Webster describes the term “ergonomic” as “an applied science concerned with creating and coordinating things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” In essence, which means that ergonomically developed objects are specially developed for comfort and performance. Ergonomic office chairs aren’t any different. They differ from typical office seats as ergonomic seats are created for maximum comfort and production. Standard office chairs may not have some ergonomic features like armrests, variable height, lower back support, etc. Simply speaking, ergonomic seats are going to have a higher level of flexibility compared to a regular office chair.
Why are ergonomic chairs essential? Well, when you sit down and add up the length of time you could be seated in the seat, it becomes crucial. According to OHSA, the normal office based worker, working a 40 hour week, will spend 25-30 hours in a seated position. Over a twelve month time period, that’s over 1500 hours in a seated position at work. That amount of time in a seated location puts a considerable amount of stress on the lower back section of your backbone.
There are a variety of different ergonomic capabilities that enhance the fit and comfort of a seat. Functions like back support, arm rests, chair height, and seat angle work together to support your body. If all those features and terms have your head spinning, I’d propose that you concentrate on ride height and back support as your main focus. Having an adjustable ride height enables you to set the chair height to your personal tastes. The height that you select will also affect the angle of your lower back so it’s important to test different heights. Back support plays a essential role in your long term comfort. Search for a chair with adjustable back support, which is also commonly called “lumbar” support in reference to the lumber area of your backbone. You can also use the tilt function on your chair to recline yourself slightly, which will take additional pressure off your spine.
I do know that all these functions can be confusing when it actually boils down to making a choice, so it’s worth your time to understand what ergonomic functions are really critical. Your level of comfort and health can play a direct role in your efficiency and overall success, so take the time to review your options.
