The negative effects of working a 9 to 5 are well documented. Burnout, neck pain, and carpal tunnel are just a few of the health hazards that come with sitting at a desk all day. And while standing desks and treadmill desks are becoming more popular, not everyone can or wants to make such a drastic change to their office routine. That’s where ergonomic chairs come in. These specially designed chairs help reduce the risk of some of the most common office injuries.
Uncomfortable or injured employees are bad news regardless of the company- from the staff at senior living facilities to accountants at a large multinational company. When shopping for an ergonomic chair, look for these four features.
Adjustability
No two bodies are exactly alike, so the ability to adjust the height, depth, and angle of a seat are crucial for finding the perfect fit.
This is especially relevant if you’re buying in bulk for employees. You don’t want anyone to be stuck with a chair that’s either too big or too small – adjustability is key to ensure everyone is comfortable.
To find out for sure if a chair is adjustable, read reviews of what people have to say about it. Or, if you have the opportunity, sit in it and test all the levers. You should be able to easily adjust the seat height, depth, backrest, and armrests without needing help from anyone else.
Lumbar Support
The lumbar, or lower back, is one of the most common places employees experience pain from sitting. This is because most chairs don’t provide enough support for the natural curve of the spine.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide that support, often in the form of a small pillow or a contoured backrest thus helping to reduce pain and fatigue throughout the day.
To verify that a chair has proper lumbar support, read reviews or sit in it and see how your back feels. You shouldn’t have to adjust your posture to find a comfortable position – the chair should do that for everyone.
Waterfall Edge
When your legs are at a 90-degree angle to your torso, it cuts off circulation and can cause discomfort. A waterfall edge on a seat – meaning the front is slightly curved – alleviates this problem by allowing your legs to rest at a more natural angle.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it can make a big difference in how comfortable employees are at the end of the day. Especially if you often get complaints of restless leg syndrome from staff, a waterfall edge may be just the feature to prioritize.
Breathable Material
Sitting in the same position for hours on end is bound to produce sweat – especially in warmer months. And while some chairs come with built-in cooling features, a seat made from breathable material can also keep your employees cool and comfortable all day long.
Mesh is one of the most popular choices for ergonomic chairs because it’s lightweight and airy. But if you prefer a more traditional upholstered chair, look for one that has plenty of ventilation to prevent heat build-up.
An ergonomic chair can be a great investment for your employees health and comfort. For maximum efficiency when choosing, look for chairs with adjustable features, proper lumbar support, a waterfall edge, and breathable material.
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