Ergonomic Chair Setup: 8 Common Mistakes

Revamp your workspace with a new ergonomic chair! Check out these 8 setup tips for a smooth and healthy experience.

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Excited about your new ergonomic chair but unsure how to set it up? You're not alone! Many first-time buyers struggle with a new chair which often results in discomfort and even pain. In this article, discover how to conquer the 8 most common ergonomic chair setup blunders.

Ergonomic Chairs Setup Mistakes

Mistake # 1: Incorrect Seat Height

It is imperative to adjust the seat height AWAY from your desk.
In other words, DO NOT sit in front of your desk while you make this setup change to your ergonomic chair!

Seat too low

Sitting with your knees above the level of your hips increase the pressure in the lumbar discs, resulting in lower back pain. Furthermore, muscular pain in the neck and shoulders is often caused by a seat that is too low.

Seat too high

If your feet dangle and don't touch the floor, the pressure under your thighs increases, resulting in poor circulation, inadequate back support, and ultimately, discomfort.

The Solution!

Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and knees are slightly lower than your hips.

ergonomic chair setup error - chair is too low
Seat is too low
ergonomic chair setup error - chair is too high
Seat is too high
correct chair height - knees are slightly below the level of your hips
Correct seat height

Mistake # 2: Incorrect Armrest Height Setup on your Ergonomic Office Chair

Just like the first tip above, remember to adjust the armrest height AWAY from your desk. 

Armrests too high or low

Incorrect armrest height can cause muscle tension in your neck, shoulders, arms and wrists.

The Solution!

Adjust the armrests so your forearms are parallel to the floor and elbows are bent at about 90 degrees.

Adjusting both the seat and armrest height is the key to setting up your workstation correctly. Once done, bring the chair towards your desk.

Your chair's seat and armrest height are crucial, and your desk should complement your chair setup. Remember, the ideal ergonomic setup is when the desk adapts to the chair, not the other way around.

armrest height setup for an ergonomic office chair
Armrests too low
correct armrest height for an ergonomic office chair
Correct armrest height

Adjusting the Desk to Match the Height of the Chair Seat and Armrests

Having completed #1 and 2 above, now move the chair in front of your desk.

If the armrests are level with the top of the desk, then the desk is at the correct height!
If this is NOT the case, then DO NOT immediately change the height of the chair....carry on reading!

If you are using a height adjustable or standing desk, changing the desk height to match your chair's height is easily accomplished by pushing a button or turning a handwheel. However, if you have a fixed height (non-adjustable) desk, then a different approach is necessary, as described below.

The Solution!

The perfect ergonomic setup means having the armrests of your chair at the same height as your desk. Your knees should be slightly below your hips, and your feet are either flat on the floor, or supported on a footrest.

Your Fixed Height Desk is TOO HIGH

RAISE the height of the chair so that the armrests align with the tabletop. If your feet don't reach the floor, use a footrest, book, or box for support.

Do not let your feet dangle.
See #1 above.

Your Fixed Height Desk is TOO LOW

If your chair's armrests are higher than the top of the desk, then your desk is too low. Use blocks of wood or old books to RAISE the height of your desk.

NEVER lower the seat height to accommodate the desk height. 

ergonomic desk and chair setup
The correct ergonomic chair and desk setup
ergonomic desk and chair setup
Correct setup using a footrest
ergonomic desk and chair setup
Correct setup using blocks to raise the height of the desk

Great job! Your chair and desk are nicely aligned. Let's now focus on the personalised ergonomic chair features.

Mistake # 3: Incorrect Seat Depth Adjustment

Incorrect seat depth leads to inadequate thigh support for taller individuals, or lack of back support for shorter people.

The Solution!

For greater comfort and support, adjust the seat depth so that there is a 2-3 finger gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.

These office chairs have a seat slider that enables you to adjust the seat depth. Office Chair Seat Depth Adjustment – What You Need To Know

seat depth adjustment on ergonomic office chair
Seat depth is too large
seat depth adjustment on ergonomic office chair
Correct seat depth: 2-3 finger gap

Mistake # 4: Backrest Angle Setup on an Ergonomic Chair

Not adjusting the backrest angle leads to poor back support and discomfort. Back support for an office chair – why it’s important

Adjust the backrest to recline between 90 and 110 degrees. Encourage Dynamic Sitting by allowing the backrest to "free-float" and move with your body, thereby providing constant support for your back.

ergonomic office chair backrest angle adjustment
Upright posture for concentrated work
ergonomic office chair backrest angle adjustment
Slight recline
ergonomic office chair backrest angle adjustment
Full recline for relaxation

Mistake # 5: Incorrect Lumbar Support

Not adjusting the lumbar support can lead to poor spine alignment and discomfort. Advanced chairs have both depth and vertical lumbar adjustment.

The Solution!

Position the lumbar support snugly into your lower back to keep your spine in a neutral position.

lumbar adjustment on office chair
Depth and vertical lumbar adjustment
Vertical lumbar support adjustment

Your New Ergonomic Chair Setup....You've Nailed It!

Your New Ergonomic chair and desk setup is perfect....and it feels amazing!

Just a heads up about the following desktop items. When properly arranged, they will enhance your comfort and keep your ergonomic chair effective for long-lasting results!

Best practices for ergonomics in the workplace

the correct setup of an ergonomic chair ensures optimum comfort

Mistake # 6: Incorrect Monitor Position

An incorrect monitor position will cause neck strain and eye discomfort.

Your monitor should be positioned so that your eye level is approximately a third of the way below the top of the screen, and an arm's length away from you.

monitor and ergonomic chair and desk setup
Monitor is too high
monitor and ergonomic chair and desk setup
Monitor is too low
monitor and ergonomic chair and desk setup
Correct monitor position

Mistake # 7: Incorrect Laptop Height

Laptops were developed as mobile devices to be used for short periods of time, and not to be dumped on your desk and used for 8-10 hours a day! The wrong laptop height leads to poor posture (hunching), as well as neck and upper back strain.

The Solution!
Let's get your Laptop Setup Right!

Raise the laptop height with books or a stand until the top of the screen is slightly below eye level.
Better still, invest in a separate monitor and position it an arm’s length away. Adjust the font size to prevent hunching.

using a laptop
With a standard laptop, the monitor is too low, resulting in neck and upper back strain
using a laptop at the right height
Using a separate monitor with your laptop reduces neck and back strain

Mistake # 8: Not Using a Separate Keyboard and Mouse with your Laptop

Continuous use of the laptop keyboard and touchpad can strain wrists and shoulders, especially if you work long hours.

The Solution!

Use a separate keyboard and mouse to maintain a comfortable position.

Place the keyboard flat or slightly angled, with the mouse close to the keyboard.

using a laptop at the right height
Using a separate keyboard and mouse with your laptop
using a laptop at the right height
Using a separate keyboard, mouse and monitor with your laptop

Conclusion

The proper adjustment and alignment of your chair, desk, and monitor are key to a healthy and productive workspace. A well-adjusted chair not only supports your body, but also promotes good posture and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Make the most of your investment by taking the time to fine-tune your chair settings and create an ergonomic environment that eliminates these setup mistakes and enhances your overall work experience. 

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