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The Characteristics of the Optimal Office Chair

Jun 04, 2021
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Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent work-related ailments, and it is frequently caused by everyday tasks like sitting on an office chair or moving heavy objects. Applying ergonomic principles, which are the study of the workplace as it pertains to the worker, can assist prevent work-related back discomfort and injury, as well as keep your back healthy.

In business, the purpose of an ergonomics program is to tailor the workplace to the needs of a given person, based on the job description, needed duties, and physical makeup of the employee performing those duties. We will deal with just that here.

Through this article, you will have better knowledge about what you need to have in your office. Let us talk about what there is to know about ergonomic chairs.

What Qualifies a Chair as Ergonomic?

What is the definition of an ergonomic chair? An ergonomic chair is made to fit a variety of body types rather than just one. It includes several adjustable elements that ensure optimal comfort and a precise fit while sitting. 

When you sit on an ergonomic chair, your sitting posture, weight, and lumbar are all supported properly. Using an ergonomic chair properly can help realign your body and protect you from future physical pain caused by poor sitting posture and imbalance. But how does it accomplish this?

Why Do I Need an Ergonomic Office Chair in the First Place?

It is a well-known reality that, over the last five decades or so, life has gotten significantly more sedentary. Jobs requiring moderate physical activity have decreased by 30%, but jobs requiring long periods of sitting have expanded dramatically.

The problem with this workforce development is that it has coincided with an undesirable rise in cases of joint and muscle discomfort, which is unmistakably linked to these stagnant working circumstances. 

Hunching forward, incorrect chair height, and other variables connected to poor office seating can cause back, shoulder, and neck nerve, muscle, and joint problems. Poor seating habits can have a harmful influence on the body right away.

We practically all have to work for a living, and so many jobs throughout the world need us to sit across from our computers for long periods, so how do we avoid this problem? The solution is quite simple: simply replacing your conventional office chair for correctly designed ergonomic seating can help you prevent many of these concerns.

The best place to start when looking for your ideal fit is to learn about the qualities to look for when selecting an ergonomic chair. Let us look at some of the ergonomic chair features you should look for to be sure you are buying the ideal chair for your needs.

Depth of seat pan

Another key component of ergonomic chairs is seat pan depth adjustment (or seat slide), which is often overlooked. Choose a chair with a width of 17 to 20 inches and a depth of 2 to 4 inches between the back of your knees and the seat. 

This will guarantee that your feet and legs are properly positioned to support your back and assist you in maintaining normal posture, preventing some of the diseases associated with long periods of sitting.

Height of the seat

At the absolute least, a chair's seat height should be adjustable for it to be considered ergonomic. Your seat height should be adjusted so that your knees are above or at the same level as your hips, and both feet are comfortably flat on the ground beneath you. 

Material for the seat

The cushion on the seat and back of the office chair should be sufficient to allow you to sit for a long time. A mesh-like textile fabric cover that breathes is preferred over a firmer surface when working for long periods most days of the week.

Tension in the back tilt

A quality ergonomic chair's back tilt tension allows you to adjust the pressure required to lean back in your chair and maintain optimal workflow while being comfortable. It allows you to customize your experience by adjusting the amount of bounce-back pressure that pushes back against you when you lean back in your seat. 

Again, no two people are the same, and everyone has their preferences when it comes to chair rigidity. The best way to ensure that your experience is perfect every time is to use an ergonomic chair.

Resting place for the head

When it comes to ergonomic seats, a headrest is not always an essential element, regardless of whether it is fixed or adjustable. But have faith in us. The importance of a headrest cannot be overstated. A simple headrest relieves so much pressure from the neck and shoulders if you are editing, typing, or reading from your computer displays all day every day. It is also a good reminder of how we should lean back into our work seats comfortably. You will feel lighter, more focused on the task at hand, and less likely to acquire a stiff neck as a result of long working hours.

Support for the arms

An efficient ergonomic chair should include height and width adjustable arm supports so that you can arrange your arms and enjoy an organic pivoting plane while typing and editing. This allows you to type and edit for extended periods without cramping or the need to stretch your arms and shoulders. 

While typing or editing, an ergonomic armrest chair should allow the user's arms to rest comfortably while their shoulders are entirely relaxed. While typing, the elbows and lower arms should be lightly rested, and the forearm should not be resting on the armrest.

Is It Much Better to Sit in an Ergonomic Chair?

An ergonomic chair aids in maintaining proper posture throughout the day, allowing your neck and back to relax. An ergonomic chair is far more comfortable than a regular chair. Due to pressure limits on our bones and joints, we often feel uneasy and uncomfortable sitting in more traditional styles of seats. 

When it comes to your body and mind's health, there is no point in settling for a chair that does not provide you with the support and comfort you need throughout each long workday. Looking for an ergonomic chair? Try out the Ergonomic Office Chair OC3B of FlexiSpot.