9 Necessary Features of a Good Ergonomic Office Chair
Ergonomic office chairs are essential for any workspace. They help you remain comfortable during long hours of work and can reduce the risk of injuries associated with poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle. If you want to better protect your team’s overall health and well-being, it’s vital to find the right chair. A good ergonomic chair has certain attributes that ensure each unique body shape is supported. Here are nine necessary features of a good ergonomic office chair that you should keep an eye out for as you shop for task seating.
Height Adjustment Capabilities
Height adjustable chairs are ideal for ensuring a range of sizes can sit comfortably for long hours. Having adjustable heights allows chairs to work for a variety of employees and ultimately supports and encourages healthy posture. With the right height adjustment capabilities, an ergonomic office chair will reduce the risk of pain and fatigue experienced during long workdays. This leaves the team in the best possible shape to stay engaged and productive throughout the day.
Width and Depth Changing Abilities
Being able to adjust the width and depth of the seat is also an important aspect of ergonomic chairs to consider. By adjusting the seat depth with a slider, the legs are properly supported while sitting. Sitting this way reduces pressure on the back and hips, providing better support, and ultimately promoting good posture. As a result, the risk of pain and fatigue is greatly reduced. It’s easy to forget about knees—aim to keep the backs of knees approximately three inches from the front of the chair seat for optimal positioning and try to keep knees bent at a 90° angle.
Armrests with Several Position Settings
A chair with adjustable armrests is essential for ergonomic office setups. The position of arms in relation to the desk and keyboard can have a drastic effect on shoulder posture and the muscles used for typing. Being able to adjust the height of the armrests ensures that arms receive the support needed to remain in a comfortable position reducing strain on shoulders, neck and wrists. Pressure on the back and hips is significantly reduced when sitting in an upright position with relaxed shoulders.
Adjustable Lumbar Support
Choose a chair that properly supports the natural lumbar curve of your back to help maintain good posture and reduce strain. With adjustable lumbar support, optimal spine alignment is achieved, which ultimately mitigates muscle strain and fatigue over time. This is especially important for those who sit for long hours, as it can lower the risk of long-term back pain and muscle tension. With support that the team can cater to their body types, they’ll never lack security and comfort while on the job.
Tilt and Recline Controls
The ability to tilt and recline an office chair is another important feature that good ergonomic chairs have. Being able to adjust the angle of the backrest allows you to sit in a comfortable position by alleviating pressure on the back and hips. Even sitting perfectly erect for long periods can grow tiresome, so reclining for a bit can provide some relief. Make sure that chairs are adjusted to allow for comfortable reclining while ensuring that they can provide support to help your employees sit back up. This way, it’s much easier to return to the correct posture after taking a rest to recline.
Swiveling Capabilities
Make sure to be on the lookout for swiveling capabilities as well. While this isn’t always a requirement of a good ergonomic office chair, being able to pivot views can help with maintaining a correct posture. Desk chairs with swivel features make it possible to turn the seat a full 360°. This allows for easier viewing of the environment without needing to readjust the chair or change how a person sits. Swiveling also keeps the neck facing forward, which is great for reducing discomfort over time.
Durable and Comfortable Materials
It’s vital to pay attention to the type of materials seating is made from when trying to determine its ergonomic capabilities. The quality of the materials used in an ergonomic office chair can greatly impact the overall comfort level and durability. If a chair uses poor-quality or uncomfortable materials, it can lead to back pain, discomfort and even injury over time. A good ergonomic chair should consist of supportive materials—such as foam padding and breathable fabrics or mesh—to ensure that the chair provides ideal support and comfort for long hours of sitting. Quality materials will also make the chair more durable, so it can last for many years to come.
Sturdy Five-Star Chair Base
A five-star base is a must for any good ergonomic office chair because it gives the seating extra stability and support. These designs ensure that the chair won’t wobble or tip over, even when adjusted to its highest position, providing extra safety for those who sit in the chair for long hours. Additionally, a five-star base ensures that the chair will glide smoothly on all types of floor surfaces and provide a comfortable, stable seating experience. This can go a long way in creating a more flexible workplace environment for the team and giving them the power to choose which work area is more productive.
Maneuverability
Finally, make sure the seating can easily move on a variety of flooring and that its wheels lock into place. Maneuverability ensures chairs can easily move throughout the office. Having the flexibility to pull up a chair to a conference table or perch next to a colleague for an ad hoc meeting is an important detail to consider. This is great for overall workplace flexibility, allowing individuals to feel comfortable working in a variety of places.
When it comes to having a comfortable and safe workspace, an ergonomic office chair is an essential piece of furniture. Ergonomic chairs provide the perfect combination of comfort and support, promoting better posture and keeping you feeling good throughout the day. Rework Office Furniture carries a diverse selection of quality ergonomic seating with a deep inventory of Steelcase refurbished seating in stock—as well as items from other top manufacturing brands. Browse our online selection, visit our Chicagoland showroom or contact us to speak with a furniture specialist.
