The Ergonomic Edge: Why Your Ergonomic Office Chair Matters

Why Get An Ergonomic Chair?

Selecting an appropriate office chair is an ongoing pursuit, with its origins dating back to the widespread adoption of cubicle workstations. According to research, Sedentary behavior is especially common in the workplace; office workers sit for about 70% of the time spent at work. ¹ This duration surpasses the typical amount of time spent sleeping for many individuals. Given this enormous statistic, it becomes evident that selecting an ergonomic office chair involves more than mere comfort; it represents a crucial element for safeguarding physical well-being and maintaining workplace productivity.

Furthermore, 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

Like most office employees, do you experience discomfort after extended periods of sitting at your desk? Ergonomic chairs offer a solution by reinforcing proper posture and reducing strain. We have compiled a comprehensive selection of ergonomic chairs to meet the needs of all workers, whether remote or on-location, ensuring optimal support and promoting a more comfortable work experience by providing a natural sitting posture.

What Makes a Chair Ergonomic?

Ergonomic office chairs are designed to provide optimal support and comfort for users, particularly during extended periods of sitting. Let’s examine the key features that define an ergonomic office chair:

Customized Fit

An ergonomic chair is engineered to accommodate individual body types and sizes. Its design prioritizes adaptability to the user’s physique, ensuring proper support and alignment.

Adjustability

The hallmark of ergonomic office chairs is their high degree of adjustability. Better models offer multiple adjustment points, including seat height, armrest position, backrest angle, and seat depth, among others. This versatility allows users to fine-tune the chair to their specific needs.

Lumbar Support

Ergonomic chairs feature built-in lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of the lower spine. This crucial element helps prevent slouching and reduces strain on the lower back muscles.

Material Selection

The choice of materials in ergonomic office chairs is deliberate and functional. Options range from breathable mesh for temperature regulation to high-density foam for pressure distribution. These materials are selected to enhance comfort and support long-term use.

By incorporating these features, ergonomic chairs aim to create an optimal seating experience that balances comfort, health, and productivity in various work environments.

Key features of Ergonomic Office Chairs

As discussed above, ergonomic office chairs are designed with several crucial features that set them apart from standard chairs. Let’s delve into these key elements which define an ergonomic chair:

Adjustable Seat Height

Functionality: Allows users to position their feet flat on the floor with thighs parallel to the ground, ensuring a strain-less and natural posture

Ergonomic Impact: Promotes proper blood circulation and reduces pressure on the lower back

Lumbar Support

Design: Contoured to match the natural curve of the lower spine

Ergonomic Impact: Prevents slouching, reduces lower back strain, and maintains proper spinal alignment which is critical for long term health

Reclinable Backrest

Mechanism: Allows the user to lean back, usually with tension control to fully support the upper torso and provide comfort

Ergonomic Impact: Reduces spinal pressure and allows for periodic posture changes; ideal for taking breaks or rests

Headrest

Design: Adjustable for height and angle depending on user’s dimensions

Ergonomic Impact: Supports the head and neck, particularly beneficial during reclined positions

Seat Depth Adjustment

Purpose: Ensures proper thigh support without putting pressure on the back of the knees

Ergonomic Impact: Accommodates individuals of different heights and/ or thigh lengths

Armrests

Adjustability: Height, depth, and pivot

Ergonomic Impact: Supports arms and shoulders thereby reducing upper body strain

Swivel Base

Feature: 360-degree rotation of the chair

Ergonomic Impact: Allows easy access to different areas of the workstation without changing the sitting arrangement

Breathable Materials

Options: Mesh backs or seats, perforated leather, or breathable fabrics

Ergonomic Impact: Promotes better air circulation, preventing heat and moisture buildup during prolonged sitting periods

Waterfall Seat Edge

Shape: Gently sloped front edge of the seat that molds to a persons features

Ergonomic Impact: Reduces pressure on the back of the thighs, promoting better circulation and less soreness

Casters

Types: Soft (for hard floors) or hard (for carpeted surfaces)

Benefit: Allows for easy movement and placement; also promotes periodic position changes

Weight Capacity

Consideration: Chairs designed to support various user weights

Importance: Ensures stability and longevity of the chair’s ergonomics by catering to different load capacities

Seat Pan Tilt

Adjustment: Allows for the forward or backward tilt of the seat

Advantage: Helps maintain proper pelvic position and spinal curvature; can also be used in instances where setups require multiple, elevated screens at an angle

Benefits of using an ergonomic chair

Ergonomic office chairs offer a wide range of benefits that can significantly impact your health, comfort, and productivity. We will look at the few important health benefits of investing in an ergonomic chair:

Improved Posture

• Ergonomic office chairs are designed to support the natural curvature of your spine
• They encourage you to sit in a position that aligns your shoulders, hips, and spine
• Over time, this can help correct poor posture habits and reduce back posture-related issues

Reduced Back Pain

• The lumbar support in ergonomic chairs helps maintain the natural curve of your lower back
• This support can alleviate existing back pain and prevent injuries from musculoskeletal disorders
• Users often report a significant reduction in both upper and lower back discomfort with the use of ergonomic office chairs

Enhanced Comfort

• Multiple adjustment points allow each individual to customize the chair to their body
• Increased comfort can lead to less fidgeting and distraction during work hours and enhance productivity
• Comfortable seating can contribute to a more positive work experience and outlook overall

Increased Productivity

• When you’re not distracted by discomfort, you can focus better on your tasks
• Proper support and positioning can help maintain energy levels throughout the day
• According to a study, the usage of ergonomic principles appears to have a positive effect (i.e. increase) in total productivity value ³

Better Blood Circulation

• Proper seat height and depth adjustments help ensure good blood flow to your legs
• The waterfall seat edge design reduces pressure on the back of your thighs
• Improved circulation can help prevent swelling and discomfort in your lower extremities
• Better elbow and arm support can boost blood circulation to your arms and hands

Reduced Neck and Shoulder Strain

• Adjustable armrests and proper seat height help keep your arms at a comfortable level and this alignment can significantly reduce strain felt on the neck, shoulders, and upper back
• For chairs with headrests, additional support is provided for your neck during reclined positions

Long-term Health Benefits

• Regular use of an ergonomic chair can help prevent chronic issues like repetitive strain injuries
• It may reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders associated with poor seating
• Some users report improvements in their overall well-being and reduced fatigue

Customizable Support for Various Tasks

• The adjustability of ergonomic office chairs allows you to modify your seating position for different activities
• This versatility supports a wider range of motion and can accommodate various work styles like typing, reading or writing

Improved Core Strength

• Some chairs which offer active sitting can help engage your core muscles while you sit
• Over time, this can lead to improved core strength and better stability

Cost-Effective in the Long Run

• While initially more expensive, ergonomic office chairs are durable and can outlast standard office chairs
• The health benefits can potentially reduce medical costs associated with poor seating and the resulting musculoskeletal disorders
• Increased productivity can provide a return on investment for businesses or free up time in case of single employees

Better Breathing

• A natural posture support can open up your chest, allowing for easier, deeper breathing
• This can lead to better oxygenation and potentially improve cognitive function

Accommodates a Wide Range of Body Types

• The extreme adjustability and variety of ergonomic office chairs available in the market make them suitable for people of various heights, sizes and weights
• This inclusivity is particularly beneficial in shared office spaces or for growing individuals setting up their own personalized home office setups

Should You Buy an Ergonomic Office Chair?

To conclude, investing in an ergonomic office chair is not just about comfort—it’s a crucial step towards maintaining your health, enhancing productivity, and improving your overall work experience. From promoting better posture and reducing pain to accommodating various body types and tasks, ergonomic chairs offer a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the workday.

While the initial cost may be higher than standard office chairs, the long-term advantages in terms of health, comfort, and productivity make ergonomic chairs a wise investment for both individuals and businesses. As we continue to spend significant portions of our days seated, choosing the right chair becomes not just a matter of preference but a fundamental aspect of our well-being and professional success. By prioritizing ergonomics in our seating choices, we’re taking a proactive step towards a healthier, more comfortable, and more productive work life.

Read more about our article on the best ergonomic office chairs to help you make an informed decision for your workspace.

You can also read about the essentials for setting up the perfect office space in your home.

References

1. Rosenkranz, S. K., Mailey, E. L., Umansky, E., Rosenkranz, R. R., & Ablah, E. (2020). 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
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7558581/ ↩︎
2. 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 ↩︎
3. Generalis, G., & Mylonakis, J. (2007). Productivity and ergonomics: A strong relationship leading to best working results. ResearchGate.
   https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292864994_Productivity_and_ergonomics_A_strong_relationship_leading_to_best_working_results ↩︎