Creating an ergonomic workspace is not so easy. That’s why one of our experts, Tomasz Jarzyński, decided to share his not-so-easy story. His journey shows that even the most passionate and experienced developers can struggle with ergonomics — and that finding the right setup takes time, trial, and self-awareness.
Why Your Workspace Matters
Let’s be honest: your workspace has a bigger impact on your productivity, focus, and health than you might think. A cluttered desk or poorly set up workstation doesn’t just look messy—it can actively work against you. From constant distractions to physical discomfort, the wrong setup drains your energy and creates unnecessary stress.
The truth is, there’s no single “perfect” desk setup that works for everyone. What you need depends on your body, your habits, and the type of work you do. The key is finding an ergonomic workspace that supports you instead of fighting you.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey—filled with trial and error, back and wrist pain, endless adjustments, and eventually, a setup that finally works. Along the way, I’ll highlight the lessons I learned and give you practical tips so you can build a workspace that fits your needs.
My Road to an Ergonomic Workspace
University Days: Laptop-Only Setup
My workstation journey started back in university. At first, it was just me and a laptop on a simple desk. Unsurprisingly, that didn’t last long. Within weeks, I realized I needed more comfort, so I added an external keyboard and mouse. That small change was a game-changer.
Soon after, I got a monitor for extra screen space and rearranged my desk for better typing posture. My setup at that point had the laptop as the main screen and the external monitor as backup. It worked—until I graduated and sold the monitor.
The Office Phase: Wrist Pain and First Ergonomic Experiments
When I started working full-time, I went back to a laptop-only setup. But more complex work (especially code reviews) quickly screamed for extra pixels. I invested in a 2K monitor—and that’s when my wrist pain began.
I tried everything: Microsoft’s ergonomic keyboard, a Logitech trackball, wrist rests. Each adjustment brought short-term relief, but nothing lasted. Even regular physiotherapy sessions only helped for a day or two. At one point, I wondered if my body just wasn’t made for office work!
Digging deeper online, I realized my pain wasn’t just about equipment—it was about desk positioning. My arm twisted awkwardly to reach the mouse, and my hand kept bumping into the laptop. Lesson learned: move the laptop away, raise the screen (even with a simple box), and use a proper stand. Things got better.
But the pain eventually returned. That’s when I doubled down with a stronger laptop, monitor and laptop holders to free desk space, and a more “floating” setup. Suddenly, I could work full days with just some quick stretch breaks. Later, I added a small pillow under my wrist, adjusted the desk height, and finally bought a proper chair. For the first time, I could actually work without pain.
Home Office Adventures: Remote Work and Space Struggles
Remote work changed the game again. At first, I used the classic dining table setup with a portable monitor. Not ideal—lots of crouching and little comfort.
So I bought a dedicated desk and set up my gear again. Oddly, my beloved ergonomic keyboard no longer fit, so I switched back to a regular one. Lesson learned: not everything “ergonomic” is ergonomic for you.
Even after transferring my office ergonomics, new problems appeared. My back hurt—turns out my new (smaller) desk didn’t leave enough room for my long legs. I experimented with a kneeling chair, which helped my back but gave me neck pain. After some time, I realized that the desk height should actually be set according to the kneeling chair—not the other way around—so that the position on the chair matches the desk height.
Next, I invested in an electric standing desk. Total game-changer! I could alternate between sitting and standing, and I finally had enough room for both a regular office chair and some stretching space underneath.
One last tweak: my chair’s armrests were too high, so I couldn’t sit close enough to the desk. Solution? Remove the armrests, move the desk away from the wall (hello, legroom!), and ditch the extra monitor—it was just overwhelming.
(Side note: my son loves hanging out with me in the home office—you’ll even see him in one of the photos!)
After moving to a bigger apartment, I finally settled into a setup I truly enjoy: a 4K 27″ monitor next to a 2K 25″ monitor, a standard keyboard and mouse with an extra pad for comfort, good lighting, and a solid camera for remote meetings.
What Didn’t Work for Me
Oversized monitors: I once tried a 32″ and a 25″ side by side. Too much for my eyes and my desk space. My sweet spot is two high-resolution 27″ monitors.
Treadmill desk: Fun idea in theory, not practical for me. After walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes, when I sat down, my mind still felt like it was moving—I felt like I’d just been on a mini rollercoaster, and it was unpleasant.
My Top 5 Ergonomic Workspace Tips
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Adjust Your Desk Height
Whether you use a standing desk or a classic chair-desk combo, position your arms comfortably forward so nothing restricts movement—doesn’t have to be exactly 90 degrees. -
Raise Your Screens
The top of your monitor should be at or just below eye level. Use a stand, monitor arm, or even a stack of books—anything to avoid looking down at your screen all day. -
Find the Right Accesories for you
What works ergonomically for one person might not work for another. Some people thrive with an IKEA chair, others on an exercise ball, and some need to walk on a treadmill for hours then rest on the bed. The key is feeling good, staying productive, and minimizing distractions. -
Don’t Forget Legroom
If you’re tall like me, lack of space under your desk can ruin your posture. Make sure you can sit comfortably and move your legs freely. -
Take Real Breaks
No chair or desk will save you if you’re glued to your seat for hours. Get up, move around, stretch, and give your eyes a rest!
Your ideal workspace is unique—what works for me might not for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, change things around, and invest in the little upgrades that keep you feeling good. As you’ll see in the photos, my workspace is a mix of trial, error, and lots of tweaks. Just remember: your health is worth the effort!
Final Thoughts
Tomasz’s journey shows that your workspace isn’t just a background detail — it’s an active part of your performance, health, and career longevity. Every small ergonomic improvement translates into better focus, lower stress, and fewer health risks. And while there’s no universal “perfect setup,” there is one that fits you — your body, your habits, and your goals.
The key is iteration: ergonomics isn’t a one-time purchase, but continuous tuning. Start with a few simple wins — correct screen height, comfortable keyboard and mouse placement, and adjustable desk height. Then track how your body responds (notes, photos, quick journal) and adapt. Over time, these small changes compound into meaningful gains.
