# How to set-up your desk correctly **By Shopify API** ยท 2015-12-11 In this post, we explain how you should set up your desk and workstation so that it is ergonomic and can improve both your comfort and productivity. ## Set your desk height Most [office desks](https://www.back2.co.uk/desks-furniture/in-stock-desks) are static and fixed at 72-75cm high which may not be the correct height for you when you have [set up your chair correctly](https://back2.co.uk/blog/how-to-sit-at-a-desk-properly/). A desk height that is too low can cause a 'C' shaped spine and musculoskeletal pain. A desk that is too high will cause the shoulders to 'shrug' leading to neck tension. [Standing Desks](https://www.back2.co.uk/desks-furniture/in-stock-desks) are electronically height adjustable at the touch of a button. Alternatively, [Desk Raisers](https://www.back2.co.uk/ergonomic-accessories/desk-risers) sit under the desk feet to increase height by 3cm increments. ![How to setup your desk correctly - Desk Raisers](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/desk_raisers_shoulders-300x300.jpg)![How to setup your desk correctly - Sit Stand Desk](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/sit_stand_upper_back-300x300.jpg) ## Set-up your Monitor Set the monitor screen at arm's length and at a height where the top of the screen is at eye level. A [Monitor Arm](https://back2.co.uk/ergonomic-accessories/monitor-arms) is a great product to raise the monitor to the desired height. Position the screen at 90 degrees to any light source avoiding glare/reflections. Have regular eye checks and ensure, if you need glasses, that you select the appropriate lenses for VDU use. ![How to setup your desk correctly - Monitor Problem](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/neck_monitor_arm_problem-300x300.jpg)![How to setup your desk correctly - Monitor Arm Solution](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/neck_monitor_arm_solution-300x300.jpg) ## Set up your Keyboard and Mouse The [keyboard and mouse](https://back2.co.uk/ergonomic-accessories/keyboards-mice) should be within a zone of easy reach. It is useful to be ambidextrous with the mouse so that either arm can be rested if doing a lot of mouse work. To bring the mouse closer to your body, a shorter (300mm) keyboard is advantageous if the numerical keypad is not required. ![How to setup your desk correctly - Keyboard Mouse Problem](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/ergonomic_keyboard_neck_problem-300x300.jpg)![How to setup your desk correctly - Keyboard Mouse Solution](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/ergonomic_keyboard_neck_solution-300x300.jpg) ## Set-up your Telephone Cradling the phone between your neck and shoulder causes severe muscle tension. If you regularly use the phone, consider a headset. ![How to setup your desk correctly - Headrest Problem](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/neck_headrest_problem-300x300.jpg)![How to setup your desk correctly - Headrest Solution](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/neck_headrest_solution-300x300.jpg) ## Utilise Document Holders and Writing Slopes When referring to paperwork, use a [Document Holder](https://back2.co.uk/ergonomic-accessories/document-holders) to position the data to prevent prolonged periods of neck flexion. A [Writing Slope](https://back2.co.uk/ergonomic-accessories/writing-slopes) reduces the viewing distance, lessens eye strain and encourages a balanced posture. ![How to setup your desk correctly - Document Problem](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/document_holder_neck_problem-300x300.jpg)![How to setup your desk correctly - Document Solution](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/document_holder_neck_solution-300x300.jpg) ## Using a Laptop? All the above principles apply. If using a Laptop for extended periods, a height-adjustable stand and separate keyboard/mouse are recommended. A [laptop stand](https://back2.co.uk/ergonomic-accessories/laptop-stands) should also be used to place the laptop in the most ergonomic position. ![How to setup your desk correctly - Laptop Problem](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/neck_laptop_stand_problem-300x300.jpg)![How to setup your desk correctly - Laptop Solution](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0897/5849/9160/files/neck_laptop_stand_solution-300x300.jpg) **Tags:** Category_Ergonomics, Category_Knowledgebase>Ergonomic Advice --- > Source: [Back2 International](https://www.back2.co.uk/blogs/article/how-to-setup-you-desk-correctly)