Ever feel like the world was designed for someone taller? You're not wrong. From high shelves in grocery stores to countertops that seem to mock your reach, height bias is real. But nowhere is it more frustrating than in the workplace.
If you're on the shorter side, chances are your office setup wasn't made with you in mind. Standard desks, chairs, and standing desks are built for an "average" height range that often excludes shorter individuals, forcing many to endure awkward postures, dangling feet, and unnecessary strain.
But here's the good news: you don't have to settle. With the right ergonomic adjustments, your workspace can become a haven of comfort and productivity. It's time to take control—because if the world won't adjust for you, your office should.
Standard Office Furniture: The Silent Saboteur of Short People Everywhere
The typical office desk is between 28 and 30 inches high—a fine measurement for someone around 5'9", but a cruel joke for anyone shorter. The result? Your elbows hover uncomfortably, your shoulders creep toward your ears, and your feet, well, they dangle like a kid in a high chair.
The problem doesn't stop at desks. Office chairs, meant to support good posture, often fail to adjust low enough, leaving shorter people with unsupported feet. This leads to poor circulation, discomfort, and an increased risk of back pain over time.
What's frustrating is that workplaces seem to assume one size fits all. Spoiler: it doesn't. A poorly fitted workstation isn't just annoying—it's a direct threat to your health and productivity.
So, how do you reclaim your space? Let's break it down.
Standing Desks: Great for Some, But a Tall Order for Others
Standing desks are all the rage, and for good reason. Sitting all day isn't great for anyone, and alternating between sitting and standing can boost energy levels and reduce strain.
But what happens when the standing desk itself is too tall? The standard height for these desks starts at around 27 inches—already too high for many. Even adjustable models sometimes don't lower enough, leaving shorter individuals in yet another ergonomic nightmare.
Standing desks are only beneficial if they work for your body. Otherwise, they create new problems, like wrist strain and shoulder pain. But don't worry—there are ways to make them work for you.
Ergonomic Solutions: How to Make Your Office Furniture Actually Fit You
The key to an ergonomic setup is customization. Here's how to tweak your workspace so it works for you instead of against you.
1. Get a Chair That Understands You
Your office chair should be your best friend, not your enemy. Look for one that:
Adjusts low enough so your feet rest flat on the floor.
Has a seat depth that doesn't push the back of your knees.
Offers lumbar support that actually hits your lower back.
If you can't find the perfect chair, a footrest can work wonders by providing the support your dangling feet desperately need.
2. Bring the Keyboard to Your Level
If your desk is too high, chances are your shoulders are overworking just to type. A keyboard tray that sits below the desk surface can help align your arms properly, preventing long-term strain.
3. Don't Forget Your Monitor
Your screen should be at eye level to prevent neck strain. If you're constantly looking up, a monitor arm can help lower it to a comfortable height.
4. Consider a Desk Converter
A desk converter sits on top of your current desk and adjusts to your height needs. It's a great alternative if you're not ready to invest in a full standing desk but still want flexibility.
5. Invest in a Standing Desk That Works for You
Not all standing desks ignore shorter users! Some models, like the FlexiSpot E5 Pro Standing Desk, adjust to a lower height range, making them a great fit for shorter individuals.
Best Standing Desks and Converters for Shorter Individuals
If you're serious about fixing your workspace, here are some products that can make a world of difference:
1. FlexiSpot M7MB Sit-Stand Desk Converter
A game-changer for those who don't want to replace their entire desk. This converter offers adjustable height settings, so you can type comfortably whether sitting or standing. Bonus: It's portable!
2. FlexiSpot E5 Pro Standing Desk
If you're looking for a full standing desk solution, this one has a height range that works for shorter individuals. It's sturdy, motorized, and even has memory presets—so you can lock in your perfect height once and never struggle again.
Why Ergonomics Isn't Just About Comfort—It's About Health
An uncomfortable workspace isn't just a mild inconvenience; it's a slow-motion health hazard. Poor posture leads to chronic pain, fatigue, and even long-term issues like nerve compression.
Studies show that using an ergonomic workstation can reduce upper back and neck pain by 54% in just four weeks. That's a huge difference—not just for your comfort but for your ability to focus and work efficiently.
The Final Word: Your Workspace Should Work for You
For years, you may have forced yourself to adapt to a workspace that wasn't designed with your comfort in mind—hunching over a desk that's too low, shifting in a chair that offers little support, or stretching your neck at unnatural angles just to see your screen. It's a daily routine of minor discomforts that add up to major frustration. But what if the problem isn't you? What if your workspace has been holding you back all along? Instead of bending yourself to fit a poorly designed setup, it's time to reclaim control. The right adjustments—whether that's upgrading to an ergonomic chair, adding a desk converter, or investing in a height-adjustable standing desk—aren't just about luxury. They're about creating an environment that works with you, not against you. A small change can be the difference between constant aches and effortless focus, between fatigue and energy that lasts throughout the day.
You deserve a workspace that supports you, not one that forces you to tolerate discomfort. Productivity isn't about suffering through the day—it's about being in a space that helps you perform at your best. When your body feels good, your mind follows. So why settle for a setup that drains you when you could have one that empowers you? Adjust, refine, and personalize your workspace to fit your needs.
