About this adjustment
Adjustable-height desks, also known as sit-stand desks, allow individuals to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday. These desks can be manually or electronically adjusted to different heights to accommodate a variety of postures and mobility needs.
This flexibility promotes physical comfort, improves circulation, and reduces musculoskeletal strain for users who experience pain or fatigue from prolonged sitting or standing.
By accommodating individual needs for movement and posture variation, adjustable desks can increase focus, reduce discomfort, and support productivity. They are particularly beneficial in work environments where long periods of computer use or desk work are required, offering a personalised approach to workspace design.
This adjustment supports both preventative and responsive strategies to reduce injury and manage disability in the workplace.
Costs and funding
The cost of adjustable-height desks varies depending on the design, size, and technology.
Manual crank desks may start from approximately $300, while electronic sit-stand desks with programmable features typically range from $600 to $1,500 or more.
Desktop risers that convert standard desks into standing desks are a more affordable alternative, costing between $150 and $400.
Funding Options in Australia
Funding options in Australia include the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), which can cover the cost of ergonomic furniture for eligible employees with disability.
For self-managed or plan-managed NDIS participants, these desks may also be funded under Assistive Technology if the desk is necessary for employment or daily functioning.
In many cases, employers may cover the cost of sit-stand desks as part of their workplace health and safety or ergonomic initiatives, especially when recommended by a medical or occupational health professional.