If the average Devon and Exeter office based worker were to determine how much time they spend in their office chair, they would be surprised. In the UK, based on 40 hours per week, they’d rack up approximately 1900 hours over the course of a year. Multiply that by the average number of years a person works, and it’s easy to see that a large portion of one’s life is spent in an office chair.

There have been many ergonomics studies done and it has been shown that a supportive office chair increases productivity and maximizes the efficiency of the person sitting in it. A bad office chair, on the other hand, can lead to back strain, leg problems, and carpal tunnel, all of which cause lost time at work and send turn send productivity spiralling.

So, instead of losing money due to employee absences, it is important to spend money on good office chairs that promote back health and keep employee from missing work due to injuries. The cost of the chair is more than made up by fewer absences.

What to Look For in an Office Chair

Office chairs are a part of the décor of any office and so many people try to make sure they look good (which is important) but without worrying about the health influences the chair will have on the person who uses it. The design or ergonomics of the chair should be considered above everything else.

Support: A good office chair will have support for the lower back, preferably a pump action lumbar support. This is important in preventing back strain.

Adjustability: Almost all office chairs have a height and arm adjustment. Seat & arm height as well as back height adjustment.

Important adjustable features include an adjustable include lumbar support, arm width and height, seat slide & seat tilt, seat back width and height and tension control.

Wheel Base: Nearly all office chairs have a wheel base, however if static glides are more appropriate check when going through this process.

Fabric: The fabric should be the right fire grade quality for the environment you’re working but also comfortable & cleanable. The mix of wool to man-made fabrics is important to the feel & long term comfort. How long will the fabric last before showing wear. Look at the Martindale rub test and talk to your supplier about the rating. Normally for office use you’d expect a rating of 80,000 or above.

Why Is a Good Chair Important?

There are many benefits to having a good office chair in addition to having less back strain. A good, supportive office chair prevents fatigue and discomfort that can come from sitting in the same chair for hours on end.

Studies have shown that comfortable employees are more productive and contribute to a more positive work environment than uncomfortable employees. Finally, having the correct, comfortable office chair reduces the number of breaks the employee will need to take due to being uncomfortable.

Trying a sample chair

Many office supply companies will bring a variety of chairs to the office so employees can sit in them and decide which one fits them best. Chair owners should look for these things when purchasing new chairs:

• The backrest should be adjustable and follow the shape of the spine. It should also support the curve in the lower back.
• Feet should rest flat on the floor comfortably. If not, adjust the chair height or add a footrest.
• Arm rests should be close the body and allow the shoulder to relax.
• Arm height should be adjustable and match the height of the desk. This will prevent strain to the shoulders.
• In a sitting position looking forward, the centre of the computer screen is what should be seen.
• The back of the chair should come to the middle of the shoulder blades in order to provide adequate support, above the shoulders is even better.
• The seat of the chair should be long enough to put two or three finger lengths between it and the knee. If possible, the cushion should be memory foam.

Finding the right chair that is comfortable and keeps strain and injury from occurring is important to having happy, healthy, productive employees who aren’t out sick with back injuries.

For more information or to request some samples to test please contact our sales office on 01392 834980.

(Based on original article by Gear Patrol Reader Patrick Jobin)