10-Minute Desk Reset – the Daily Routine You Shouldn’t Ignore

Ever heard someone discussing the benefits of a “10-minute reset” as part of their daily work routine? If not, you’re probably wondering what it involves and how much effort it requires. Well, here’s the good news – it really is as simple as it sounds. 

A 10-minute reset is your opportunity to step back, regroup and create a bit of calm. It’s a tiny window of opportunity in an otherwise chaotic day where you step away from the office desk to ease stress levels through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or stretching. 

It’s a great way to clear your mind, but what about clearing your desk? Here at Office Furniture Online, we see those 10 minutes as a chance to refresh your workspace as well as your headspace. That’s why we always make time for a 10-minute desk reset – and believe us, it really does work!

Want to know more? We explain the benefits of a 10-minute desk reset and why you should make it part of your office routine.

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What is a 10-Minute Desk Reset?

A 10-minute desk reset involves putting a small amount of time aside to carry out essential workstation checks. It’s an opportunity to make sure your office chair and desk is set up correctly, and a chance to fix any issues that may impact your productivity or comfort if left unattended. 

This ultra-quick office reset can be done daily or weekly. It helps you identify any pain points that lead to poor posture, pain or discomfort, as well as eliminating any potential distractions caused by messy desktops or poor setups. It only takes 10 minutes, but it’ll save you hours in the long run. 

Think of a 10-minute desk setup as the workstation equivalent of rebooting a device or PC. If you let background processes stack up, temporary files accumulate and RAM to clog, you’ll likely suffer from sluggish and laggy performance. Your work desk is no different – the longer it’s left unchecked, the less efficient it becomes.

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How to Carry Out a 10-Minute Desk Reset

To carry out a 10-minute desk reset, all you need is a spare 10 minutes – the clue really is in the name! Spend two minutes on each of the steps below, and you’ll notice a big difference in your daily comfort and performance.

1. Check Your Seating Position

Start by checking your ergonomic office chair to make sure you’re still using the correct seating position. Chair setups can change slightly over time, so it’s important to check regularly. If it’s moved slightly from its proper position, you’ll put your body under unnecessary strain. This leads to pain, discomfort and significant drops in productivity.

Quick Checks

• Seat height – feet should rest flat on the floor with knees at roughly a 90-100° angle
• Seat depth – leave a gap of 2-3 fingers between the seat edge and the back of your knees
• Back support – check the lumbar support matches the shape of your natural lumbar curve
• Tilt mechanism – adjust weight tension control for a supportive recline of around 90-110°

TOP TIP: For more advice on your seating position, follow our step-by-step guide on How to Set Up an Ergonomic Chair and check out our Posture Guide below.

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2. Check Your Desktop Setup

Next, check the position and layout of your desktop. Your chair’s armrests should be aligned with your desk height, helping you work with your elbows close to your body at an angle of roughly 90-100°. 

If you’re using a height adjustable desk, it’s easy to make slight positional tweaks. If not, consider using additional accessories like a footrest or wrist support for keyboard and mouse use.

Quick Checks

• Desk height – make sure your chair’s adjustable armrests are aligned with your desk height
• Keyboard and mouse – ensure elbows rest naturally at 90° and wrists are well supported
• Footrest – placed directly under your heels, it should help maintain a knee angle of 90-100°

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3. Check Your Monitor Position

An incorrect screen position is a common cause of shoulder, neck and eye strain, so it’s important to make sure your monitor hasn’t changed position.

Your eyes should be able to gaze naturally at the centre of the screen without needing to tilt your neck, and you should be able to touch it with your fingertips without leaning forward. Using a monitor arm makes adjustments easier than ever.

Quick Checks

• Height – the top of the monitor should be at eye level without you needing to tilt your neck
• Distance – your screen should be around 50-70cm (20-28”) from your face
• Tilt – a slight upward tilt of around 10-20° improves the viewing angle and prevents distortion
• Lighting and glare – try to protect your workstation from the glare of direct sunlight

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4. Clear Away Any Clutter

A very important step, and the reason why it’s crucial to carry out your 10-minute desk reset regularly. The build-up of clutter severely impedes your ability to work efficiently, so you need to stay on top of it.

Whether it’s the visual distraction or the difficulty in finding some important documents, a messy desk stops productivity in its tracks. Take a couple of minutes each day to tidy your work surface by making the most of your office storage and getting rid of anything you don’t need any more.

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5. Wipe Down Surfaces and Touchpoints

Finish your desk reset by giving your desktop and equipment a quick wipe with some multi-surface cleaner. Regular cleaning of your keyboard, mouse and other touchpoints removes dust and grime, helping to keep your workstation hygienic for every shift.

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Benefits of a 10-Minute Desk Reset

Whether you’re using a large L-shaped desk in a corporate workspace or a small home office desk in the spare room, you’re guaranteed to benefit from a 10-minute desk reset. Here are five of the top reasons why you should start including it in your work routine today:

• Better posture – regular adjustments keep your screen, chair and desk aligned
• Greater comfort – ensure you make the most of your ergonomic equipment
• Sharper focus – clearing visual clutter reduces distractions
• Improved organisation – keep work essentials close by and easy to find
• Longer equipment lifespan – regular cleaning keeps items in top condition

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In Summary

Taking just 10 minutes out of your working week doesn’t sound like a lot but, used correctly, it makes a massive difference to the way you work. While the traditional 10-minute reset places a focus on mental wellbeing, the same principles can be applied to your workstation as well.

Start by setting 10 minutes aside at the end of each working week to quickly work through the steps above. It’ll help you stay on top of maintenance and upkeep before it becomes a chore, and identify any potential issues before they become a problem.