Most people argue for and against the use of armrests in different countries. While some people find chairs more pleasant without them, many workers insist on using them. It may seem simple to sit correctly, but if we pay attention to how we sit during the day, we'll probably notice that we often slouch or move into a posture that 'feels' more comfortable, while in reality, it's causes harm to our body as a whole.
But, are armrests really necessary?
It’s always a choice. Let's explore different types of armrests along with their benefits for your comfort and health while working at your desk.
Types of Office Chair Armrests
Typically, almost all chairs come with armrests. However, a few models do not go with it and some can be optionally built onto your selected office chair, but they are the main feature in general. Additionally, not all armrests are the same. Everyone must know about a few types before buying an office chair.
· Fixed Armrests
The term suggests what fixed armrests are. They cannot be moved as they are static in place. These are frequently seen in lower-end office chair types. They provide good forearm support and relieve strain on your neck and shoulders, but they are not universal.
Some fixed arms might be in a comfortable position for you in a model, while on another, they might be an obstruction. The typical shape of fixed armrests is a loop or a T.
· Folding Armrests
Folding armrests can be very beneficial when you frequently switch between the usage and non-usage of armrests. Usually, this corresponds with the type of job you're doing. There are often only two locations available for folding armrests. "Up" means the armrest is vertically folded up and out of the way; "down" means the armrest is folded down 90 degrees.
If you opt to use the armrest, you will have to accept its standard horizontal position because the height and width of these armrests are not customizable.
· Adjustable Armrests
The best armrests are those that are customizable. Naturally, these can be found on more expensive office chair types. They may not all have exactly the same characteristics, but most of them offer a combination of height, breadth, and pivot adjustments so you can find the ideal position for you and your workplace.
Benefits of Office Chair with Armrests
A comfortable chair can significantly improve employee cosiness at their desks. The health of employees must be taken into consideration as more and more employment requires desk labour. Also, according to studies, office workers' productivity and morale has significantly increased because of armrests.
· Helps in Maintaining Natural Posture
Employees must maintain correct posture for their health because they spend most of the workday seated in their chairs. Armrests make it easy for the occupant to maintain a natural position. According to biological research studies, the muscles may exert their most significant force when the body is in its natural position or when all joints are relaxed.
This results in less effort being required to type, draw, or work on anything, which ultimately makes an employee more productive with the lesser effort. A natural typing stance is helpful when working on lengthy projects and hours. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also more likely to affect office workers who spend their days typing or using computers; however ergonomic seats with supportive armrests can help avoid this health risk.
· Strain-Free Rest
Employees' dependence on ergonomic office desks and chairs, which have evolved into the main tools for workforce efficiency and productivity, has increased by the current work culture. Today, it would be nearly difficult to operate in an office setting without the correct workstations and seats.
Employees must take quick breaks while continuing working in their chairs as they spend long hours at their desks. When taking breaks in their workplace chairs, an ergonomic armrest significantly reduces muscular traction and allows for a more stress-free rest. The arms would be in a terribly awkward position without armrests. These intervals don't require leaving the chair and armrests become more crucial since they help employees decompress and recharge without interfering with their workday's progress.
Occasionally, workers might consume their lunches at their desks, in which case armrests are crucial. It is far simpler to relax while sleeping than to relieve the muscle tension that accumulates while working. Additionally, the stress is eased and deflected away from the neck and shoulder regions.
· Center of Gravity
In most offices, falling from chairs can be a common problem so chairs must be properly balanced to avoid such accidents. Although the user is largely responsible for this, there are some measures to guarantee that the chair's Center of Gravity is balanced. This is when the chair's ergonomic armrests come into play.
A portion of the downward gravity on the spine is lessened when the arms are supported by the armrests, which also helps to maintain and improve posture and maintain the Center of Gravity on the chair.
Although certain chairs with small wheels are quite popular, but they are also unstable, therefore additional care must be given to purchasing chairs that are balanced and have the appropriate armrests. Without armrests, the chair would sway, which sometimes could result in serious injuries.
The first thing someone does when a chair falls is to attempt to balance it using the armrests. Many accidents and damages can be avoided with the right hand rest placement. These rests can also increase mobility. If chairs do not have armrests, users may find it challenging to move them without first getting up from them.
Final Word
Office workers who have used chairs with and without armrests know that armrest-equipped chairs are far more stable. The different forms of armrests as mentioned above can assist users in maintaining their natural posture, ensure strain-free rest, and act as a center of gravity.
