The Desk
Where should I place the table/desk?
It is recommended to be placed perpendicular to the window.
If you have a wall (or similar) behind the chair, leave at least 1m space to move around and not to be embedded. Remember to have enough space for your legs also underneath the table, at least 85 cm from left to right.
Have you already managed to find and agree on an ideal work site? Great.
Is it easy to access? Great.
The ideal desk
Type
How is your desk, fixed or adjustable? If you have an adjustable table at home, great! If not, get up more often and walk around.
Size
If you are working with only 1 laptop/desktop the minimum working surface should be around 120x80 cm.The size of your working desk depends, obviously, on the amount of items you will need to have on it in order to do your work.
Height
If your table is a fixed type, it is recommended to have a height from at least 60-82 cm. For sit-stand desk (at least 62-120 cm), your body height will determinate that (see below “How to sit”) .
Stability
You will need a robust and rigid working surface, also better made of matt material and pleasant to the touch.
How to sit
First sit, then breath, then relax your shoulders. The upper arms remain loose and form a 90° angle with the forearms. The same angle should be formed between the upper and the lower legs. Our forearms should lay over the table, the feet completely on the floor, with footrest if necessary.
Why do we need a table/desk instead of a sofa? Because of pure health reasons, and not only ergonomic: think of the heat over your legs generated by laptops on long periods of time… This may cause different thermal hazards. So better leave the “lotus flower” position for meditations and trips to India… Here you have to think ergonomically, your body will thank you.
We're not against sitting on the couch from time to time... but think of the heat from the machine to your legs, or your neck and your back.
