Are Ergonomic Chairs Worth It?

Are Ergonomic Chairs Worth It? 

Absolutely! As we spend increasing amounts of time sitting, having an ergonomic chair that suits your body shape and work role is essential for minimising discomfort and boosting overall wellbeing and productivity. 

What is Ergonomics? 

At its core, ergonomics focuses on creating designs and environments that help people work more efficiently, comfortably, and safely. Ergonomic chairs prioritise your comfort by offering the right adjustments, enabling you to maintain a healthy sitting position throughout your working day.  For more information on the principles of ergonomics and how they impact health, you can visit The Ergonomics Society UK 

The Importance of Your Work Environment 

Before choosing the right chair, it’s worth considering your overall working environment. The chair should work as part of a broader solution that complements your workspace. To ensure your setup supports comfort and productivity, a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment can provide guidance for optimising your desk, screen, seating, and posture. Details on DSE assessments can be found here. 

Key Features of an Ergonomic Chair 

When choosing the right ergonomic desk chair, it’s important to look for features that will offer the best support and comfort for your individual needs. Here are some key factors to consider: 

1. Size of Chair – Often overlooked, size is the starting point for finding the right chair. For most users, size won’t pose an issue, but if you’re particularly short or tall, a standard chair might create more challenges than it solves. In such cases, specialist chairs, such as an office chair for tall people, can be helpful. A generously padded and moulded seat pad is ideal for many, as it ensures the chair aligns with your proportions. Once you’ve found the right size, adding adjustable features will further enhance comfort and support. 
2. Seat Height – This is normally managed by a gas lift mechanism, allowing you to set yourself at the right height relative to your desk, keeping your shoulders at rest and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI). For more information on RSI and prevention, visit the NHS here
3. Back Rest – Some chairs offer moulded backrests, while others include adjustable lumbar support to match your body shape. Many higher-quality mesh back office chairs have ‘elasticated’ backs that naturally adapt to your shape. Ideally, the back rest should be height-adjustable, but at a minimum, it should offer lumbar support that can be adjusted for height. 
4.  Seat Slide – Common in higher-priced chairs, this feature allows you to adjust seat depth for added thigh support, preventing the back of your legs from feeling pressured and ensuring circulation. It also helps the backrest work optimally. 
5. Mechanism – This is a broad topic and can vary from static seats to those that automatically adjust the angle of the seat to suit different sitting positions. In essence, it’s about keeping constant contact with the chair as you move, so your body is always supported. 
6. Armrests – Armrests come in various types but fall into two main categories: fixed or adjustable. An adjustable armrest is preferable, as you can change the height to support your elbows and reduce strain on your shoulders. Other ergonomic benefits to look for include being width-adjustable and having the option to fold them out of the way when not needed. 
7. Swivel – This is often overlooked but is important, especially as many of us now work with multiple computer monitors. Being able to swivel the chair to face the screen you’re using, rather than twisting, reduces back strain. 

Conclusion 

Ergonomics is an important consideration when choosing office furniture. Office chairs, like all office equipment, should be selected to reduce stress and strain during the working day. 

If you’d like further advice or guidance on ergonomic chairs, or if you have any questions or would like to discuss your space further, please get in touch. We’re happy to arrange a call or no-obligation visit to explore the best solution for your needs.