Using the universal rule of New Guy privilege, I managed to finagle my way into getting the facilities folks to purchase a standing computer desk for me.
I’ve been thinking about doing this for some time now, ever since I first heard that Donald Rumsfeld used one, not that I plan to model myself off of Rumsfeld. The truth is, my job involves a lot of staring at the computer, which is a lot like most jobs nowadays. Unless I’m off to meetings, where I then sit, I’m not moving around much at all during the workday. Add the fact that I’m no longer biking into the office, and this means more expandable-waist khakis in the near future.
Of course, the danger here is that, as the new guy, everyone will think I’m nuts, no matter how many times I send around links to stories about the benefits of standing desks. But people have questioned my sanity in the past. I’m not terribly worried.
I explain it to folks this way, not only is standing healthier for you, people tend to think better on their feet. I have always stood while making phone calls, it is just easier for me to think that way…and yes, I tend to wave my arms a bit. After a few hours in a chair, I begin to feel tired, dull and stupid. That’s just how it is. For me at least.
Already I have found that typing is just as comfortable while standing. I’ve also taken off my shoes so that I can bounce on the balls of my feet when I feel the need to stretch a bit. Of course, this means I’ll have to be more attentive to the holes in my socks…and I probably should buy an air freshener…
The desk in question is by Safco (here), and it was entirely up to the facilities people. There was discussion of building a shelf or an adjustable arm, but a new desk was likely the best solution.
Truth be told, it wobbles a bit when I start typing, which is due, in part, to the inherent bounciness of keyboard trays. They facilities folks will be screwing it to a cleat in the wall for more stability, but I have a feeling I’ll need to take the keyboard off the tray and a put it in front of the iMac for comfort as well.
Here’s a picture of the setup from earlier this morning:
I think I’m going to need to put together a little arm or shelf to hold my phone.
Next, of course, is installing a treadmill.