The design of your trading desk can make or break your performance results. While it may seem like a good employee could make do with any type of desk, the reality is that even the best worker can have their performance severely impeded by a poorly designed trading desk. It’s also important to bear in mind that no two people are exactly alike. What works great for one employee may not work at all for another one. Fortunately, we’re here to tell you how to get your personal trading room set up so you can succeed!
Traditional Desk vs Trading Desk – What’s the Difference?
When you look at the prices of a traditional desk vs a trading desk, it may initially seem like purchasing a traditional desk is the best option. However, if you look at what desk type works best for your environment, a trading desk will invariably win. So, what differences are we talking about? There are three big ones that immediately stand out:
1. Quality
When you go to buy a desk, pay attention to how well manufactured it is. While traditional desks should last for 10-15 years, there are many cheap alternatives that aren’t necessarily labeled as such. Therefore, when you look at trading desks, you should notice that the majority of them were truly made to last.
Purchasing a desk with an aluminum or metallic structure–as opposed to wood–is a brilliant idea. You’ll also notice that a high-quality trading desk is less likely to be produced in bulk. That’s because it should contain custom-shaped parts to fit the needs of each of your employees. That’s something you quite simply can’t get from most traditional desks.
2. Customization
Trading desks allow you a practically endless list of customization options. After all, each workplace–along with each worker–will require desks that are custom-fitted to their environment. From the number of screens you’ll need to use to your room layout and dimensions, setting up a trading desk opens up a world of options. Personal aesthetics and colors also come into play, as do the type of maintenance services you’ll need to use down the line.
A traditional desk has very limited customization options. Sure, your cable management and lighting are somewhat customizable, but that’s about it. That said, if your question is “How do I set up a stock trading desk,” it’s imperative that you actually purchase a trading desk rather than a traditional one. After all, there’s only so much that a traditional desk can do.
3. Ergonomics
If you’re still not convinced that a stock trading desk setup is the way to go, this category will undoubtedly win you over. When you use a traditional desk, you’ll get minimal ergonomic possibilities. But when you choose a trading desk instead, a whole world of options opens up.
For example, cable management is much easier, as is finding a much more comfortable position to type in. The addition of modular arms allows you to fit as many as eight LCD screens, and the electric adjustable height surface enables your employees to sit or stand.
Compare all this to a traditional desk, and you’ll instantly see why a trading desk is worth the investment. In fact, if you need your workers to be able to multitask, giving them a trading desk is by far the best way to go. There was even a one-year study that proved using the standing desk portion of a trading desk boosts productivity and has a positive impact on a person’s overall health.
Other Reasons to Consider Ergonomics
Ergonomics in the workplace goes beyond just physical comfort; it has far-reaching impacts on overall employee well-being and productivity.
Here are some key reasons why considering ergonomics is essential:
- Decreases pain.
- Improves mental clarity.
- Reduces absenteeism.
- Boosts quality of work.
- Reduces the company’s insurance costs.
- Improves employee satisfaction.
With all these proven benefits, it would be a bad idea to try to skimp on price by purchasing a traditional desk instead. After all, a traditional desk will save you some money initially, but it’s going to end up costing you much more in the long run.
Giving your employees the tools they need to do their jobs as effectively as possible will always win in the end. Employers who don’t put the needs of their workers at the forefront are likely to have issues with turnover. That’s yet another way that choosing a traditional desk when a trading desk would work better will come back to bite you.
Elevating Your Personal Trading Room Setup
Regardless of whether you need to set up your personal space at the office or your home office, there are certain things that everyone will need. Therefore, let’s take an in-depth look at your desk setup for stock trading.
You’ll probably begin by asking, “How do you set up a trading room?” As you probably know by now, there is really no limit to the number of customizations you may need. How do you choose which ones will work best, though? Well, let’s look through some of the most common elements to help you decide!
Lighting
Yes, a personal trading room should start with your lighting source. It’s actually one of the most critical features of a trading room, so don’t skimp out! In an ideal scenario, you’ll have plenty of natural light. If this isn’t in the cards, though, make sure you invest in high-quality task lighting. Even better, try to ensure your lights have dimmer switches. Also, be sure you properly position the light so that it’s not directly in front of or behind your screen.
Screen Quality
When considering how many screens you’ll need for effective trading, a practical approach is key. The majority of traders find that a minimum of three screens is sufficient, providing ample space for monitoring market trends, analyzing real-time data, and executing trades.
However, the exact number may vary depending on your personal trading style and the complexity of your strategies. For some, additional screens are necessary to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the markets and to make well-informed decisions.
Trading Desk – Height, Position, and Angle
When you sit at a desk, you need your knees and thighs to rest comfortably beneath it. You’ll also want to choose a desk with a height of approximately 25-30 inches, depending on your exact height. Additionally, try not to select a desk that has any sharp edges. You may not think it’ll be a big deal, but once you accidentally hurt yourself, you’ll be singing a different tune!
When you’re seated, your arms should be close to your body, and your wrists should be straight. Keep your keyboard and mouse easily accessible. Finally, put your monitors at the level of your eyes. This will help keep your neck aligned with the screen, which will reduce or eliminate neck strain.
Comfortable Chair
Just as you want to have a properly fitted desk, it’s critical to use a properly fitted chair. While you could get away with using a basic office chair, it’s going to cause you problems in the long run. First off, it’ll most likely cause you to deal with back and neck issues. Secondly, it can cause permanent body damage. Therefore, buy a comfortable, ergonomic chair instead. It’ll not only make you feel better, but it’ll make it easier for you to keep working, especially on days when you put in a lot of hours.
Distraction-Free Environment
There will be a lot of different things vying for your attention. This is particularly true if you’re at the office instead of at home. You can’t make everyone else stop working, but you can take steps to make your personal environment as distraction-free as possible. Even purchasing higher side panels can cut down on visual distractions, so they’re more than worth the cost. If a ringing telephone bothers you, wear a headset instead. At least that way, it won’t ring out loud.
Miscellaneous
If you happen to be setting up your personal trading room at home, you’ll need to invest in high-speed internet access. Be sure this includes a fast download speed and a fast upload speed. You’ll also need a variety of office supplies such as pens, highlighters, a notebook, etc. Each item should be close at hand, but it also needs to have its own space. For instance, your pens and highlighters should go in your top drawer since they’ll be used most often.
Mastering Your Trading Desk Setup: Essential Tips
When it’s time to set up a trading desk, you’ll most likely have to fit your personal needs into an existing setup. This doesn’t mean that you have to just grin and bear an uncomfortable environment, however. Many employers have become more sensitive to the physical needs of their employees. Therefore, be sure to speak up if you don’t have any of the following items and need them
An Adjustable Trading Desk
If you don’t have an adjustable trading desk and feel you need one, be sure to ask for one. When it’s time to decide which desk to get, you should consider three key things:
- Size – Choose a desk with lots of room for you to work. And that will fit into your space comfortably.
- Price – You should be able to acquire a high-quality trading desk that will last for at least 10-15 years for $2,500-$5,000, depending on the level of customization. If you need to save more money, consider purchasing a used trading desk. This would be better than purchasing a cheap new desk. And if your budget is a bit tight, you can get a great pre-owned one for a fraction of this cost.
- Look for a Standing Desk Option – The electronic components of a standing desk may cost more, but they’re worth it. You’ll have the freedom to get up and stretch your legs throughout the day without causing yourself to stop working.
A Comfortable Chair
Just as we mentioned in the personal trading room setup section, it’s imperative that your chair be comfortable. This is an area where quality should take precedence over cost. You’ll pay more initially, but you’ll save money because you won’t hurt your back and need to take time off work. Think long-term when you select your chair instead of about the price point.
Speed Up Your Internet
Despite working for a company that provides your internet, you can still do some things on your end to speed things up. The most important of which is installing an ad-blocker. This is something your IT team should have already done, but if they haven’t, be sure to talk to them about it immediately. Also, don’t fall for common scams such as opening an unknown attachment.
Other Considerations
Aside from providing all the basics and using ergonomic furniture, there are a few other factors you should consider. Remember: the easier it is for someone to use their sitting area, the better work they’ll produce!
- Available Space: Before someone gets excited about a specific trading desk, be sure it’ll fit into the space provided. Take measurements to ensure the desk won’t make the area feel overcrowded.
- Functionality: Be certain that each person’s trading desk is as functional for them as possible. Some people may need three monitors, while others may need five, for instance. Consider these things when it’s time to put together the trading room floor.
- Aesthetics: You might think that as long as you’ve got functional furniture, you’re in the clear. But there’s a lot to be said about the importance of aesthetics. Make sure there’s a space built in for backup plans for data and records. Additionally, focusing on providing the best aesthetics can boost creativity, enhance mood, increase focus, and improve employee satisfaction.
- Budget: As much as you’d like it to be otherwise, we also have to consider your budget. After all, if you simply can’t afford to purchase these things, you’ll have to find a workaround. Purchasing used trading desks is an option. After all, it’s not going to help much if you have the best trading desk furniture but suffer from bad trading software and hardware redundancy problems.
Invest in the Best Trading Desk Equipment You Can
At the end of the day, put your money into investing in the best equipment that your business can afford. Saraval Industries can help you in getting the best bang for your buck! We have the ability to customize pre-owned trading desks to make you feel as if you have purchased them designed specifically for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a trading desk?
Setting up a stock trading desk involves focusing on ergonomic design and technological integration. Ergonomic furniture is crucial for maintaining comfort and productivity, especially during long trading sessions. A sleek and clutter-free design that accommodates technological needs also enhances focus. In assisting with these needs, we offer a variety of ergonomic and technology-integrated furniture, including eco-friendly, ergonomic, and cost-effective options.
How do you set up a trading room?
For setting up a trading room, efficient space utilization, ergonomic comfort, and advanced technological infrastructure are key factors. The layout should support seamless trading operations and include acoustic solutions for maintaining focus and privacy. We can help design and furnish trading rooms with functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture, ensuring a productive trading environment.
What are the key ergonomic features to look for in a trading desk?
Key ergonomic features to look for in a trading desk include adjustable heights, supportive seating, and layouts that minimize physical strain. These features are essential for maintaining comfort and reducing the risk of injury, especially for traders who spend extended periods at their desks.
Saraval’s Galaxy Sit/Stand Trading Desks, with their electronically height-adjustable work surfaces, cater perfectly to various body types and work environments. The desks also feature a rear technology rail for monitor mounting, which helps in keeping the work surface clutter-free. Additionally, a robust cable management tray is integrated into the frame, ensuring all electrical and data wiring is tidy and organized.
How can technology integration in trading desks enhance trading efficiency?
Technology integration in trading desks enables real-time market monitoring and effective communication. This is vital for making timely trading decisions and staying ahead in the fast-paced trading environment.
How does the layout of a trading room impact trader performance and collaboration?
A well-designed trading room layout balances personal space with areas for collaboration. This enhances focus, reduces distractions, and fosters effective teamwork, which is essential in high-pressure trading scenarios.
Purchase Your Trading Desk Equipment Today!
Saraval Industries is here to help. We specialize in selling new and used trading floor desks, along with office chairs, monitor arms, end panels, etc. Contact us today, and don’t hesitate to ask for exactly what you’re looking for. We’ll do our absolute best to bring your vision to life!