Embodiments disclosed herein include a method for minimizing chucking forces on a workpiece disposed on a electrostatic chuck within a plasma processing chamber. The method begins by placing a workpiece on an electrostatic chuck in a processing chamber. A plasma is struck within the processing chamber. A deflection force is monitored on the workpiece. A chucking voltage is applied at a minimum value. A backside gas pressure is applied at a minimum pressure. The chucking voltage and or backside gas pressure is adjusted such that the deflection force is less than a threshold value. And the chucking voltage and the backside gas pressure are simultaneously ramped up.