It doesn’t take long for poor desk ergonomics to catch up with you. A few hours of hunching over a laptop or sitting in the wrong chair position can leave your back tight, your neck aching, and your productivity dipping. The good news? Most ergonomic mistakes at your desk are simple to fix… once you know what to look for.
At Office Furniture Brisbane, we spend a lot of time helping businesses and home-office workers find the right combination of furniture, posture and layout to support healthy work habits. Below, we break down some of the most common desk ergonomics mistakes we see every day, plus practical ways to build an ergonomic desk setup that actually works for you.
Sitting Too Low (or Too High)
This is easily one of the most common desk ergonomics mistakes. If your chair height isn’t right, everything else becomes harder – your shoulders tense up, your wrists strain, and your spine ends up doing more work than it should.
A simple rule of thumb for correct desk ergonomics: Your elbows should sit comfortably at a 90-degree angle when your hands are resting on your keyboard.
If the chair is too low, your shoulders lift. Too high, and your wrists angle upward, which can trigger long-term discomfort. Adjust your chair height so your feet sit flat on the floor and your knees are roughly level with your hips. If your chair doesn’t offer enough height flexibility, it may be time for an upgrade to something with proper ergonomic adjustment options.
Hunching Forward Toward the Screen
You’ve probably caught yourself doing it – inching closer and closer to your monitor as the day goes on. This is a classic sign that either your screen is too low or too far away.
The fix:
- Position the top of your screen at or slightly below eye height.
- Place the monitor an arm’s length away.
- If you use a laptop, elevate it with a stand and use an external keyboard and mouse.
These small adjustments promote a more natural ergonomic desk posture and take pressure off your neck and upper back. You’ll also find you breathe better and feel less fatigued by the end of the day.
Working Without Proper Lumbar Support
You don’t realise how much your lower back does for you until it’s sore. Many people sit in chairs without adjustable lumbar support, leading to a slumped posture and unnecessary strain. Good desk setup ergonomics start with a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine.
Look for these features:
- Adjustable lumbar height or depth
- A seat that encourages you to sit upright without effort
- Backrest tilt and tension control
- A contoured seat that prevents sliding forward
If your chair is missing these basics, even the most perfectly aligned desk won’t save your posture.
Placing the Keyboard and Mouse Too Far Away
Reaching forward for your keyboard or mouse may seem harmless, but it forces your shoulders to round and creates tension through your neck and upper back.
For an ergonomic desk setup:
- Keep your keyboard directly in front of you
- Place your mouse next to it at elbow height
- Maintain relaxed shoulders and forearms
If your desk is too deep or you work on a corner unit that pushes you back, a keyboard tray can help bring everything closer and protect your posture throughout the day.
Poor Cable & Accessory Management
Clutter isn’t just annoying; it forces your body into awkward positions. If your cables, chargers or accessories are scattered around the desk, you’ll end up reaching, twisting or working in cramped positions.
Use simple ergonomic tips to tidy your space:
- Keep the items you use most frequently within arm’s reach
- Use monitor arms to free up desk space
- Incorporate cable trays or clips to keep cords under control
- Position your phone or headset close enough so you’re not constantly leaning
A clean desk is a more ergonomic desk (and often a more productive one too!).
Ignoring Your Standing Desk Settings
Height-adjustable desks are brilliant for promoting movement throughout the workday, but they’re often used incorrectly. Some people set them too high, too low, or switch between positions too rarely.
If you’re using a sit-stand desk, remember:
- Your elbows should still sit at a comfortable 90 degrees
- Your monitor height remains just as important
- Standing doesn’t replace good ergonomic posture… it supports it
- Aim to alternate between sitting and standing every 45-60 minutes
And yes, it’s perfectly normal to fidget or shift your weight while working at a standing desk – movement is part of the point.
Having the Wrong Desk Size or Shape for Your Work
Many ergonomic issues come back to one simple factor: the desk itself isn’t suited to the task. Maybe it’s too small for your monitor setup. Maybe it’s too deep and forces you to reach. Or maybe it’s a home-office desk repurposed for full-time work without the right support.
Correct desk ergonomics rely on having enough workspace to position everything properly:
- Your chair should slide easily under the desk
- Your arms should rest comfortably without crowding
- Your monitor and accessories should fit without pushing you into awkward angles
If the desk itself is getting in the way, it may be time to look at a size or style that suits your workflow better.
Staying in One Position for Too Long
Even the perfect ergonomic setup isn’t enough if your body stays still for hours at a time – movement matters. Try incorporating:
- Short standing periods
- Micro-breaks every 20-30 minutes
- Gentle shoulder and neck stretches
- A quick walk to reset your posture
Think of your ergonomic desk posture as your “home base”, but feel free to move around it throughout the day.
How Office Furniture Brisbane Can Help You Create a Better Workspace
Getting your desk ergonomics right isn’t about memorising rules; it’s about finding a setup that supports how you work. That’s where the right office furniture makes a real difference.
At Office Furniture Brisbane, we help businesses and home-office workers build spaces that are comfortable, functional and supportive long term. Whether you need an ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support, a height-adjustable desk that encourages movement, or accessories like monitor arms and keyboard trays to fine-tune your posture, our team can guide you toward the best fit for your workspace. With one of the largest ranges in Queensland (not to mention decades of experience helping people improve comfort and productivity), we’re here to make your workspace work for you.
If you’d like expert advice on improving your desk setup ergonomics or you’re looking to upgrade your furniture, we’re always happy to help you find the right solution.