Is Getting an Ergonomic Chair Worth the Investment?

It’s been another long day at the office. You get up from your desk, heave an almighty stretch, and grimace at the soreness in your neck, back, and hips. Sound familiar? 

Many office workers recognize these symptoms as a normal part of the nine-to-five grind, but what if it didn’t have to be? ‘Ergonomic’ has become the latest buzzword in the corporate world for a reason, and that’s because employers and employees alike are beginning to recognize the importance of a well-designed workstation for their health and productivity. While there are many components that go into designing a healthy workspace, an ergonomic chair may be one of the simplest, and most impactful, investments you can make. 

What is an Ergonomic Chair?

An ergonomic office chair is one that can be adjusted to allow the individual to sit comfortably while supporting the spine and reducing pressure on the neck, back, hips, and legs. While many chairs are advertised as ergonomic, not every chair is suitable for every individual. As everyone comes in a unique size and shape, the ideal chair will differ from person to person, but the search for the best ergonomic chair is well worth it. Getting the most comfortable office chair for long hours will help you at work. Read below for just a few reasons to finally make the switch and upgrade your workspace.

5 Reasons You Should Consider an Ergonomic Chair

  1. Supports Healthy Posture

    A well suited ergonomic chair should have you leaning fully against the backrest in perfect alignment. Adjustable features mean you can tweak the backrest, headrest, and height to suit your body and keep your posture as poised as a ballerina. While conventional chairs may place pressure and stress on your spine, an ergonomic setup should align with your natural sitting position to keep your back comfortable and shoulders relaxed.
  2. Reduces Pain

    Poor posture is a lot worse for you than looking unflattering in group photos. Many office workers find themselves seated for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Over time, the poor posture and pressure points caused by conventional chairs can lead to chronic pain in the back, neck, or hips. Ergonomic chairs combat this physiological stress by supporting the natural curvature of the spine, providing enough cushioning to reduce pressure on the hips, and supporting the neck with high backrests and added headrests.
  3. Improves Circulation

    Ever find yourself freezing to death at your desk despite a perfectly balmy thermostat? Sitting for prolonged periods of time can result in poor blood circulation, which can have negative effects on your health. In addition to taking breaks to get up and stretch every hour, using a properly adjusted ergonomic chair that keeps your feet flat on the ground and knees at a 90-degree angle, allows for proper circulation and prevents your legs from swelling.

  4. Reduced Risk of Injury

    Chronic back pain from a conventional or poorly adjusted chair can make you more susceptible to injury. Reap the benefits of an ergonomic chair for a healthier workstation, reduced risk of injury, and fewer worker compensation claims.

  5. Boosts Productivity

    A happy employee is a more productive employee. Having a comfortable and ergonomic workstation means less fidgeting and more focusing!

How to Choose the Best Ergonomic Chair for You

You want to make sure that your ergonomic chair is set up to be as unique as you are. For this reason, adjustability is key when searching for the right fit.

  1. Backrest

    The backrest should be tall enough to support your entire back, as well as adjustable both vertically and in the forward and backward position. Headrests will support your neck, while firm lumbar support keeps your spine aligned and comfortable. 

  2. Seat

    The seat should be adjusted to suit your height, and the correct depth and angle to keep your feet flat on the floor and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. It should also be wide enough to distribute pressure evenly across the entire surface and composed of a breathable material to prevent the buildup of moisture.

  3. Armrests

    The chair armrests should evenly support your arms without preventing you from sitting at the right distance from your desk and keyboard. 

Conclusion

A healthy workstation begins with an ergonomic office chair. When properly adjusted and used with the correct posture, an ergonomic office chair can reduce chronic pain and risk of injury while bolstering comfort and productivity. Designing a functional workspace starts with thinking about the way you work, so you can move along and focus on what you’re good at. The work itself.