge of working from home is psychological separation between work and personal time. A standing desk can help:
- End-of-day ritual: Lowering the desk to minimum height can signal "work is done"
- Visual change: A desk at a different height looks different, reinforcing the transition
- Dual-use spaces: If your desk is in a living area, height adjustment can help it blend in when not working
Building a Complete Remote Work Setup
Essential Accessories
- Monitor arm: Frees desk space and allows proper positioning at any height
- Anti-fatigue mat: Essential for comfortable standing
- Quality chair: You'll still sit—make sure that's comfortable too
- Cable management: Keeps your setup clean and functional during height changes
- Laptop stand: If using a laptop, raises screen to eye level
Nice-to-Have Additions
- Footrest: Provides position variety while sitting
- Standing mat with terrain: Mats with bumps/ridges encourage micro-movements
- Under-desk storage: Keeps items accessible but off the desk surface
- Timer/reminder: Apps or physical timers to prompt position changes
Standing Desk Routines for Remote Workers
Finding Your Rhythm
There's no perfect sit/stand ratio—it depends on your body and work style. Common approaches:
- 20-8-2: 20 minutes sitting, 8 minutes standing, 2 minutes moving, repeat
- Task-based: Stand for calls and quick tasks, sit for deep focus work
- Energy-based: Stand when energy dips, sit when comfortable
- Pomodoro-style: Switch positions each work block (e.g., every 25-50 minutes)
Start with less standing than you think you need and build up. Standing all day isn't the goal—variety is.
Building the Habit
The biggest standing desk mistake is not using it. Tips for building the habit:
- Set calendar reminders to prompt standing
- Stand for specific recurring events (all video calls, for example)
- Start your day standing—it's easier to maintain than to switch into
- Track standing time initially to build awareness
Remote-Specific Considerations
Shared Spaces
If others share your home during work hours, consider:
- Motor noise during calls (most are fine, but verify)
- Desk placement to minimize disruption
- Whether the standing position affects others' sightlines (TV, etc.)
Multiple Work Locations
Some remote workers have multiple setups (home office + bedroom desk, or home + co-working space). Options:
- Two desks: If budget allows, having consistent setups in both locations is ideal
- Laptop + converter: Bring your laptop; have a converter at the secondary location
- Portable solutions: Laptop stands with adjustable heights offer basic standing capability anywhere
Tax Considerations
Depending on your location and employment status, home office equipment may be tax-deductible. Standing desks are legitimate home office furniture. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many employers provide home office stipends or equipment budgets that can cover standing desks. Check your employee handbook or ask HR. Some companies specifically include ergonomic equipment. Even if there's no formal policy, it's worth asking—employers increasingly recognize that supporting home office ergonomics reduces health-related productivity issues.
Physical and visual separation helps. At the end of the workday: lower the desk to its minimum height, turn off/cover monitors, and tidy the surface. Some people use a desk lamp they only turn on during work hours. The key is creating rituals that signal "work mode" on and off.
No. Standing all day causes its own problems—leg fatigue, foot pain, and circulation issues. The goal is movement and variety, not maximum standing time. Most guidelines suggest spending no more than 30-50% of your work time standing, and even then, changing positions frequently.