What Are Office Ergonomics
In the era of remote work and home offices, the importance of a quality ergonomic office chair has never been more relevant. With the increase in remote work and WFH opportunities, our homes have become our primary workspaces, and the line between professional and personal environments has blurred. Research shows that home-based workers often face unique challenges, including makeshift workstations and longer hours, which can exacerbate the risks associated with prolonged sitting. A survey by the American Chiropractic Association reveals that 92% of chiropractors reported an increase in patients with neck and back pain related to poor home office setups during the pandemic. 1
This fact highlights the importance of ergonomic furniture, which helps maintain proper posture and reduces strain. It is particularly crucial when working from home, where people are often tempted to work casually from couches or beds. Investing in a good ergonomic chair for your home office isn’t just about comfort; it’s about creating a professional-grade workspace that supports your health and enhances your productivity while maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life.
Impact of Ergonomic Office Chairs
The significance of ergonomic seating extends beyond the home office, impacting overall workplace health and efficiency. Studies have consistently shown that office workers spend an alarming 70% of their workday sitting, often exceeding the time many spend sleeping. As highlighted in a study by Rosenkranz et al. (2020), published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, this sedentary behavior underscores the need for ergonomic solutions in all work environments.2
Ergonomic chairs, designed to support the body’s natural posture, have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, account for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases. 3
Moreover, the benefits of ergonomic chairs extend beyond physical health. Employees using ergonomic chairs report higher levels of job satisfaction and demonstrate increased productivity. According to a paper published in the International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT): “Well-designed workplace and ergonomics will enhance employees’ productivity”. 4
As we navigate the challenges of modern work life, which involves an ever-growing assortment of accessories and devices, like multiple displays in diverse work environments, the choice of which office chair to get has become more central than ever. It’s not just about finding a comfortable seat; it’s about investing in a tool that supports our health, enhances our work performance, and contributes to our overall quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ergonomic office chairs available and how to select them, delving into their features, benefits, and how they can transform your home office work experience.
Best Ergonomic Office Chairs
Values | |||||
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Photo | |||||
Adjustability | Height | Height Headrest | Height Headrest Armrest | Height Headrest Armrest Back-tilt up to 120° | Height 3D Headrest Armrest |
Armrest | Non-adjustable | Flip-up | 2D | Standard | No Padding |
Headrest | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable | 3D Adjustable | |
Lumbar Support | Non-adjustable | Non-adjustable | Non-adjustable | Non-adjustable | 3-Zone Dynamic |
Casters | Polyurethane wheels | Polyurethane wheels | Polyurethane wheels | Rollerblade wheels | Polyurethane wheels |
Padding | High-density Elastic Sponge | No Soft Cushion | No Soft Cushion | Soft Cushion | No Soft Cushion |
Back | Breathable Mesh | Breathable Mesh | Breathable Mesh | Breathable Mesh | Breathable Mesh |
Seat | High-density Elastic Sponge | Breathable Mesh | Breathable Mesh | No Breathable Mesh | Breathable Mesh |
Price | Under $100 | Â Under $200 | Â Under $200 | Â Under $400 | Â Under $500 |
GABRYLLY Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
- Pros: Lumbar support, height adjustable, adjustable headrest, breathable mesh back, breathable mesh seat, flip-up armrest, Polyurethane wheels
- Cons: No lumbar adjustment offered, no soft cushion seat
SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair
- Pros: 2D Armrest, Lumbar support, height adjustable, mid-priced, adjustable headrest, breathable mesh back, breathable mesh seat, Polyurethane wheels
- Cons: No lumbar adjustment offered, no soft cushion seat
Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair
- Pros: Height adjustable, rollerblade wheels, adjustable armrests, adjustable headrests, breathable mesh back, back tilt support up to 120°, soft cushion seat
- Cons: No adjustable lumbar support, no breathable mesh seat
Hbada E3 Ergonomic Office Chair
- Pros: Height adjustable, adjustable armrests, 3D adjustable headrests, breathable mesh back, breathable mesh seat, 3-Zone Dynamic Lumbar Support
- Cons: Relatively pricey, no armrest padding
Furmax Office Chair
- Pros: Most economical option, variety offered, basic ergonomic features like arched back, height adjustable, breathable mesh back
- Cons: No adjustable lumbar support, non-adjustable armrests, no armrest padding, no headrest, plastic wheels
Selecting the Right Ergonomic Chair
Selecting the right Ergonomic Chair would invariably depend on a lot of different factors, such as:-
Adjustability
Chairs have multiple points for adjustability and should be selected accordingly. These may include:-
- Seat height
- Seat depth
- Backrest angle
- Armrest position (height, width, and angle)
Armrests
Opt for adjustable armrests that allow arms to rest comfortably on them while typing
Headrest
For added support to the neck and head, instrumental, especially during breaks
Lumbar Support
Ensure lower back support that conforms to the natural curve of your spine
Backrest
Look for a backrest that supports the entire length of your spine and potentially includes a headrest for neck support
Seat Comfort
Factors that have an impact on seat comfort include the material used, the amount of padding, breathability, and its ergonomic shape, such as a slight downward tilt at the front edge (waterfall design)
Material
The build quality not only matters for purposes of durability but also comfort because of breathable materials like mesh for better air circulation
Base
Whether a swivel base is required or not. A 360-degree swivel base is ideal as it allows for easy movement and access to different areas of the workspace
Weight Capacity
Ensure you buy a chair that supports your weight easily
Casters
Choose appropriate casters or wheels with the floor type in mind
Size
Make sure the chair dimensions suit and support your body type and your home office in terms of orientation
Quality and Durability
Invest in a well-built chair with better materials that will last longer
To read more about these factors in detail, read our blog here
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered the key factors that make an ergonomic chair effective. We’ve looked at essential features like lumbar support and adjustability, which are crucial for a comfortable and supportive seating experience.
But at the same time, it’s essential to recognize that an extensive list of features does not solely define the best ergonomic office chair. Rather, it’s about finding the perfect balance between advanced ergonomic design and your individual physical requirements, work habits, routine, and environment. The right chair should seamlessly integrate with your body type and daily tasks, providing consistent comfort and support throughout your workday. An ergonomic office chair has the potential to transform your work experience: it reduces back pain, boosts energy, and improves focus.
However, as you move forward in your search for the ideal ergonomic office chair, remember to prioritize those that offer a combination of adjustability, support, and quality construction, among other crucial factors. Also, with such decisions, you needn’t rush: take the time to test different models and consider how each option aligns with your specific needs. By making an informed decision, you invest in a healthier, more comfortable, and more productive work environment.
Ultimately, the right ergonomic chair can transform your work experience, promoting better posture, reducing discomfort, and supporting your professional performance. We encourage you to apply the insights gained from this guide to select a chair that will serve you well for years to come.
To read about the other essentials for the ideal home office read our blog in the Home Office section.
Read our informative post to learn why the future of remote work is secure.
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References
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/working-from-home-is-taking-a-toll-on-our-backs-and-necks-11589398420?reflink=share_mobilewebshare&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3DzNi-iB0cMLFYb0u8p4qv884_5C1T-Cnnv5cPcnTXzdLlh7DZVq6qG_M_aem_u6Ckd6UI_a0rMxZC5yp3mA ↩︎
- Rosenkranz, S. K., Mailey, E. L., Umansky, E., Rosenkranz, R. R., & Ablah, E. (2020b). Workplace Sedentary Behavior and Productivity: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), 6535. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186535 ↩︎
- Bureau of Labor: Statistics [BLS]. Nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work, 2014. Bureau of Labor: Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor, 2015 ↩︎
- International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT). (2019, September 23). E11570585C19 – International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT). https://www.ijeat.org/portfolio-item/E11570585C19/ ↩︎
3 responses to “Best Ergonomic Office Chairs for Your Home Office”
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Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
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