Plenty of people spend a lot of time in their office chairs. That is around 40 hours per week for most people. People often spend more money on their desks even though they spend more time in the office chair. It is crucial to have a comfortable and supportive office chair. Ergonomic office chairs increase productivity and efficiency. Uncomfortable office chairs can lead to leg problems, back strain, and carpal tunnel. These can cause lost work time. There are many ergonomic office chairs now available in the market. Knowing what to look for when buying one will make shopping easier.
Lumbar support
It is vital that an office chair has support for the lower back. Some models even have adjustable lumbar support. This feature allows the user to customize the chair to fit their lower back. Lower back support prevents back strain. When ignored, it can worsen and become a debilitating condition.
Wheelbase
The majority of office chairs have a wheelbase. For those with carpeted office or home office, there are chairs with wheels made for carpet. Rolling helps in preventing strain. Stretching across the desk to get items that are out of reach can be strenuous.
Swivel base
Office chairs that can swivel provide easier access to various parts of the desk. An office chair that does not swivel can cause arm fatigue from overextending to reach items. Some models can turn from swivel to non-swivel with a switch or a button.
Adjustability
Aside from height and arm, office chairs should have at least 4 adjustments. Premium models offer up to 14 adjustments. Most of these supports are dial-controlled while a few use a hand-held pump for control. The top 5 most important adjustments you should look for are the following:
- arm width and height;
- lumbar support;
- seat and back angle;
- seat’s back width and height; and
- tension control.
The backrest should follow the shape of the spine and be adjustable. Armrests should be close to the body and let the shoulder relax. Arm height should be level with the height of the desk. The back of the chair should come to the middle of the shoulder blades and above the shoulders.
Fabric
The fabric of office chairs is often taken for granted. Breathable fabric on an office chair keeps it from becoming too hot and uncomfortable. There should also be enough cushion to support the person sitting on it. The person should not feel the base of the chair through the cushion. There are models with memory foam for more comfort.
Comfortable ergonomic office chairs prevent fatigue and discomfort. Comfortable employees are happier and more productive. A comfortable office chair will also lessen the number of breaks needed by an employee.
