5 Things to Consider When Buying an Ergonomic Office Chair

March 11th, 2010

As ergonomics is significant in boosting personnel efficiency and productivity, workplaces are now furnished with furniture and other equipment that reduce stress and injuries and provide a certain level of comfort.

When looking for an office chair, it's best not to think of economy but on the features that make a day at work more bearable. Consider buying ergonomic chairs, which are designed to adapt to the user's body.

Ergonomic executive office chairs, also known as manager's chairs, are a lot more comfortable than a king's throne, and without any glitzy, kitschy fittings. In fact, it's one good reason for staying in the office and getting some work done.

They may cost much more than the regular office chair (from $400 to more than $1,000) but that's really a small price to pay for avoiding back pains and neck problems and getting your posture checked too. Regular chiropractic realignment, massage therapy and painkillers can cost more than that, in fact.

But how do you know the chair is good enough? Stores surely won't let you test their chairs for weeks at a time. And the price isn't always an indicator, although manufacturers of the priciest chairs would surely not embarrass their brands with mediocre products.

Here are some things to consider when buying your rat-race throne:

1. Adjustable seat height. A good chair is something that allows your feet to rest on the floor and can be adjusted for anyone who sits on it. It's what majority of the executives choose because it doesn't just offer the seated person the comfort while he is at work but also enables any user to adjust depending on his height.

2. Back, neck, head and arm rests. Reducing muscle tension and physical strain is what chairs are ideally designed for. Look for a chair that has built-in lumbar support, arm rests that are at least two inches wide and are made of soft materials.

Ergonomic executive office chairs with proper cushioning and mesh backrests are comfortable enough for weathering tough days and taking powernaps. Ones made of leather also keep you comfortably seated all day, without worrying about dust mites, which usually thrive in fabric upholstery. And of course, if you can see it in the Oval Office, you know what the chair represents.

3. Tilting and locking features. It is very necessary for employees to stretch their bodies briefly this way or that while at work. It improves circulation and better circulation means sharper mind and quicker reflexes. So look for a chair that has a tilt mechanism. The adjustable tilt tension and the locking mechanism ensure that you can move the chair in a reclining position or any angle to ease your weariness.

4. The size of the chair. Like shoes, ergonomic office chairs come in different sizes. Buy a chair that's neither too small nor too big for you. Sit on it and see if there's extra space for you to move while seated. But make sure there's not too much space for another person to sit beside you; remember that you're not buying a couch.

5. The price tag. The most common myth in buying an ergonomic chair is that quality comes with a high price. It might be true in some ways, but some manufacturers offer discounts. You don't have to buy a super expensive chair that costs more than $1,000. Use the internet to find the best deal.

For those who would like to learn more about office chair types: office chairs

When you need more information on choosing the right ergonomic office chair, try searching for it here: ergonomic office chairs

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How To Choose An Ergonomic Office Chair

March 7th, 2010

The average office worker will spend 7 hours a day at their desk. The wrong sitting position will put stresses on the spine that could lead to long term health problems. In addition to the health issues, your productivity will also be reduced if you are uncomfortable at your desk. Employees now recognize this problem and are now prepared to spend serious money on getting quality ergonomic seating and chairs for their people. However, if you select the wrong chair it will not help no matter how much you have spent.

What to look for in an ergonomic chair

  • Adjustable seat height

  • A good size seat

  • A backrest

  • Good padding on seat

  • Arm rests

  • Lumbar support

  • Easy to rotate

Desks and people come in many different sizes so ergonomic seating and chairs have to cater for the majority of variations. The height should be easy to adjust and have a good range of at least 40 – 53 centimeters from the floor to seat height. The depth and width of the seat should be sufficient to allow you to sit with your back in contact with the back support whilst leaving a space of approximately 8 centimeters between the back of your knees and the seat. If this distance is greater you could cause the muscles at the back of your leg to tighten. If the back of your knees are making contact with the seat you may impede your circulation.

It is essential to have good padding on the seat because you will be spending long hours on it! Arm and backrests allow for support which can prevent you from holding tension on your neck, shoulders and back – both rests should be adjustable.

Lumbar support is not as important as it was once considered. A good seat that supports your pelvis in conjunction with a good sitting posture virtually negates the need for lumber support. Having said this, it still can be a useful feature in ergonomic seating and chairs for when you are tired or under stress.

A rotating chair is definitely a must as most office workers will need to turn to get things from desk drawers of use PC and office equipment. This will help reduce stress on the lower back.

In addition to getting the right chair you will also have to think about your sitting posture. See below for more information about how you can help your back at your desk.

Roy Palmer is a teacher of The Alexander Technique and advices corporations and office workers on correct sitting to avoid health problems. For more information about this subject please click Computer Posture.

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The Benefits of Ergonomic Office Chairs

March 3rd, 2010

Ergonomic office chairs are extremely popular in today's office environment. Many employees find that they are sitting for more than eight hours per day while at work. It is important that ergonomic office chairs be used to reduce shoulder, back, and neck strain. While ergonomic office chairs may cost more than a standard office chair, the initial cost is a wise investment and worthwhile in increasing productivity and preventing serious injury.

There are many important factors to consider when selecting proper ergonomic office chairs. Some of the features that should be looked for are an adjustable seat, proper lumbar support, a backrest, adequate seat width and depth, appropriate arm rests, and the ability to swivel. It is important to read the instruction manual thoroughly and ensure that all of the adjustment mechanisms are in proper working order. If a chair is found to be defective, in any way, it should be returned.

While selecting ergonomic office chairs it is important to remember that there is no “best” fit for every body type. What suits one individual may not be an ideal choice for another. If possible, it is a good idea to try out an ergonomic office chair prior to making a purchase. If it is not possible to test the chair prior to purchasing, be sure that you are able to receive a refund if the chair turns out to be less than ideal.

It is important to understand proper posture and ergonomics while at work or at a home office before using an ergonomic office chair. There is quite a bit of educational information on this subject online. One of the basics of proper office ergonomics is ensuring that a chair's seat height allows the user's feet to remain flat on the floor. It is also essential that a chair offer proper lumbar support, which fits the inward curve of the lower back. Additionally, a chair must have a seat that is comfortable after sitting in it for a long period of time, and armrests that allow the shoulders to remain in a relaxed position.

There are many new and emerging alternatives available to the traditional ergonomic office chair. Several types of chairs place the user in an atypical position. They may take some getting used to over time, but they are a good alternative for someone who experiences discomfort or chronic back pain.

Office Chairs Info provides detailed information about ergonomic, leather, executive, heavy duty, used, discount, and home office chairs, as well as wheel castors and other accessories. Office Chairs Info is the sister site of Computer Desks Web.

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