Your office chair might be the difference between a great day at work or uncomfortable health problems. Learn more about what to look for in a chair and why ergonomic seats are the best thing for your workplace…
When you sit down for a day of work in the office, you might not be thinking about your seat. However, your work chair could be the only thing standing between you and some unhelpful back problems. As we spend the majority of our time in the office, it’s best to get a chair that’s designed to help you be productive and healthy, and, crucially, to make sure you are sitting in it correctly.
Read on for tips to get you sitting comfortably…
Adjust your seat dimensions
Adjusting the height of your office chair is critical for supporting your thighs and lower legs. Your seat should be deep enough for you to sit with a small gap between the chair seat and the back of your knees, and the height should allow you to keep your feet flat on the floor. This keeps all your joints in line and stops you straining your back and knees.
Make sure your arms are in the right place
Your ergonomic chair should be at a height that your arms are in line with the top of your desk. You should be able to rest your elbows and forearms comfortably on your desk with no effort. You should also have your chair’s armrests at a height that means your arms are able to relax at a 90 degree angle, with your elbows feeling comfortable.
Ensure you have a strong chair base
Your chair should be equipped to handle a lot of use, and should keep you safe from falling over. Five-star bases are common on ergonomic chairs, and are more secure than a standard office chair that has four legs. You should make sure that you feel secure when you sit down, with little sliding when you get in and out of the chair to stop any accidents from happening.
Ensure you have the right back support
Your back will take the strain if you’re sat with the wrong posture, so making sure you have the right back support is really important for your health. Ergonomic chairs are often equipped with lumbar support for your lower back, and follow the curvature of your spine to make sure that you’re not putting undue pressure on any joint. Your chair should feel comfortable, but also bracing for your spine.
Look at padding for comfort
Threadbare or well-used office chairs might be the cheapest option, but there’s a danger that you might cause yourself damage if you’re sat for long periods in an unsuitable chair. Your ergonomic chair should have firm padding and breathable fabric to keep you cool and comfortable for hours at a time.
Images courtesy of Press Association
