The features of an office for an employee are not the same. It is not designed for everyone's varying needs and requirements. Petite people, like those who are taller or heavier than the typical physique, have a hard time finding a chair that suits them appropriately.
The majority of short people are suffering in silence. Because it would be embarrassing to request a special chair that would cost hundreds of dollars. As a result, many short individuals have become accustomed to feeling "uncomfortable" in offices, flights, and standard-sized automobiles. Because we spend the majority of our days sitting, discomfort can progress to chronic pain.
Some Issues That Petite People Encounter
A chair that is too small can be hazardous to your health. A seat that is too deep can cause circulation problems in the lower legs. A properly fitting seat should have two to four fingers' width of space between the front of the seat edge and the back of the knee. These annoyances hinder effective performance. This makes it impossible to work while being comfortable.
Arms that are too far apart impede shoulder and arm support. Because good arm support is an important aspect of preventing hand, arm, thoracic, and neck problems, incorrectly placed chair arms can eliminate an otherwise excellent chair. In addition to these fit concerns, if the chair back cannot be modified to fit the smaller person, the lumbar may hit in the wrong spot and the headrest may miss the head.
Diving Into the Topic
Let us go over all of the major ergonomic aspects that short people should look for when choosing an ergonomic office chair in this comprehensive article.
Things to Consider When Buying a Petite Office Chair
If you have a petite frame or are short, your options for workplace chairs are restricted. Adjustability is the one universal factor to keep in mind while shopping for an office chair if you are petite.
Height of the Chair Seat
Another important factor to consider when choosing an office chair is seat height. Appropriate seat height is critical for reducing strain on the soft tissues in the back of your thigh as well as the bones in your hips. As a result, sitting in a chair with the right height will improve blood circulation and alleviate lower-limb discomfort.
Your knees should be at 90 degrees when seated, and your feet should be flat on the floor. Most office chairs have a seat height of 17 to 22 inches, which is excessively high for persons who are under 5 feet 6 inches tall.
If you are 5'6", you'll need a chair with a minimum seat height of 16 inches, and if you're 5'2", you will need a chair with a minimum seat height of 15 inches. If you are under 5'2", you should look for a chair that can recline as low as 14 inches to keep your feet from dangling off the floor.
Your Chair's Armrests
Another important element to consider is the armrests. Your arms should be at your sides and your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle. You do not want to reach for the armrests by angling your arms outward, as this can strain your neck and shoulders.
Armrests on standard office chairs are usually 17 to 18 inches apart. If you are 5'6", though, you should seek armrests that are no more than 16 inches wide. If you are under 5 feet tall, opt for armrests that are 13 inches apart.
One more necessary factor to consider when looking for armrests is height. Choose a chair with armrests that are at a comfortable height for you. To reach the 90-degree elbow angle, purchase a chair with armrests 9 inches above the seat height if you are under 5-foot-6-inches. If you are under 5-foot tall, look for a chair with armrests that are no more than 7 inches high.
Depth of the Seat
For tiny persons, an excessively deep seat pan can cause circulation issues. Because your legs will dangle off the ground, putting undue strain on your thighs.
The seats of most ordinary office chairs are roughly 17 to 18 inches deep, which is excessively deep for short persons. If you are 5'6" or shorter, search for chairs with a seat depth of no more than 16 inches. Chairs with adjustable seat depth, which can go as low as 15 inches, are also the ideal choice.
By measuring the horizontal distance between your buttock and the back of your knees, you may determine the optimal seat depth for yourself. Seat depth is important for providing full support for your thighs as well as ensuring optimum seating in the chair for adequate back support. To avoid compression of the vulnerable veins behind the knee, there should be at least 10mm of space behind your knees.
Chair Backrest
The backrest of your office chair should be adjustable to fit your height requirements. The backrest should ideally lean forward, preventing you from dangerously perching on the edge of your seat, putting pressure on your lower back.
It is also a good idea to modify your backrest to provide support for your lower back. However, depending on the seat depth, you may require depth-adjustable lumbar support to ensure that it adequately supports your back.
Height of Your Desk
Another important element to consider is the height of your desk. When typing, you should be 8 inches higher than your seat height. If your office chair has a seat height of 16 inches, for example, your desk should be as low as 24 inches to create an ergonomic stance. There is a considerable gap between that and the normal desk height of 30 inches.
However, there are a few other ways to get to 24 inches. As previously noted, one option is to use a footrest. The second option is to invest in a height-adjustable desk that you can lower to a suitable working height. Finally, to lower your keyboard, acquire a keyboard drawer or keyboard tray.
Takeaways
Short persons have a limited range of office chairs. However, there are several things you may do to broaden your options. For many folks, obtaining a footrest, a keyboard tray, or purchasing a height-adjustable desk is a significant improvement.
If you are still looking for the perfect office chair, the key points that we have provided would somehow help you figure out what to seek and what to avoid. As a result, you should be able to choose an office chair that meets your needs. To help you choose your office chair or standing desk, check out FlexiSpot's wide range of ergonomic equipment.
