How to Set Up an Ergonomic Home Office Desk

This week, we're chatting with Cassy Baillargeon, an occupational therapist. Cassy is the founder of 2C2B Coworking, a network of flexible, collaborative work spaces in Mascouche and Boisbriand. She shares her advice for setting up an ergonomic desk at the office, in a coworking space, or at home.

What are the best tips for setting up an ergonomic desk?

Choosing the right equipment for your ergonomic desk

When it comes to equipment, the first priority is a good chair for your ergonomic desk. Your seat is the number one factor that will spare you from working in an uncomfortable posture, which can cause injuries and musculoskeletal issues over time.

The office chair

Your seat should be as adjustable as possible in terms of height, armrests (which are essential), tilt mechanism, and even seat depth. Your back should be well supported, especially in the lower back curve.

The work table

Your work surface should be firm and about 30 inches deep. Try to keep a full arm's length of distance between your eyes and your screen to avoid eye strain.

External peripherals

It's essential to have a screen separate from your keyboard, even if you're working on a laptop. An external monitor at eye level helps reduce strain on the neck and is a must-have for your ergonomic desk.

Choose a flat keyboard that lets you keep your wrists in a neutral position. Your mouse should also be positioned close to the keyboard.

What's the ideal posture for working?

Here are a few tips for adopting an ergonomic posture at your desk.

• Make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Adjust your chair or use a footrest if needed.

• Your thighs should be parallel to the floor, with a slight gap behind the knee.

• Your back should be well supported, tilted slightly backward. Keep your shoulders relaxed.

• Keep your arms close to your body, your forearms resting on the work surface, and your elbows at a 90-100 degree angle.

I recommend taking regular breaks to stretch for a few minutes. It can also help to change up your posture regularly, for example by working in a standing position.

How can you optimize your productivity at work?

On top of setting up an ergonomic desk, it's important to make sure the surrounding environment supports focus. Ideal conditions can vary a lot from person to person, especially when it comes to sound. Some people work well with ambient noise or music, while others rely on noise-canceling headphones to concentrate better.

Light plays a key role. We tend to assume sunlight feels great, and we often see design photos of a desk facing a window. From an ergonomic standpoint, that setup should be avoided. Light that's too direct can cause eye strain and glare. Instead, position your workstation perpendicular to the window, or use blinds.

The decor of a space can also play a role in motivation. Whether you're at home, in a traditional office, or in a coworking space, don't hesitate to personalize your space. Photos, plants, personal items... A playful wall mural can spark your creativity, while signage in your company's colors can boost team engagement.

Why does coworking go hand in hand with an ergonomic desk?

I chose to found 2C2B Coworking because employee and entrepreneur well-being matters deeply to me. To me, a shared work space, with no commitment and full flexibility, is good not only for your finances but also for your well-being. In pandemic times, with everyone working remotely, it's more necessary than ever to break out of isolation and dive into a stimulating professional atmosphere.

At 2C2B Coworking, you'll find fully ergonomic workstations in the open area, private offices with sit-stand desks, and high-tech conference rooms. All available by the hour, the day, the month, or the year. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of coworking.

2C2B is focused on building a genuine business community. Day to day and through networking events, we encourage entrepreneurs to build connections with one another. Those connections often lead to collaboration opportunities. We also promote our clients' businesses across our own channels.

To me, coworking offers several ways to take care of workers — physically, psychologically, socially, and economically.

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A proud partner of 2C2B Coworking, DÉCOR IMPRIMÉ offers murals, wallpaper, and decals for walls and windows. Our exclusive products are designed and made in Canada by independent local artists.

You can find 2C2B on Instagram, Facebook, and on their website.

To finish off your ideal office, check out our selection of home office wall decor. Removable murals and decals that inspire focus — made in Canada, installed in minutes.