I’ve reviewed 30+ standing desks in my home office over the past 5 years. Everything from $350 cheapies like the Artiss to the fully specced hardwood monsters like the recycled Messmate UpDown Pro+. All of them have wobbled – to an extent.

This is ironic, because I know from my ties to the industry that Australian consumers prioritise standing desk stability over any other feature.

So, what the? How does one square this apparent contradiction?

Every Standing Desk Wobbles Eventually.

There is no contradiction.

“Is this desk sturdy?” is one of the most common questions consumers ask – but it’s the wrong question. It’s too binary.

Almost every desk is stable at sitting height (and if you find one that’s not, run!)

So the more meaningful question is – does substantial wobble appear below your typical standing height, and how severe is it?

Above: Measure your standing desk height like this, but reduce it by about 2cm to offset for the height of the standing mat (you’ll need one to ensure your feet don’t hurt – trust me).

Australian Standing Desks Are Reasonably Stable.

The good news is that most standing desks on the Australian market don’t wobble a lot. You could buy any desk in my review and be OK.

Of the 30+ desks I tested, only the horror show that is the Otto Newhaven from Officeworks and a few cheapies from Amazon failed the test – badly.

Some were certainly better than others, but I think there’s little value in debating which sufficiently sturdy desk is the sturdiest.

For me, stability is non-negotiable – the desk must clear that certain (admittedly difficult to measure and standardise) threshold to pass.

Once it does, I care far more about the features that meaningfully distinguish it from its rivals.

Your best bets here are UpDown and Desky.

The former has two locations across Australia (Dee Why in Sydney and Hawthorn in Victoria) that you can visit. Desky, meanwhile, has 5 locations across Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.

Why Do Standing Desks Wobble?

Stability is rarely a result of one feature that makes the desk feel bulletproof. It’s usually a function of many variables adding up.

In case you’re wondering, glides are little wedges that sit between the leg columns.

Think of them as doing the same work as cartilage does in your knee joints – they act as a cushion that prevents hard metal parts from grinding against each other.

Above: Cheaper desk brands (e.g., Ikea) have top-only glides, which are worse at keeping the desk stable.

Problems with glides arise for three reasons:

Quick release legs can also undermine stability.

Some manufacturers have started to introduce legs that simply snap into position. Just push on a lever and hey, presto – the leg is attached.

Unfortunately, this mechanism can introduce stability issues – especially over time. I’ve reviewed several desks with this design (the EverDesk, which is no longer in production, as well as the Dora Pro by 9am Home.

Both passed, but were noticeably less stable than desks with a traditional leg attachment system.

The other two factors that typically cause stability issues are user errors:

The second point is particularly important – because it’s within your control.

You likely won’t rip up carpets in your house just to improve the stability of your standing desk. But you can be smarter about your gear choices.

As guys (yes, it’s always guys), we love to flex out WFH setups.

But while clamping multiple monitors to an arm clamped at the rear of your desk vastly improves your Instagram feed, it also makes your setup less stable. That arm is a long lever that will amplify any play you introduce into the system.

Steven

Shots fired. The war is on. That’s what I could not stop thinking about as I was assembling the UpDown Ergo Elite in my home office.

Every part I lifted out of the box gave me a case of déjà vu.

Not only because I’ve assembled 25+ chairs over the past 5 years (and sometimes every chair part looks the same), but because the parts reminded me of a chair I’m familiar with – my current favourite mid-range ergonomic chair, the ErgoTune Joobie.

UpDown partnered with ErgoTune’s supplier to bring a nearly-identical competitor to market. But it differs in a few important ways I’ll talk about in a moment.

5 Things I Love About The UpDown Ergo Elite.

The Ergo Elite pleasantly surprised me. I was expecting another me-too ergonomic chair.

What I saw was a legitimate contender for my “best office chair in Australia” award.

1. You Sit Like A Rockstar.

Above: The UpDown Ergo Elite cuts a handsome shape. Broad angled edges at shoulder level contrast nicely with curves in the seat and the armcaps.

On first impression, the Ergo Elite is a remarkably comfortable chair.

I find that the first time you lower yourself into any chair, you immediately register either a “hmm, not sure about this” or a “hell yeeeees” type of experience.

The bucket design has a contoured seat and backrest, and these add up to make you feel cradled – almost hugged – from all sides.

15 adjustment points make it easy to find your ideal ergonomic position. You get everything you’d expect at this price point:

Above: Side view of the Ergo Elite offers a fairly typical ergonomic chair aesthetic.

You also get an integrated footrest – which, although easy to scoff at as a Boomer-only utensil – is surprisingly usable.

Slide it out, recline the chair fully, and you end up in what I refer to as “dentist chair mode” – a couch-like experience perfect for binge-watching Netflix.

The leatherette pad on the footrest is also a nice design touch.

2. Best-In-Class Armrests.

The Ergo Elite’s armrests are the strongest part of the chair. I can’t fault them – almost.

For example – if you make the armcaps soft, their durability will suffer. But if you make them durable, they’ll irritate people’s forearms and elbows.

Above: The outstanding armrests are covered in soft leatherette.

Ergo Flex erred on the side of softness for sure, making these the most comfortable-feeling armrests I’ve ever used. Period.

Super-soft, large and without hard edges, they never dig into any part of the arm at any angle.

This is partially due to Ergo Elite’s ability to tilt the armcap – a rare feature, and one I haven’t seen since reviewing the (30% more expensive) Sihoo S300.

3. Two-Piece Lumbar Support.

Above: Dual lumbar pads have a gap in the middle that can dig into your back.

Speaking of the Sihoo S300, that was the only other chair I ever encountered that had a two-piece lumbar support.

While a single horizontal pad can feel like a hard roll always pressing into your back, two independently hinged pads can offer more comfort – because they are better at contouring themselves to your back.

That’s the theory, at least. What does it feel like in practice?

Exactly as intended. Much better than a single roll design, actually.

I was expecting something gentle – probably the two pads look gentle – but the real-world experience is that of an urgent, confident pressure against the C-spine.

You can make it friendlier using an independent depth control knob. Height control is also possible, but it’s synced to the backrest height control – much like the original ErgoTune Supreme was.

You can feel it against your back if you move off-centre – especially if you also recline.

It’s not enough to become irritating, but it does mean the backrest doesn’t eventually disappear, as it tends to with single-piece backrest chair designs like the Steelcase Series 2 or Haworth Fern.

4. Solid Build Quality.

Above: The contrast grey trim panel on the rear and the splashes of chrome break up the monotony of black plastic.

UpDown’s build quality is exactly on point for its $699 price.

You get hard injection-moulded plastics – and surprisingly, a metal base. Mazel tov!

None of the chair’s body panels feels flimsy or cheap to the touch. And the whole thing feels satisfyingly heavy – without being difficult to drag around.

This is also the first chair I’ve ever used where the upright lock position has a legitimate lock.

Not so the Ergo Elite. Lock it in a tasking position, and you feel zero wobble. What kind of sorcery is this, UpDown?

But the build quality of the controls is a mixed bag. Some are fantastic while some are just “meh”. It’s as if every one of them was designed by a different team:

Thing is, these are purely UX observations. I’m not worried about the controls’ longevity – because all major components are covered by UpDown’s outstanding 10-year warranty, which I’ll discuss in a moment.

I’m also not worried about the longevity of the chair’s mesh. It’s certainly on the more utilitarian side, and what it trades off in softness it gains in robustness.

5. Ridiculous 10-Year Warranty.

Above: Dentist mode activated. Cue Netflix and popcorn.

Mid-range office chairs typically offer 3-6 years of warranty. Cheapies from Amazon offer 1-2. Premium luxury brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase offer 12.

UpDown decided to offer 10.

And they’ll cover the most important stuff, too – i.e., mechanisms and structural components.

Chairs aren’t just a piece of furniture. They’re a statement about our identity – and we tend to outgrow them psychologically in parallel to wearing them out physically.

A 10-year warranty means you’re far more likely to “feel ready” for a new chair than the chair falling apart on you.

Which is excellent – and means you spend roughly $70 bucks a year for the next decade on seating. Bargain. And if something does go wrong, it’s an UpDown problem – not your problem.

6. Handsome Looks (To An Extent).

Above: The Lumbar depth mechanism offers two settings. Here it is in the open, “firmer” position.

OK look.

As I’ve said dozens of times on this blog, ergonomic chairs are never pretty – unless you pay closer to $2,000 for more advanced materials and engineering (e.g., fully integrated backs and weight-sensitive mechanisms).

However, some brands are better than others at stylising them – and the Ergo Elite is one of them.

I particularly like the chair’s front and 3/4 front angles – they remind me of the premium Humanscale designs, like the Liberty.

And the same square-ish edges differentiate the chair from the plethora of el cheapo ergo chairs, which for some reason always look like they’re melting.

3 Things I Dislike About The UpDown Ergo Elite.

The Ergo Elite has a few issues. It also doesn’t have recline tension control, which is an unusual design decision.

1. Dynamic Backrest Support Is A Gimmick.

Above: Lumbar depth control is on the right. The dynamic backrest support lever is hidden just behind it.

The ErgoTune Joobie has it. Apparently the UpDown decided the Ergo Elite must have it, too.

But it’s just as useless here as it is on the Joobie.

But in reality, it just reduces the depth of the seating position when you lean back, making the chair a little bit less comfortable.

Worse, it does this with a sudden mechanical “clunk” that catches you off guard when it happens.

I never use it. You’ll never use it. Ignore it.

2. Looks Like Every Other Ergo Chair.

Above: From the rear, the Ergo Elite looks familiar – because it looks like just about any other ergonomic chair.

Have a look at the photo above – have you seen this chair before?

I’m willing to bet that if I lined up 20 ergonomic chairs from different manufacturers side-by-side, even the owners of their respective businesses would struggle to pick out their chair from the bunch.

On one hand, that’s fine – because it works well, and if something isn’t broken, why change it?

On the other hand, wouldn’t it be nice to see something different? Even a little bit?

For example, I would love to see an ergonomic chair at a $700-ish price point with a solid backrest that hides all the controls within it. Like the Fern does.

Just sayin’.

3. No Recline Tension Control.

I’ve left the worst till last.

Where’s the recline tension control, UpDown?

By not including it, you’ve turned off everyone who likes to sit with the recline unlocked, balancing the tension against their body weight.

I weigh 110 kg, and leaving the lock open means I rapidly travel backwards until I’m in the (admittedly impressive) 150-degree recline position.

People who weigh roughly 80 – 85 kg will be fine – because their weight will roughly match the default tension of the chair. But lighter people will remain stuck upright, while people like me will be stuck lying down.

I’m not sure how much money UpDown saved by not speccing this feature, but I’m sure it wasn’t a lot. It’s a huge miss.

How The UpDown Ergo Elite Scored.

The Ergo Elite scored fantastically overall. The strongest areas are its ergonomic chops and warranty. The weakest – return policy.

Key Takeaways:

The UpDown Ergo Elite is:

It’s great for a very specific type of person:

My Verdict On The UpDown Ergo Elite.

Uff. This is a hard one. The Ergo Elite is an excellent chair, and is outstanding value for the price. But is it better than the OG – the ErgoTune Joobie?

Its warranty and armrests are the standout features. No other chair under $1,000 even comes close in those departments.

But these gains come at a price – namely the Joobie’s lovely fabric-infused mesh and the recline tension adjustment.

For me, the tension control is a must-have, and I don’t keep my chairs for longer than a few years, which is why the Joobie is still #1.

But you may be different – in which case, the Ergo Elite is a great pick.

Steven

I became an accidental standing desk “expert” about 5 years ago, when I wrote about my experience with the UpDown Pro. To my surprise, people read it – and asked me to write more reviews.

Fast-forward to today, and this blog is the #1 resource Aussies use to help them choose their ideal standing desk.

I’ve also learned a lot on this journey.

Turns out, the standing desk industry loves using marketing hype to stretch the truth (are you surprised?), so I thought I’d dispel some of the common myths I still see people fall for – despite my best efforts to educate them.

(Related: Ultimate Guide To Standing Desk Stability).

1. Not A Panacea For Health Issues.

The standing desk industry has been guilty of overstating the health benefits your standing desk is likely to deliver.

Buy one – and it will apparently fix your bad back while curing that chronic thyroid issue you’ve had since you were a kid.

But let’s get real – if you’re buying a standing desk to mitigate serious health issues, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

You likely have issues upstream (e.g., diet and exercise habits) that you’ve been avoiding – and need to address first.

Back pain, however, is a valid point. I’d stop far short of viewing a desk as something that will “fix” your back. But I recognise that the best way to avoid back pain is to ensure you switch between several postures throughout the day.

So, think of a standing desk as a tool that offers you an additional position to choose from – and this may relieve some of the discomfort you’re experiencing.

2. Calorie Burn Is A Myth.

Let me call this out as total BS, as well.

You won’t get skinny by using a standing desk. It’s marketing hype at its worst.

The difference in caloric burn between standing vs sitting is about 50 calories per hour. The naive conclusion is that this delta can help you lose about 1kg per month, because:

Now, 1 gram of your stored fat contains 9 calories, so in theory, an 8,000-calorie deficit is just shy of what you need to lose that stubborn kilo.

There are several issues with this argument. First, I promise you that you won’t be standing 8 hours per day (and if you do, you’ll quickly develop plantar fasciitis).

This argument falls apart when you consider that a large apple has roughly the same number of calories.

So, you’re far more likely to reach your weight loss goals by making tiny adjustments to your diet, rather than buying an expensive standing desk.

3. Custom Sitting Height Is A Bigger Deal Than You Think.

People who are either taller or shorter than average often struggle to find a comfortable, ergonomic position at a standard desk, because:

A standing desk is a game-changer here – not because it allows them to stand, but because it allows them to dial in the exact desktop sitting height they need.

This feature is priceless for many people because it allows them to sit with their forearms and thighs parallel to the floor.

4. Don’t Worry About Wobble.

Australians are more worried about their standing desk wobbling than they are about the Iranian uranium enrichment program.

Most of their concern is understandable – but misplaced. It’s true that most standing desks used to suffer from this issue. It’s also true that many desks in the US market still do.

We have better consumer protections, which lead to less garbage being sold. I’ve personally assembled and used more than 15 standing desks in my home office at this point, and I’m yet to come across one that has serious stability issues.

Not even the el cheapo Artiss from Amazon disappointed me.

In fact, the only desk that shocked me was the Officeworks Otto Newhaven desk.

Add a hardwood desktop, a PC tower, two monitors on heavy-duty arms and a drawer full of junk, and even the most bulletproof desk will wobble more. Because, um, #physics.

5. Accessories Make Or Break Your Desk.

The first thing you’ll think after assembling your $1,500 desk and plonking your computer on it will be, “Is this it?”

It will look bare. Unfinished. Because it is.

The desk you just bought is a foundation. What makes it pleasant to interact with – and vastly more usable – is the collection of accessories you add to it.

I wrote extensively about the must-have accessories you need for your desk, so I won’t repeat myself here.

Except to say that your non-negotiables are:

Last but not least – invest in cable management. Don’t leave cables dangling below the desk – it’s unsafe for kids, pets – and it kills the aesthetic.

Also, don’t know about you, but when my workspace is messy, I feel less organised. Less productive.

6. EOFY And Black Friday Sales Are Great.

If you’re on a tight budget, wait until one of those. You’ll easily shave a few hundred dollars off your purchase price.

In conclusion, your standing desk is just one component in your broader WFH ergonomic strategy. Your objective is not to eliminate sitting.

It’s to reduce static load on your body by encouraging regular movement.

Steven

I’m an office furniture nerd. The type to visit an Officeworks on a Saturday morning (and be appalled at their selection of standing desks). Does this make me a tragic loner with no life? Probably.

But if you’re looking for standing desk setup inspo ideas, you get to reap the benefits.

Because I’ve bought – or was gifted – over 20 standing desks in the last few years.

By the way, my review of Australia’s top standing desks has received over 500,000 visitors so far. If you’re on the fence about which standing desk to buy, it should be your Bible.

(Related: 10 Standing Desk Accessories That Are A Waste Of Money).

1. Scandi Nostalgia.

Above: 9am Home Atom Pro Standing Desk.

You can create an airy, breezy, welcoming look by buying a standing desk with white tubular legs and a light-coloured desktop (e.g., birch or American oak) and placing it against a white wall.

Create contrast using black furniture and green foliage.

Add dark tan highlights.

Finish off with a rug that pulls in the white and dark tones.

2. Rich Guy Vibes.

Above: UpDown KLIK standing desk.

This standing desk setup achieves a very different vibe with a couple of tweaks.

I swapped out the light-coloured desktop for a hardwood walnut one. And the white legs for black ones.

Also, notice how the square legs on this desk give this setup a more masculine look. It’s a subtle detail, but has a big impact on the overall feeling of the space.

3. I Want To Be A Tech CEO.

Above: Steelcase Migration SE Pro standing desk.

This setup is ideal for a young tech executive. A Steelcase Karman chair is paired with a Steelcase Migration SE Pro desk.

It’s an expensive setup – definitely not for people on a shoestring budget.

If you want to avoid the “young dude in his 20s” vibe that many standing desks give off, this setup is for you.

4. YouTuber’s Den.

Above: Artiss standing desk.

Are you aspiring to be the next YouTube superstar?

Start building your standing desk setup with a background for your videos. You’ll need a stylish set of shelves. Fill them with items that reinforce the context of your YouTube brand.

(Related: What Most People Get Wrong When Buying A Standing Desk).

Your standing desk won’t appear in the shot, so it doesn’t have to be a fancy one.

(The Artiss in the setup above is only $400).

Spend the money on a microphone, lights, lenses and cameras instead (in that order – trust me).

5. Industrial Luxury Chic.

Above: Secretlab Magnus Pro standing desk.

You can combine leather and metal for an unexpectedly edgy-looking standing desk setup.

Here, the all-metal, leather-topped Magnus Pro is paired with a luxury armchair to invoke a warehousey, arty vibe.

The round pillow and green foliage add a dash of femininity.

I can see this setup in an architect’s or a photographer’s studio.

The only downside is that the armchair is obviously not ergonomic – I wouldn’t recommend sitting in something like this for 8+ hours per day.

You can “solve” this problem with a Herman Miller Eames Executive chair – if you have about $12,000 to spend.

Steven

You’ve decided to buy a standing desk. I’m willing to bet that you’ve been trying to figure out which one is the best for at least a few months. But the more research you do, the more undecided you become.

Your first problem is that standing desk brands are bombarding you with almost identical features. Such as:

Let me make your life easier immediately – you can remove those from your consideration set.

Not because they’re not important – but because all (except the absolute cheapest desk manufacturers) include them. They’re table-stakes (excuse the pun, ha).

The second issue is that the standing desk industry is stagnant.

Innovation is moving at a glacial pace, which is why even the best brands like Desky and UpDown are selling the same designs that they did 7 years ago.

Above: 9am Home is a new brand that offers unusually innovative designs. Note the sculpted tubular legs, built-in tray, and bevelled desktop edges.

And they look almost identical.

Square legs. A couple of crossmembers between them, housing the dual motors. A choice of hardwood or softwood desktops bolted to the top.

Instead of innovating the actual desk designs, brands compete by bundling in (often useless) accessories – or finding new and clever ways to pitch the positive aspects of existing designs.

Because I’ve tested over 20 standing desks in my home office since 2023, I’ve learned to see through the gimmicks. Here they are, from most useless to least.

1. Bluetooth-Enabled Mobile App.

Most of them now include built-in standing reminders, health coaches and productivity timers.

Some are voice-activated.

We live in a world of digital overwhelm, and the last thing you need in your life is a standing desk app.

2. Rising And Lowering Speed.

We, men, are obsessed with getting somewhere fast, and this habit has leaked into standing desk design.

Yes, some desks move like Speedy Gonzales at around 50-60mm/sec. But truth is, anything above 35mm/sec is perfectly adequate – and all but the cheapest single motor desks will hit that number.

For example, the el cheapo Artiss travels at 25mm/sec – but when you are paying ~$300 for a desk – delivered to your door – are you in a position to complain?

3. Weight Lifting Capacity.

Here’s what standing desk brands don’t tell you.

Most of the time, they achieve higher weight capacity at the expense of speed. Remember how I said they don’t innovate?

Well, instead of creating a new, stronger actuator, they simply push suppliers to reprogram existing motors for more torque at the expense of speed.

For example, top brands like Desky and UpDown cap out at about 150kg.

But your computer and peripherals weigh 5-20kg. Monitor is 5-10kg. Other bits and pieces are another 5kg.

Your forearms, which you’ll also rest on your desk, add another 5kg.

So unless yours are like Arnie’s, you’ll rarely have more than 50kg on your desk.

4. Motor Noise Level.

I’ve never encountered a desk that is offensively loud. This isn’t something you need to think about.

5. Sustainability Credentials.

Above: A Secretlab Magnus Pro standing desk paired with a Desky wobble stool.

Most brands highlight the fact that their desktops are ethically sourced.

UpDown goes further by offering recycled timber desktops (which are gorgeous, actually – check out their Recycled Messmate).

Let me call a spade a spade.

You are not saving the planet with your standing desk choices. You’re just “buying sustainable” because of an image you like to project.

Take your ethically sourced copy of the Communist Manifesto with you.

6. Adjustment Range.

Most standing desks on the Australian market will travel between 65-125cm, which is more than enough range for 98% of the population.

But if you’re a weirdo like me who lives in the other 2% (I’m 200cm), then yes, you are an exception to this rule.

7. Returns.

Don’t be fooled by this one.

You’re VERY unlikely to return your desk – even if they offer a standard “30-day return” policy, where the brand will accept the desk back in pristine condition and original packaging.

The reason?

Your standing desk will arrive in 2-3 unwieldy, heavy boxes and a desktop that weigh about 40-60kg in total.

If you try to send that from your residential address back to the distribution centre using a courier like FedEx or Couriers Please, expect to cough up $200-400.

The only exception to this rule is an instance where the brand offers a legitimate 100-Day trial (e.g., UpDown), where they explicitly mention that they’ll cover the cost of return shipping.

8. Hidden Under-Desk Wireless Charger.

Stand Desk was the first to offer this as a standard feature back in 2024, and I got excited about it back then. Now almost every brand offers one. But I changed my mind about it since.

Truth is, you can buy one on Amazon for far cheaper – and attach one to any desk. It’s not a differentiator.

9. USB Port On The Controller.

The latest generation of OLED controllers has this feature standard. It’s good in theory.

But in reality, you’ll never use it – except in rare, exceptional circumstances.

Most people love having a clean, minimalist standing desk setup with no loose cables.

The USB port on the controller puts an ugly cable right under you nose – the worst possible spot. You’re much better off running a USB back from your computer on monitor.

10. Hardwood Desktop.

Above: Check out the gorgeous glint and swirls of this desktop. This one is a 9am Home’s American Oak.

I saved the most controversial one until last.

A hardwood desktop can be a thing of beauty. If you can afford it – it can easily add $500-1,000 to the price of your desk.

I’m a big fan of nice furniture, and I always appreciated the New Messmate desktop on my UpDown Pro. It’s stunning.

A large mat, a monitor riser, a mug coaster and a few books cover 80% of my desk, so I never got to see much of the Messmate.

Last year, I swapped the hardwood for a black melamine desktop, and TBH, I am equally happy with it.

Steven

I’m guilty. I’ve been known for spending upwards of $2,000 on a standing desk, packed with features an accessories that seemed like a good idea at the time.

Truth be told, I didn’t use most of those features.

Standing desks cost between $300 and $3,000, with most top brands pricing theirs a just above $950. But you can easily get carried away, choosing more expensive models and ticking options – until you spend as much as originally did.

Let me help you build the ultimate standing desk – without blowing your budget.

Here are 9 features you actually need. (By the way, here are 10 standing desk features that are a total waste of money).

Above: The Secretlab Magnus Pro in all its glory. Notice how the cable plugs into the bottom of its leg (then read my point about advanced power systems below).

1. Excellent Back-To-Front Stability.

Most standing desks in Australia are surprisingly stable. As long as you don’t buy yours from Officeworks, or something for under $300 on Amazon, you’ll be fine.

A 100% wobble-free standing desk is a myth.

Even my UpDown Pro and Desky Dual sway a decent amount when extended to typical standing (~100-105cm) height.

Push them to their limits (about 120cm), and they sway like trees in the wind.

This happens because telescopic legs must have tiny gaps between sections to enable movement. But as the desk rises, the distance between points of contact inside the column changes – which you experience as wobble.

Most people don’t realise that “stability” can mean two things – back-to-front and side-to-side.

If you have a lot of equipment on your desktop, this is the part you need to pay close attention to:

2. Advanced Power Systems.

Above: A quad pack of integrated under-desk powerplugs on my Stando Pulse.

Your $1,500 standing desk will look terrible until you tidy up its cables. Unfortunately that’s easier said than done.

Most standing desks will offer a complimentary (or cheap) cable tray.

It’s much better than leaving all your cables hanging under the desk, but isn’t very useful if you tend to add or remove cables often.

As soon as you have to unplug one, you’ll need to spend 15 minutes under your desk with a flashlight, banging your head on things, unplugging everything – just to get to the powerplug you need.

Integrated power boards solve this problem.

Yes, they’re not cheap (expect to pay $150-250, depending on whether you choose 4 or 8 sockets), but they’ll save you a lifetime of frustration.

If you want to get really advanced, choose a desk with a power socket at the bottom of its leg. At this stage, only Stando Pulse and Secretlab Magnus offer this feature.

This removes the need to run an ugly power cable up the desk leg, or buy a bulky cable spine.

3. OLED Controller.

Above: My Secretlab Magnus Pro has an integrated controller. Very sleek and modern. Massive thumbs up from me.

This is a purely aesthetic detail.

But a nice-looking controller adds a noticeable amount of gravitas to your standing desk.

A cheap-looking controller can make a premium desk look underwhelming (looking at you, Robin Pro).

Pay attention to two things:

4. Dual Motors.

This is a controversial one. Some desks I recommend (e.g., UpDown KLIK) have one motor – but they’re a rare exception.

The KLIK’s columns are built by Linak in Europe, and the single motor design isn’t a cost-saving measure.

Whatever the company saved by not installing a second motor, it spent creating a clever gearbox that distributes the load evenly between columns.

The single motor has to work harder, which means it’s more likely to fail faster. Stay away – unless you plan to use your desk very infrequently.

Don’t have much money? You can can get a dual-motor Artiss for around $300.

5. Long Warranty.

Above: The UpDown KLIK has a 10 year warranty on frame and electrical components, and 5 year warranty on the desktop.

Let me make this easy for you – buy a premiun desk (i.e. one that costs more than $1,000), and it will last you for 10-20 years.

These things really are bulletproof. The premium models are usually covered by a 10+ year warranty.

I promise you’ll get bored of it long before it dies.

Ha. Yep, dark humour.

Buying a cheap standing desk (less than $500) is a roll of the dice. You may get lucky, and it will last longer than you expected.

But it’s also entirely possible it will break soon after its short (usually 1-2 year) warranty expires.

And because cheap desks are not designed to be repaired, you may need to throw the whole thing out after the controller fails.

6. 3-Stage Legs.

Above: 9am Home desks have excellent 3-stage legs. The round shape is also a welcome deviation from ubiqutous (and increasingly boring) square leg designs.

Who doesn’t love nice, long legs?

Stay away from 2-stage legs. Like single motors, they’re usually a symptom of a cheap build.

They’re usually made form pressed sheetmetal (instead of cast iron), making them more flexible (read – wobbly).

7. Threaded Inserts.

Look out for this little detail. It strongly suggests that the desk is made to last.

It also makes the assembly of your desk far less painful – especially if you have a hardwood desktop.

Driving screws into hardwood with a manual screwdriver is not my idea of fun. But I had to do it 4 years ago when my first UpDown Pro arrived.

Thankfull, the company has upgraded to threaded inserts shortly after.

8. Great Assembly Instructions and/or Pre-Assembly.

Why is it so hard for many standing desk brands to provide a legible, large assembly manual?

No – it’s not a deal breaker.

You only have to assemble the desk once, so I wouldn’t rule out a desk I like because of substandard assembly instructions.

But as Apple has figured out a long time ago, every touchpoint with a brand matters. Even the packaging and the assembly.

They colour every subsequence experience you have with the product.

9. Monitor Riser.

Above: I bought this monitor riser from Desky. See how it creates a storage space below the monitor?

This is technically an accessory – not a feature. But it’s a must-have.

The name is misleading, as its most useful function isn’t to elevate your monitor.

It’s to increase the usable surface area of your desktop, which you will run out of sooner than you think.

It’s also instrumental in keepng your desktop tidy. Buy a few trays and boxes on Amazon, stick them under your riser, and you can stick all your loose knick-knacks there.

Steven

The University of Cincinnati conducted a study on the ergonomics of home office setups, titled “The Home Office: Ergonomic Lessons From the ‘New Normal'”.

What did they find?

Most people’s home office setups are horrible.

Slouching behind kitchen and coffee tables is the norm. Lounging on couches and beds is not uncommon, either.

The findings of this study, which surveyed the WFH habits of 843 employees, did not surprise us.

However, HR leaders responsible for designing and executing hybrid workplace strategies will want to sit up (ha) and take notice.

(Related: Complete Guide To WFH Ergonomics).

Most Dangerous WFH Ergonomic Failures.

The researchers, led by Dr. Kermit G. Davis, identified the following issues adversely affecting remote workers:

Remove the incidental exercise that employees engage in at a commercial office, and you have sedentary employees sitting in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.

What Are The Legal Risks Of Poor WFH Ergonomics?

The appalling WFH conditions for millions of Australian employees may soon be a nightmare for HR.

Australia set model WHS laws that apply to all remote and hybrid employees, mandating employers to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks.

Failure to do so can trigger Workers Compensation claims.

(Related: Dora Pro Standing Desk Review: Best WFH Desk?)

How Can HR Leaders Address The Risks?

Roughly 41% of full-time jobs in Australia can be done from home, according to Deakin University. 64% of those would prefer a hybrid arrangement.

While Australians continue to disagree about the exact number of hours in an ideal hybrid role, the workplace has clearly evolved. Most Australians expect to work from home at least part of their workweek.

HR leaders can support remote staff with the following:

Reimbursing employees for upgrades to their WFH furniture and equipment is the most effective yet capital-intensive option.

We encourage leaders to weigh these costs up against productivity losses that stem from injured, uncomfortable and neglected employees.

Steven

The rebranding on Zen Space Desks to Stando in 2024 caused significant confusion for customers of the standing desk manufacturer.

With online speculation that Zen Space Desks had gone out of business or pulled an exit scam — many people were worried about being able to claim against their warranty, source replacement parts or fix technical issues with their desks.

(Related: 10 Must-Have Standing Desk Features You Need).

What Happened To Zen Space Desks?

Zen Space Desks started in 2016 in Brisbane, founded by Lewis Back, who is the company’s Managing Director.

On the current Stando website ‘About us’ page, Lewis has penned an introductory message explaining his journey from QUT business student to standing desk business owner, selling direct to market.

He describes a growing business that was able to move into commercial sales and capitalise on the COVID-19 move to remote work by “supplying tens of thousands of staff working from home”.

(Related: 9am Robin Pro Standing Desk Review).

Going by customer reviews online, the second half of 2023 saw the company experience a number of supply issues that led to delays, poor communication, and cancelled orders.

One reviewer wrote in September ‘23:

Then, in early 2024, there was a mysterious period of non-communication — when the Zen Space Desks website went dark and emails weren’t being answered.

It seems many were left unable to get support, repairs or refunds.

One Reddit user posted in April that they were:

The user claims to have contacted NSW Fair Trading, who were also unable to reach anyone from the company.

It turns out, the business still lives, and has been operating again under the Stando name since June 2024.

In his ‘About us’ message on the Stando site, founder Lewis Back doesn’t provide any explanation for the transition to Stando, or the months of radio silence customers experienced.

But the good news is that Stando has committed to providing warranty support for Zen Space Desks customers.

(Related: UpDown Standing Desk Review: Why It’s Still #1).

Are Zen Space Desks And Stando The Same Company?

Zen Space Desks and Stando are not the same entity, although it appears the same people may run the companies. According to the Australian Government ABN details available online:

(Related: Steelcase Migration SE Pro Standing Desk Review).

How Can Zen Space Desk Customers Make A Warranty Claim?

Zen Space Desks and Stando both offer a 10-year warranty on their desks, chairs and most accessories, which covers defects in materials, workmanship and function.

On Stando’s ‘Warranty’ page, in relation to Zen Space Desk warranties the company states:

Here’s the process to follow:

Stando suggests that many technical issues can be solved with a desk reset, and encourages people to try it before reaching out.

How Do Stando’s Desks Compare To Zen Space Desks?

While the Zen Space Desk name is no longer used, are Stando’s products the same, and how do they rate in terms of quality and value for money?

As you’d expect from what is essentially a re-brand, the available products haven’t significantly changed, but here are the main differences:

Comparable to Zen Space Desks, Stando’s desks and frames range in price from $750 to $1700.

Stando retains the option to buy the frame only, enabling you to add your own custom-sized desktop in your choice of material. You can also request a quote for a custom-sized desktop provided by Stando.

(Related: UpDown KLIK Standing Desk: Best Standing Desk In Australia?)

How Do Customers Rate Stando / Zen Space Standing Desks?

Zen/Stando has an average 4.5 rating on Google reviews, and a 2.8 rating on ProductReview.com.au with a string of low ratings in the past 6-10 months around delivery delays.

Positive Stando and Zen Space Desks reviews online describe the company’s standing desks as:

Stando No Longer Aimed At Consumer Market?

While Stando is primarily a marketing makeover for Zen Space Desks, it’s clear there was a glitch in how the transition was handled, leading to customer confusion.

What went on behind the scenes remains unclear, but this might offer a clue — the new website states the company’s “core emphasis” is supplying desks to business/enterprise clients, rather than individual consumers.

Could adapting its operating model and go-to-market to cater to larger clients have contributed to Stando’s poor communication with individual consumers and consolidated product range?

In any case, they continue to sell a decent standing desk via their website and have a process in place to honour warranty issues experienced by former Zen customers.

Steven

If you’re an office worker (or you work from home), it’s likely that you’ve thought, “Is standing at work better than sitting?” Most of us spend 7-10 hours per day at a desk or a screen on average, so it’s crucial to know how to support our bodies. 

This article will: 

Whilst you may not have a career with a taxing physical load, you must be aware of your work environment’s impact on productivity and well-being.

Both sitting and standing come with their own drawbacks. 

(Related: How High Should A Standing Desk Be?)

Is Sitting At Work Bad For You?

Sitting all day at work is tempting, especially to reserve energy and increase comfort.

Yet, research shows that people who sit for more than eight hours a day without physical activity are at risk of obesity. Other disadvantages to sitting at work include:

Above: sitting in a slouched position all day is not ideal. Invest in a high-end ergonomic office chair, adjust it properly and pay attention to your posture.

Pros:

Cons:

Is Standing At Work Bad For You?

Many Australian workplaces now offer sit-stand desks, allowing you to create sitting-standing intervals throughout your workday.

This helps:

Unfortunately, standing does not alleviate all problems. There is ample evidence that prolonged standing at work can accelerate the onset of fatigue and lead to adverse health outcomes.

If you like to stand all day, be mindful of the following: 

Above: adjustable standing desks are a relatively inexpensive and practical way of improving cognitive ability and increasing productivity.

Pros:

Cons:

(Related: Are Standing Desks Worth It?)

How To Avoid Injuries From Standing.

With proper knowledge, you can take action to mitigate the disadvantages of prolonged standing. Our tips: 

How To Avoid Injuries From Sitting.

For those who prefer to sit at work, there are many actions you can take to support your health.

How Many Calories Do I Burn By Standing? 

One of the benefits of standing over sitting is increasing your daily metabolic rate, which is the number of calories you burn just by living! You can calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) here.

Researchers publishing in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found the below:

An ideal day would incorporate sitting, standing, and walking on lunch breaks. 

Bottom Line On Standing Versus Sitting At Work.

The results are in: neither sitting nor standing for prolonged periods is ideal for physical health. Instead, you must use a combination of both to support your muscles, improve your mobility, and increase your mental well-being. 

In addition to using standing desks, you can support your body throughout the workday by:

Steven

Building an ergonomic, functional and attractive work-from-home office is both an art and a science. You must balance conflicting priorities, from chair selection to screen positioning, while keeping the design fresh.

Because of this perceived complexity, many Australians don’t prioritise home office design. Too hard basket, right?

I’ve worked from home for over 15 years, so I’ve had to transform many boring spare rooms into comfortable, Instagram-worthy, ergonomic office spaces. Let me show you how.

(Related: 10 Best Work From Home Jobs In Australia).

5 Golden Rules For Best Home Office Ergonomics.

Follow these rules to create an optimal ergonomic workspace in your home.

1. 90 Is The Magic Number.

Your elbows, ankles, hips and knees should be at a 90-degree angle to one another. When they’re not, your muscles will be forced to overcompensate, learning to discomfort, soreness and injuries.

A couple of things to be aware of:

2. The 20-20-20 Rule.

The 20-20-20 rule helps prevent stress and eye strain. It recommends you look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen time.

During these short breaks, your brain and eyes get some respite. Use these breaks as an opportunity to:

(Related: Dora Pro Standing Desk Review: Best WFH Desk?)

3. Create Pools Of Light.

What’s the secret to creating a great mood with lighting? Avoiding having a single overhead light source. Use multiple light sources with soft diffusers to create pools of light in your home office.

Shown above: pools of light add a sense of calm and separate areas.

As a rule of thumb, put:

4. Don’t Turn The Couch Into A Workstation.

Avoid the temptation to work from your couch or bed. Keep spaces for comfort and relaxation separate.

Couches make you hot (which, in turn, makes you sleepy and more prone to procrastination.

5. Create An Attractive Background.

What’s immediately behind your office chair? A messy bookshelf? A plain white wall?

Shown above: styled bookshelves create an attractive background in my current home office. Note the small light for added depth and interest.

An aesthetically pleasing background makes your office feel more inviting.

Remember – everything you share with your colleagues shapes your personal brand. Your home office background is not exempt from this.

Essential Equipment For WFH Ergonomics.

You should aim to (over time) invest in revamping all your office equipment to improve your workstation to be as ergonomic as possible. 

We’ve ordered our guide in a suggestion of most to least essential, but this will be individual to your circumstances. 

1. Adjustable Office Chair.

Ill-fitting office chairs are one of the leading causes of WFH discomfort, which, in turn, can significantly impact your productivity. Here are the most common problems: 

When investing in an ergonomic office chair, we have a couple of tips: 

(Related: Australia’s Favourite Ergonomic Chairs).

2. Standing Desk (Or Very Adjustable Regular Desk).

I highly recommend standing desks for WFH setups. They counteract sedentary lifestyles, help you stay more cognitively alert, encourage good posture and improve productivity.

Prices range between $500 and $2,000, depending on brand, wood type and strength of construction. This review will help you choose the best desk for your needs.

3. Laptop Stand Or Monitor Mount.

Laptops have inherently poor ergonomics. With screens and keyboards fixed roughly at the same level, they prevent you from placing both into an ergonomic position.

You’re stuck with having to look down at your screen or elevate your wrists into an unnaturally high position.

Laptop stands solve this issue by elevating the screen to your eye level.

Monitor arms, meanwhile, give you the ability to:

(Related: Guide To Buying The Best Monitor Stand).

4. External Keyboard & Ergonomic Mouse.

Keeping your wrists at awkward angles can lead to long-term conditions such as repetitive strain injury.

There are three main types of ergonomic keyboards to consider for your home office:

The humble mouse is also a frequent source of wrist pain. Consider ergonomic alternatives such as vertical and adjustable mice instead:

Steven