Top 10 Ergonomic Mistakes in Office Setups—And How to Fix Them

Written By Katie Ryan

A well-designed workspace isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for your health, comfort, and productivity. Poor ergonomics can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and long-term injuries. Here are the top 10 ergonomic mistakes people make in office setups—and how to fix them.

Person sitting at a desk with feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle, demonstrating proper chair height for ergonomic posture.

1.Chair Too Low or Too High

Mistake: Sitting with your knees higher or lower than your hips can strain your lower back.
Fix: Adjust your chair so your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle.

Person sitting upright with back supported and shoulders relaxed, using a lumbar cushion for improved ergonomic posture.

2. Monitor at the Wrong Height

Mistake: Looking down or up at your screen can cause neck and shoulder strain.
Fix: The top of your monitor should be at or just below eye level, about an arm’s length away.

Person sitting upright with back supported and shoulders relaxed, using a lumbar cushion for improved ergonomic posture.

3. Poor Posture

Mistake: Slouching or leaning forward puts pressure on your spine.
Fix: Sit back in your chair with your back supported and shoulders relaxed. Consider using a lumbar cushion for added support.

Person sitting at a desk with keyboard and mouse positioned close to the body, elbows bent at 90 degrees for ergonomic comfort.

4. Keyboard and Mouse Too Far Away

Mistake: Reaching forward strains your shoulders and arms.
Fix: Keep your keyboard and mouse close enough that your elbows stay at your sides, bent at about 90 degrees.

Office setup with natural light from a window and a desk lamp illuminating the workspace to reduce eye strain.

5. Ignoring Lighting

Mistake: Poor lighting causes eye strain and awkward postures.
Fix: Use natural light when possible and position your monitor to reduce glare. Add a desk lamp for focused lighting.

Person standing and stretching beside a desk to promote movement and reduce fatigue during long work hours.

6. Sitting Too Long

Mistake: Staying seated for hours reduces circulation and increases fatigue.
Fix: Stand up, stretch, or walk around for a few minutes every 30–60 minutes.

Ergonomic laptop setup with a laptop stand, external keyboard, and mouse to prevent neck and back strain.

7. Using a Laptop Without Accessories

Mistake: Hunching over a laptop strains your neck and back.
Fix: Use a laptop stand with an external keyboard and mouse to create a more ergonomic setup.

Person seated at a desk with feet resting comfortably on a footrest to improve posture and leg comfort.

8. Overlooking Foot Support

Mistake: Dangling feet or poor foot positioning can cause leg discomfort.
Fix: Use a footrest if your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor.

Customized ergonomic workspace with a person seated comfortably, not reaching for the keyboard or mouse.

9. One-Size-Fits-All Setup

Mistake: Copying someone else’s setup without considering your own body dimensions.
Fix: Customize your workspace to fit your height, arm length, and work habits.

Person writing in a notebook at a desk with a computer also present, showing a multitasking ergonomic workspace.

10. Not Adjusting for Task Variety

Mistake: Using the same posture for every task, from typing to reading.
Fix: Adjust your chair, monitor, or desk position slightly depending on the task to reduce repetitive strain.

Final Thoughts

Ergonomics is about working smarter, not harder. By avoiding these common mistakes and making small adjustments, you can create a workspace that supports your body and boosts your productivity.

Katie Ryan
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