25% of people spend over eight hours sitting at a desk each day and this figure will only increase as technology advances. With this sedentary lifestyle comes a host of health conditions such as obesity, dementia and diabetes. However, the good news is that there is a solution to this problem: ergonomic chairs! These specially designed office chairs provide a way for us to alleviate the discomfort and health risks that are related to prolonged sitting.
If you are someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle and wants to make a change by putting your health first then you're in the right place because today we will be delving into the world of ergonomic chairs. We'll look at their guiding principles, explain their advantages and offer advice on how to pick the best chair to suit your needs. Let's jump in!
The Health Risks of Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting is related to a number of health conditions. These include:
- An increased risk of dementia: Spending too much time sitting may cause your brain to resemble that of a person with dementia. This is due to the fact that prolonged sitting causes brain thinning, which can be a sign of cognitive decline and a precursor to dementia in middle-aged and older adults.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk is increased: DVT is a blood clot that can form in your leg as a result of being sedentary for an extended period of time. People often develop DVT whilst travelling via plane, especially on long-haul flights, as they may not stand up for over 10 hours! DVT can be potentially dangerous if the clot escapes and lodges in your lung. To stop this condition from developing, you should make sure to stand up frequently throughout the day.
- Bad for your back: Your back muscles, neck and spine are under a great deal of stress when you are seated. This is made worse by slouching at your desk, which many of us are guilty of, as this will place your spine in an unnatural position. An ergonomic chair can help to overcome this because it provides the ideal level of back support.
Understanding Ergonomics
At its core, ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging objects to fit the capabilities and limitations of the human body. Interestingly, the word derives from the Greek words ergon (meaning work) and nomos (meaning natural laws). Ergonomic furniture prioritises the health, comfort and productivity of the user. For example, an ergonomic chair promotes a neutral spine position which reduces the user’s risk of developing chronic back pain. It is also specifically designed to lessen the stress on the muscles and joints by carefully taking into account the body's natural curves.
Benefits of Using an Ergonomic Chair
The key benefits of an ergonomic chair derive from its features that prioritise comfort and well-being. These include cushioning that evenly disperses weight to prevent pressure points, lumbar support for the lower back, adjustable armrests to ease shoulder and arm strain, breathable materials to improve airflow and reduce sweating, and lumbar support. These features mean that ergonomic chairs contribute towards:
- Improved Posture: Back pain can be quickly relieved thanks to ergonomic chairs. This is because they enable you to correct the posture of your body. Everyone has a preferred position for working at a desk, but when seated in an ergonomic chair, they can maintain good posture.
- Enhanced Productivity: Enhanced productivity is another one of the advantages of ergonomic chairs. Your back and neck will experience less strain and you'll be able to sit with better posture thanks to an efficient workstation. This will enable you to complete more tasks throughout your shift.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction: The goal of ergonomic office chairs is to increase employee comfort. When that takes precedence over the business's expenses, morale is raised and workers are more invested in the expansion of the business. Having staff members who are happier, healthier, and more productive will also benefit you.
Choosing the Right Ergonomic Chair
It's evident that ergonomic chairs can improve the workplace in a multitude of ways. However, it can be overwhelming to select the best ergonomic chair for yours or your employee's needs. We suggest choosing a chair with adjustable armrests, adjustable lumbar support, and adjustable seat height, tilt, width, and depth. You can personalise your ergonomic chair using these features to meet your unique needs. Check out FlexiSpot's offerings if you're unsure where to start.
Concluding Thoughts
Today, sitting is a huge part of everyone's daily lives. However, as we have learnt today prolonged sitting has been linked to a number of health conditions such as obesity, dementia and poor posture or back pain. Fortunately, ergonomic chairs offer some light at the end of the tunnel. These chairs adhere to ergonomic principles, and offer support, comfort and proper posture, making the time you spend sitting less painful and harmful to your health. So - what's stopping you, check out FlexiSpot's offerings and invest in an ergonomic chair today.
