10 Essentials for the Perfect Trading Desk Setup

In the fast-paced world of trading, split-second decisions can make or break a deal. Traders need to maintain focus, and a well-designed ergonomic workspace can help you perform at your best. A good trading desk will also support the multiple tech and gadgets traders require.

In this article, we look at the essentials of a quality trading setup where technology meets ergonomic design.

1. PC Storage

You'll need to consider your IT and tech requirements when selecting the best trading desk. Even with the advent of cloud computing, local PC storage and cable management are still important.

PCs are housed in enclosures beneath the trading desk. These can be customised and manufactured in a variety of designs. They can also be dynamic and move with a height-adjustable desktop. Expandable PC housing is a flexible solution, allowing you to add more PCs as required.

2. Cable management

Traders use plenty of tech, including multiple PCs and monitors. All of this needs a robust cable management system. A tangled mess of cables beneath your desk can get in the way and distract you from your work.

Cable storage has to be accessible so adjustments can easily be carried out. This helps minimise interruptions. Bespoke features such as sliding desktops give access to a below desk cable tray. They can also help you reach below desktop power. Cable management chains also provide tidy cable routes from PC trolleys to PC housing and desktops.

3. Ergonomic Chair

An ergonomic chair is an essential accessory for anyone who works long hours. It allows a healthier posture with better concentration and productivity. Whatever your body shape, you can adjust an ergonomic chair to fit. It supports you to maintain a variety of healthy sitting positions. 

A quality ergonomic chair should always provide good support for your back. The seat height and angle should adjust to any body type. A headrest is also important. It supports your head when typing and can ease neck strain when looking at screens. 

A good chair will prevent aches and strains. An enhanced level of comfort helps you feel physically and mentally alert. Essential for making critical decisions and trading efficiently. Take a look at our post on recommended ergonomic chairs here.

Interstuhl Airpad chair

4. Monitor arm

A robust monitor support setup is essential, with four to eight screens on an average dealing room desk. Ideally, it should guarantee a perfect ergonomic viewing angle. This is important for traders viewing multiple screens for many hours. If you're straining your eyes to see the screen, you risk developing neck pain. For those using a standing desk, the monitor support should allow you to raise your monitor to the perfect position for sitting or standing working.

A post mounted monitor arm is the best solution for a trading desk with multiple tiers of screens. It is very flexible, allowing for straightforward monitor removal and fine height adjustment. You can position your monitor in either landscape or portrait orientation. Monitor configurations can also be easily changed. Users can also add extensions without disrupting existing monitors.

SmartArm Monitor mounting system

5. Desktop connectivity

A desktop connectivity unit incorporating power, data, and USB sockets is helpful if you use a lot of tech. It sits on top of your desk, so no more interrupting work to lean under your desk to plug things in. The units can replicate the sockets located at the rear of your PC. You can have the power units fixed to your desk with clamps or onto your monitor beam. They give easy access to all the sockets.

Technology Links Desktop Power Unit

6. Standing desk

A trader's job is demanding and can require long hours of intense focus. A sit stand desk helps maintain alertness by enabling you to stand for some of the working day. Electronic controls allow you to change the desktop from seated to standing height with the press of a button.

Studies show that sitting for long periods is bad for us. Height adjustable desks go a long way to combat the health risks of desk work, such as neck and back pain. They allow you to change posture without interrupting workflow. They're also adjustable for different heights and body shapes.

Adjusting between sitting and standing throughout the day has many benefits. It improves posture, circulation and metabolism. This helps you feel happier, more refreshed and able to focus. Tasks get done faster, and you can think of creative solutions when problems arise.

Electric Height Adjustable Trading Desk

7. Trading turret

Trading turrets are essential tools in financial trading environments. They offer quick connectivity. Traders can engage with both internal trade support and external counterparties. Turrets with embedded cloud-based voice technology help streamline communication. A modern user interface provides a customisable workspace based on favourites and frequent contacts. A quality trading turret will enable you to connect seamlessly. It adds speed, efficiency, and accuracy to everyday trading processes.

8. Desk mounted pen tray

Desk clutter can quickly get out of control. Having pens and other items scattered around adds to this. Having them all in one place is helpful so you know where to find them. A desk mounted pen tray slides out from under your desk like a small drawer. It keeps all your small loose items in one place and is easy to access.

9. Wireless phone charger

A wireless phone charger is a great way to declutter your desk. An ARC80 charger actually fits into your desktop. Once connected, it provides wireless charging instantly without the hassle of cables. You simply place your wireless enabled phone on its flat surface and let it work its magic.

10. Task lamp

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to light levels at their workstation. An LED lamp at your desk helps you control light intensity to a level that suits you. It creates a more comfortable environment that enhances focus. Checkout our blog post on recommended task lights.

Task lamps are different to ordinary desk lamps. They are integrated into your workstation. You can fit this type of lighting to the desktop or mount it on your monitor arm.

Lighting can be located in other areas of the workstation, too. For example, PC cabinets can contain lighting to help access IT equipment and cabling below the desk.

A company logo or graphic, backlit with LED lighting, can be fitted to the desk's end panel for an impressive effect.

Looking to upgrade your workstation? At Technology Desking we stock a range of solutions to help organise your workspace. Take a look at our products here