What is An Ergonomic Chair?

Ask ten people what the word "ergonomic" means and you'll get ten different answers.  In addition, chances are most of your answers will have something to do with a chair or bed. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ergonomic as "applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort." That's really official wording that means anything ergonomic is made to be comfortable and reduce fatigue.

They differ from standard office chairs as ergonomic chairs are designed for maximum comfort and productivity. Standard office chairs may not have some ergonomic functions like armrests, adjustable height, lower back support, etc. In a nutshell, ergonomic chairs are going to have a higher level of adjustability versus a standard office chair.

Ergonomic chairs really become important when you think about how much time is actually spent sitting the chair.  If you have an employee who only spends an hour a day seated, then an ergonomic chair may not be all that important to them.  However, an employee who spends more than 4 hours a day in a seated position really out to consider an ergonomically design chair.

There are a number of different ergonomic features that improve the fit and comfort of a chair. Features like back support, arm rests, chair height, and chair angle work together to support your body. If all those features and terms have your head spinning, I'd suggest that you focus on ride height and back support at your primary focus. Having an adjustable ride height allows you to set the chair height to your personal preferences. The height that you choose will also affect angle of your lower back so it's important to try different heights. Back support plays a critical role in your long term comfort. Look for a chair with adjustable back support, which is also commonly called "lumbar" support in reference to the lumber area of your spine. You can also use the tilt function on your chair to recline yourself slightly, which takes additional pressure off your spine.

Armrests are another ergonomic advancement that can make a significant improvement in overall comfort. Due to varying desk heights, chairs with armrests may not always fit under low or small desks. OHSA has also noted that armrests can reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. I know that all these features can be confusing when it actually comes down to making a decision, so it's worth your time to understand what ergonomic features are really important. Your level of comfort and health will play a direct role in your productivity and overall success, so take the time to review your options.

With thousands of different ergonomic office chairs on the market today, how do you find the best one for your needs?  Would you like the help of a professional office supply company? If so, please call any of our customer service representatives who will be happy to help. If you would like to view our selection of ergonomic chairs, please follow this link: Ergonomic Office Chairs.