Sitting in poorly-designed chairs takes a toll on our bodies, contributing to aches, pains, and long-term health problems. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we have the perfect solution - an ergonomic chair. If you need a little persuading, you're in the right place because our intention today is to highlight the four ways in which an ergonomic chair can be a game-changer for your health, productivity and overall well-being. Hopefully, this will convince you that purchasing an ergonomic chair is a wise investment, whether you're an employer or an employee.
What is an Ergonomic Chair?
Let us start by answering the question - what is an ergonomic chair? Well, the crucial characteristic that makes a chair, 'ergonomic', is its adjustability. This adjustability allows you to personalise the chair to suit your needs. As more people have become aware of their benefits, ergonomic chairs have grown in popularity. This has contributed to significant market growth, which is anticipated to reach 8.4% in 2028.
Health Benefits
Now you are clear on what an ergonomic chair is, let's jump into discussing how it can benefit you! The first, and most significant benefit that comes with investing in an ergonomic chair is a noticeable improvement in your health and well-being. An ergonomic chair has a number of significant health benefits which include:
- Promoting Good Circulation: By encouraging better posture and relieving the pressure on your thighs and legs, an ergonomic chair can improve your circulation. Having good circulation is absolutely crucial for your health and well-being because it promotes healthy cell growth and organ function. Moreover, good circulation has a positive effect on your skin's appearance and health.
- Stops the Development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendinitis: Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve. This is usually caused by repetitive hand movements - such as typing. Traditional office chairs cannot be adjusted to minimise these conditions from developing. However, you can adjust an ergonomic chair to ensure you are in a position that does not strain your wrists. Therefore, reducing your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome which can, unfortunately, make work near on impossible!
It is apparent that the health benefits of ergonomic chairs are significant. If you work an office job and have not made the investment yet - what is stopping you?
Improved Posture
Whilst the dawn of technology has had significant benefits on society in terms of efficiency and productivity, it has brought in a new wave of posture issues. Everyone spends their days slouched, whether that be at a laptop, or whilst looking at their phone. This has a number of negative impacts on our health. The first, and most obvious is back pain, with more people than ever complaining of chronic back issues. The second, which you may find surprising, is poor gut health and slow digestion. The slouching position places significant pressure on your abdomen, which can, in some instances, cause stomach acid to flow in the wrong direction causing severe heartburn or digestion issues. In absolute worst-case scenarios, slouching or poor posture can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to incontinence.
Ergonomic chairs are the most straightforward, and cost-effective solution to this poor posture epidemic. This is because they support the natural curvature of your spine, allowing you to maintain an upright position without placing undue stress on your back muscles. In contrast, traditional office chairs often force you into a hunched or slouched position, which strains your spine and increases your chances of developing chronic back pain, heartburn and even incontinence! If you're considering investing in an ergonomic chair - you should check out FlexiSpot's offerings. They sell the most durable, affordable and aesthetic ergonomic chairs on the market!
Productivity
By promoting proper posture, an ergonomic chair can significantly increase your productivity. As we mentioned previously, traditional office chairs encourage you to slouch, leading you to feel more relaxed. You might be thinking this seems ideal! However, this slouched position does not promote good working habits and will lead to you being less focused on the task at hand.
Ditch your poorly-designed office chair, and instead, invest in an ergonomic chair. Their upright seating position encourages proper posture which in turn keeps you more focused and productive. If you are an employer who is concerned about your employees' productivity - perhaps investing in some ergonomic chairs is the solution!
Improved Employee Retention
If you are a business owner, you know that employee retention is absolutely crucial to your business's success. Surprisingly - investing in ergonomic chairs for your team could actually reduce staff turnover. Firstly, your staff will be more comfortable and will suffer from fewer of the sitting-induced ailments that come with traditional office chairs. Secondly, by investing in their health you are showing them you care about and appreciate them which creates a positive work environment. And, lastly, if your staff feel more productive at work, they are generally happier. Investing in ergonomic chairs for your team is a no-brainer!
Concluding Thoughts
To conclude, it is apparent that investing in an ergonomic chair can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Today, we have talked about the virtues of ergonomic chairs including how they can improve your posture and productivity. We also discussed the most surprising benefit of all - that they can improve staff retention! Hopefully, you're now an ergonomic chair convert eager to purchase your first chair. If so, you must check out FlexiSpot's offerings.
