Creating an ergonomic workspace is simpler than you might think. A few straightforward changes can make a big difference to your comfort and productivity — and the clearest way to show that is with a real example. Let's look at Adrian's workstation, what was going wrong, and how we fixed it in three simple steps.
The quick version: the three workstation setup do's and don'ts that matter most are seating, arm position, and monitor height. Don't work from a low, non-adjustable chair, don't reach forward to your keyboard and mouse, and don't leave your screen at the wrong height. Do use an adjustable ergonomic chair, keep your arms slightly open to 90 degrees with a separate keyboard and mouse, and raise your screen to eye level.
Key takeaways
- A low, non-adjustable chair causes poor posture no matter how good the rest of the setup is.
- If you're stretching your arms forward to reach the keyboard or mouse, the workstation isn't set up correctly.
- Your screen should sit at eye level so your head and neck stay neutral.
- A detachable keyboard and mouse let a laptop work as a monitor only.
- Three changes — chair, arm position, screen height — transform most workstations.
Adrian's case is a good snapshot of what we see in home and office evaluations alike. For the full framework behind these fixes, our guide to a healthier home office covers chair, desk, monitor, and daily habits in more depth.
What Are the Most Common Ergonomic Workstation Mistakes?
The three most common mistakes are improper seating, incorrect positioning relative to the keyboard and mouse, and poor monitor placement. Adrian's "before" setup had all three.
Don't #1: Improper seating
- A low-slung folding camping chair might be convenient, but it isn't suitable for long periods of work.
- It's too low and not adjustable, which leads to discomfort and poor posture.
Don't #2: Incorrect positioning
- Sitting too low and too far from the keyboard and mouse causes strain.
- If you find yourself stretching your arms too far forward, it's a sign your workstation isn't set up correctly.
Don't #3: Poor monitor placement
- A laptop screen that's too high can cause neck and eye strain.
- Your screen needs to be at eye level to keep your head and neck in a neutral position.
What Are the Do's of a Good Workstation Setup?
The fixes mirror the mistakes: use an adjustable ergonomic chair, position your arms correctly with a separate keyboard and mouse, and adjust the monitor to a comfortable viewing height. Here's Adrian's "after" setup.
Do #1: Use an ergonomic chair
- Choose a fully adjustable ergonomic chair.
- Adjust the height so your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are slightly lower than your hips.
- This setup promotes better posture and reduces strain.
Do #2: Position your arms correctly
- Keep your arms slightly open to a 90-degree angle when keying and mousing.
- Use a detachable keyboard and mouse so you can position them comfortably and let your laptop work as a monitor only.
Do #3: Adjust your monitor height
- Raise or lower the laptop screen to a comfortable viewing height so your head and neck stay in a comfortable, neutral position.
Before and after at a glance
| Don't | Do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sit in a low, non-adjustable chair | Use a fully adjustable ergonomic chair, feet flat, knees slightly below hips | Supports the spine and prevents slouching |
| Sit too low and far from the keyboard and mouse | Keep arms slightly open to 90° with devices close | Stops reaching and shoulder strain |
| Leave the laptop screen too high (or too low) | Set the screen at eye level on a riser | Keeps head and neck neutral; reduces eye strain |
| Type on the laptop's own keyboard | Use a detachable keyboard and mouse | Lets the laptop act as a monitor only |
How Can You Apply These Do's and Don'ts to Your Own Workstation?
Sit at your desk as you normally work and run three checks: Can you adjust your chair so your feet are flat and knees slightly below your hips? Are your elbows open to about 90 degrees without reaching? Is the top of your screen at eye level? Any "no" points to the fix.
- Fix the chair first. Seat height determines your arm and eye positions, so adjust it before anything else.
- Bring the devices to you. Move the keyboard and mouse close enough that your upper arms hang relaxed at your sides.
- Set the screen last. Raise or lower it until your head sits level over your shoulders.
You don't need new equipment to start. Stacked books can raise a laptop and a cushion can add lower back support — our DIY ergonomic hacks show what works with things you already own. If you work mostly from a laptop, our guide to setting up a laptop ergonomically explains how to make the riser-plus-keyboard approach work at any table.
Recommended Products for a Better Workstation Setup
Adrian's corrected setup uses the following ergonomic equipment. Investing in the right tools is a small step that pays off over the long run.
Want to try these in person? Visit our Palo Alto showroom or browse our chairs and seating collection.
Ready to Transform Your Workspace?
Every body is different, and the right fix for Adrian may not be the right fix for you. Our ergonomic specialists can assess your workstation — virtually or in person — and recommend the specific changes and equipment that fit your body and your work.
👉 Request an Ergonomic Evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important workstation setup do's and don'ts?
Don't sit in a low, non-adjustable chair, don't reach forward to your keyboard and mouse, and don't leave your screen at the wrong height. Do use an adjustable ergonomic chair, keep your arms close and slightly open to 90 degrees, and set your screen at eye level.
What is the most common ergonomic workstation mistake?
Poor seating is the mistake we see most often, because the chair sets the height for everything else. A chair that's too low or can't be adjusted forces you to reach up to the desk and look at the screen from the wrong angle.
Can I use a laptop as my main computer ergonomically?
Yes, if you raise the screen to eye level with a stand or riser and use a separate keyboard and mouse. That way the laptop works as a monitor only, and your hands stay at a comfortable height.
How should my arms be positioned when typing?
Your upper arms should hang relaxed at your sides with your elbows slightly open past 90 degrees, and your keyboard and mouse should be close enough that you don't reach forward.
This article shares general ergonomic guidance based on our fitting experience and is not medical advice. If you have persistent or worsening pain, numbness, or tingling, talk to your doctor or physical therapist.
About the Author
Anne Kramer writes for Ask Ergo Works, where our ergonomic specialists have been fitting chairs and workstations from our Palo Alto showroom for more than 30 years.
