6 Reasons Why Office Desks Aren’t Suitable for Trading
The trading floor is a world apart from a regular office. While a standard office desk is fine for emails, meetings, and spreadsheets, it isn't built for the intense demands of financial markets. Traders spend long hours at their workstations, often surrounded by six to twelve screens, running powerful PCs, and making rapid-fire decisions worth millions. In this high-pressure environment, the desk is an essential part of the trading infrastructure.
Specialist trading desks exist for a reason. They're designed to integrate technology, manage cables, withstand heavy use, and provide the comfort traders need to perform at their best.
Here are the key reasons why ordinary desks fall short on the trading floor, and how specialist trading desks solve those problems.
1. An Office Desk Won't Support All Your Screens
Office desks are designed to support a single monitor and a keyboard, and they're only in use during
9-to-5 hours. On a trading floor, where a trader might need six to twelve screens, they won't cut it.
Specialist trading desks offer wide, deep surfaces and integrated monitor support systems. They have capacity for a monitor rail at the back, which can support a monitor arm and multiple screens. Attempting to attach multiple monitors to an office desk can result in an unstable monitor array, which could risk damaged monitors and create a hazardous working environment.
2. Cable Chaos
Traders use plenty of tech and office desks are not designed to support the sophisticated cable management systems required for this. Without cable management, you will likely end up with an unsightly tangle of cables and power strips.
To keep cables organised, a trading desk can incorporate a cable tray on the underside. A sliding desktop allows easy access to cabling, minimising downtime during upgrades and repairs. Trading desks are also sturdy enough to support the more advanced monitor arms needed to contain the cables for multiple screens.
ZP6 Monitor Arm for 6 Monitors
3. Ventilation Issues
The heat generated by multiple screens, Graphics cards, CPUs, and power supplies is significant, and ordinary desks lack built-in systems to manage it.
A trading desk can incorporate a desk flue that ejects hot air from PCs by natural convection. Specially designed PC cabinets are also located below the desk, housing the computers. These have venting to allow for good airflow. By protecting hardware from thermal stress, specialist desks ensure user comfort and extend the lifespan of costly IT investments.
4. Standard Desks Wear Out Too Fast
Trading floors operate long hours, sometimes around the clock and office furniture isn't built to withstand that level of use. Office desks also aren't designed to support the heavy duty tech and equipment traders require to do their job. They will soon begin to show signs of wear, both on the surface and in the joinery.
Specialist trading desks feature a high grade laminate desktop that can withstand much heavier use than standard desktops. It's incredibly resistant to scratches, moisture, and stains, making it ideal for long hours of use. Standard office MFC desktops are not designed for intensive workloads and will not last as long as laminated desktops.
A robust steel frame can support the weight of multiple monitors and equipment. These desks are built to last and will save money in the long run as they won't need to be replaced as often. Some manufacturers also specify a 10-year warranty.
5. Technology Integration
Traders need plenty of tech to do their job and standard desks are not designed to accommodate this. Multiple monitors, PCs, phones, and specialist terminals require not only space but also a desk that integrates power, data, and connectivity. Trying to fit all this on an office desk creates clutter and increases the risk of disconnections or hardware failure.
Specialist trading desks are built with technology at their core. They feature integrated power modules, high-capacity data ports, and dedicated enclosures for PCs. Sophisticated cable routing systems conceal wires while still allowing quick access for upgrades or servicing. This reduces disruption to trading operations. By incorporating technology into the design of the workstation, trading desks provide a streamlined, reliable platform that keeps traders focused on the markets rather than their equipment.
6. Why Ergonomic Design Matters on the Trading Floor
When traders spend long hours at their desks, their comfort and safety is crucial. Standard office desks are built for a 9-to-5 day, without the intense focus required for trading. A lack of ergonomic features that support good posture means traders risk fatigue and musculoskeletal strain.
A quality trader's desk will have customisable features that allow users to adjust the workstation to their preference. Height-adjustable desktops, flexible monitor arms and bespoke designs contribute to a comfortable, safer workspace.
Height adjustable desktops allow traders to change posture throughout the day. Alternating between sitting and standing helps prevent fatigue and maintain alertness. This is essential if you're working in a pressurised role where you may have to deal with critical situations. Standing desks also have well documented physical benefits. These include better circulation and reduced aches and pains.
Ready to upgrade your trading floor? Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements or request a consultation - and discover how our trading desks can transform your workspace. Check out our range here.