Single Monitor Standing Desk Converters

What is a Desk Converter?

A desk converter sits on top of an existing desk, table, or worktop, instantly converting it into a Sit-Stand desk

Desk converters enable the user to spend time both sitting and standing at your desk. They offer plenty of room for a keyboard, screen, and other necessary materials

Minimal or no installation required as they are ready to use straight from the box

A simple, low-cost way to enjoy the benefits of sit-stand working

Yo-Yo DESK® converters are all manually operated using spring-assisted handles, making them simple to move up or down

How does a sedentary lifestyle affect your health?

International research evidence informs us that extended periods of inactivity during our working hours can have detrimental effects on both our mental and physical health.

Some of the risks include muscular degeneration; disrupted blood sugar levels; increased insulin levels; raised blood pressure; lowered calorie burn; slow metabolism.

Even active people are at risk of prolonged sedentary working habits - including heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, certain cancers, back pain, dementia, and depression.

Pros and cons of buying a standing desk converter

Below we list some key advantages, but check out what our customers think by reading our Trustpilot reviews

1. A standing desk converter is a low-cost solution to enjoy the benefits of Sit-Stand working

2. Allows you to quickly transform any workstation into a health boosting standing desk.

3. Yo-Yo DESK® converters arrive within 1-2 days (depending on model and availability) and are ready to use out of the box (simply attach keyboard using the toolkit provided).

4. A Yo-Yo DESK® converter is robust and stable, enabling you to work from a seated or standing position with zero wobble.

5. We offer 50% OFF all Active Feet Solutions with any standing desk, to encourage all our customers to keep moving more

6. Word of warning - you may find you love sit-stand working so much you wish to upgrade from a manually operated desk converter to a full electric standing desk.

Standing desk converter vs electric desk

Electric standing desks require assembly / installation, but why not take advantage of the Yo-Yo DESK® FREE Installation service. Also, we recommend you choose a cable management system to manage wires from any electric standing desk and computer equipment.

Electric sit-stand desks take up more space as they include legs and full desktop, so you may consider replacing your existing desk, or desk frame (as we can recycle your existing desktop for you)

A stand-up desk converter requires no installation and is a low-cost way of enjoying the benefits of sit-stand working without having to rethink your office layout

Always double check the size and heigh-adjustment range of the model you have selected and make sure it will fit on top of your existing desktop, and that it has a height-adjustment range sufficient for your body height. We offer standing desk converters, such as the Yo-Yo DESK® GO, more appropriate for taller users.

Different types of Standing Desk Converter

Standing Desk Converters fall into one of three categories:

1. Standing Desk Converter solutions which are more robust and sturdier as the Yo-Yo DESK® CLASSIC or Yo-Yo DESK® SLIM which transforms any workstation into a Sit-Stand desk;

2. If you need a portable standing desk converter that can be packed away when not in use, choose a lightweight, portable model, such as the Yo-Yo DESK® LITE.

3. If you need greater height adjustment range, try the Yo-Yo DESK® GO, more appropriate for taller users.

Expert advice about desk converters

Internationally, health experts now recommend reducing sitting time and increasing activity whilst at work. Desk converters are a quick, low-cost, effective way to stand more without having to completely reorganize your workplace.

We recommend getting up every 30 minutes and start off your day working from a standing position while you check your emails and diary for the day. Then switch to a seated position for in-depth report writing, then back to standing when you take and make phone calls.

Video meetings are best made from a standing position as this helps keep you alert, creative and motivated. You can also stretch and move when you are listening in. And remember Stand-up meetings tend to run more efficiently and finish sooner.

Avoid the post-lunch energy slump by spending a period working with your desk converter in the upright position, and always leave your desk in the ‘up’ position when you leave your office for the day. This will remind you to start your morning working from your feet, especially if you have a sedentary commute.

If you compliment your desk converter with an anti-fatigue mat you will be likely to adopt even more micro-movements while you are on your feet, protecting joints and reducing fatigue. This improves the health benefits of a standing desk converter.

Expert advice about using a standing desk

Before getting started at a standing desk (or height adjustable desk) it is essential to first understand the benefits and best practice guidance on how to use it optimally. Yo-Yo DESK® founder, Gavin Bradley, is an international thought leader and donated much of his passion and time to the Active Working CIC social enterprise. Gavin hosts the annual international Active Working Summit bringing together scientists, stakeholders and workplace experts.

Gavin and key international experts recommend:

1. Take regular mini breaks throughout your workday, and make sure you avoid “prolonged sitting” for bouts of 30 minutes or longer

2. Also avoid prolonged static positions (sitting or standing) to maintain positive mental and physical health and remember “your best position is your next position”

3. When using a keyboard – always make sure your wrists are never ABOVE your elbows. And ideally not more than 2cm BELOW your elbows

4. Try to maintain a “meerkat position” when standing, but keep light on your feet, and use an antifatigue mat to promote more movement

5. Stretch, use the stairs and walk around (especially when on the phone)

6. Movement throughout your workday will help prevent aches, boost your metabolism and improve your wellness

What things should be considered before buying a desk converter?

What space do you have available?

Desk top converters come in a range of shapes and sizes, including CUBE solutions for corner desks to maximise space. Check the base footprint of the desk converter you are considering ensuring it will fit securely on your existing desktop. It is not recommended to site a desk converter on a glass table or desktop.

How many screens do you need to accommodate?

If using dual screens, we recommend you choose either the Yo-Yo DESK® 90 or Yo-Yo DESK® GO 2 standing desk converters.

The Yo-Yo DESK® GO, are recommended for taller users over 6’ 2” (185cm). Check our product pages for further details.

How often will be you using your desk converter?

If it needs to be packed away between work sessions, or if you are short of space while homeworking, consider getting a foldable desk converter such as the Yo-Yo DESK® LITE.

What complimentary solutions should I consider?

We always recommend you use an anti-fatigue mat with any of our Sit-Stand desks and remember we offer them at 50% off all Active Feet solutions with each of our standing desks. Remember also to think about your seating options.

When evaluating seating options try to consider a perch stool or active chair solutions as these will reduce the tendency to sit for prolonged periods and encourage you to move your core muscles when seated.

Installation tips

Remember we offer a FREE installation service with all our desks.

However, if you wish to buy a sit stand desk converter, all Yo-Yo DESK® converters are ready to use almost straight from the box. Simply attach the keyboard tray using the screws and screwdriver supplied and you are ready to go. You may need help to lift your desk converter into place.

Top Tips and Guidance when using a Standing Desk

All Yo-Yo DESK® converters arrive with expert user guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your standing desk.

If you are a stand-up desk newbie, start gently, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend standing. This will ease joint and muscle ache and help your body get used to active working habits.

We recommend:

1. Take regular mini breaks throughout your workday, and make sure you avoid “prolonged sitting” for bouts of 30 minutes or longer

2. Also avoid prolonged static positions (sitting or standing) to maintain positive mental and physical health and remember “your best position is your next position”

3. When using a keyboard – always make sure your wrists are never ABOVE your elbows. And ideally not more than 2cm BELOW your elbows

4. Try to maintain a “meerkat position” when standing, but keep light on your feet, and use an antifatigue mat to promote more movement

5. Stretch, use the stairs and walk around (especially when on the phone)

6. Movement throughout your workday will help prevent aches, boost your metabolism and improve your wellness

Get into the habit of standing at your desk converter at certain times of day or for certain tasks - for example, immediately after lunch or while you are on the phone. Some people always like to do reading tasks from a standing position and writing tasks from a seated position.

Find the right desk converter for your office /home

Browse the Yo-Yo DESK® website to find the desk converter that suits your workplace needs or give our expert sales team a call for personal advice.

Our sales team are experts in our award-winning range of standing desk options, but can also advise on special offers, bundle discounts and corporate deals.

WHY Yo-Yo DESK®?

Since we got going in 2014, it has been Yo-Yo DESK®’s mission to convert sedentary offices to active, healthy and productive workplaces, by creating the world’s favourite range of standing desks.

Yo-Yo DESK® is the UK’s #1 brand for standing desks and growing super-fast throughout the rest of Europe. Here are a few reasons why;

1. Our desks are high quality, durable and stylish. We offer a warranty of up to seven years and 30-day Money Back Guarantee

2. We have the widest range of active office solutions to suit all workplaces, needs and budgets

3. Our desk converters can be used straight out of the box; and our standing desks can be fully customised to your requirements

4. We offer FREE delivery and installation service in addition to 50% off all Active Feet solutions with each of our standing desks

5. We are a UK-based business with expert sales staff who pride themselves on ensuring you get the optimal solution to help you get moving

6. Our founder, Gavin Bradley, is the UK’s thought leader on Active Working, dedicating much of his time to the non-profit advocacy and campaigns of Active Working CIC.