5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying An Ergonomic Chair

You have probably already heard of or seen the term “ergonomic chair” somewhere, but what exactly does it mean, and how are they different from traditional office chairs? Before you make a purchase, here are five things that you need to know about ergonomic chairs. 

1. Not Your Typical Office Chair

The reason why they’re called “ergonomic” is that – you guessed it – they’re not your typical office chair. Unlike traditional office chairs, ergonomic chairs enhance your comfort when you’re working. When you’re selecting an ergonomic chair, here are some key features that you should keep a lookout for: 

• Adjustable seat height: This allows you to lay your feet flat on the ground, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of your desk, ensuring good posture while working. 
• Sufficient seat depth & width: The seat should have adequate width & depth to support you comfortably. Ensure you can lean your back against the backrest while leaving approximately 2 to 4 inches between the back of your knees and the chair seat. Most ergonomic chairs also allow you to adjust the forward or backward tilt of the seat. 
• Lumbar support: “Lumbar” refers to your lower back region. The lumbar support feature of ergonomic chairs serves to keep the inward curve of your lumbar spine supported and comfortable. Without lumbar support, you could develop pain and stiffness in your lower back. 
• Backrest: The backrest reinforces support to your spine’s natural curve, especially the lumbar region. Most ergonomic chairs come with adjustable backrests to help you adjust to the desired angle. 
• Breathable & comfortable seat material: We recommend ergonomic chairs with adequate padding and soft, breathable fabric to ensure comfort when sitting for long periods. 
• Adjustable armrests: Adjustable armrests will allow your arms to rest comfortably and your shoulders to be relaxed. 

With these ergonomic features, you can keep back and neck pain, bad posture and other associated health problems at bay. 

2. Boosts Morale, Productivity & Work Quality

If you’re an employer, we have great news for you! It’s been scientifically proven that a comfortable and conducive working environment results in happier and more motivated employees. Research has also shown that working in an ergonomic setting improves workers’ productivity: people are 17.5% more productive when working in an ergonomic environment. 

We can’t say that we’re surprised by that statistic, considering how ergonomic chairs come with unique features that can prevent pains associated with traditional office chairs and allow people to better focus on their work. If you’re an employer, it’s time to swap out those old office chairs for ergonomic ones!

3. Made For Everyone

Perhaps what sets ergonomic chairs apart from the rest is that they are designed for absolutely everyone. Their adjustable features are meant to accommodate multiple body types and adapt to the varying needs of different users, such as working styles and sitting angles. 

4. A Worthy Investment

While ergonomic chairs are slightly pricier than their traditional counterparts, they are worth every penny. For one, ergonomic chairs are built to last and can withstand long hours of usage. Additionally, you will not have to worry about incurring medical cost for health problems caused by non-ergonomic chairs – a double win!

5. It’s Just Really Comfortable (Trust Us!)

An ergonomic office chair can bring a myriad of benefits and make a world of difference to how you work. Whether you’re a work-from-home employee or an office manager, it’s time to give ergonomic chairs a try. Trust us – it’s going to be so comfortable that you would be wishing that you tried it earlier! 

Not sure where to get an ergonomic chair? Atwood carries an extensive range of ergonomic equipment to help you work in comfort. Get in touch with us today to find the best ergonomic chair for your needs.