There is little doubt that ergonomic chairs improve productivity in the workplace. For example, a 2003 study found statistically significant evidence relating ergonomic comfort to productivity. Studies like this highlight the importance of ergonomic chairs for comfort and efficiency in working environments.
There are a multitude of ergonomic chair benefits that go beyond simple comfort. In this article, we will discover the six key benefits you should know about these remarkable pieces of office furniture.
Why Ergonomic Chairs?
An ergonomic office chair is a thoughtfully designed solution that prioritises comfort and promotes healthy posture during prolonged sitting. It caters to individual needs with adjustable components like height, seat depth, and armrest position, ensuring a personalised fit for the user.
A good quality office chair provides excellent lumbar support, aligning the spine and reducing strain on the back muscles. Many may also enhance circulation with features such as padded seating and a waterfall edge, preventing pressure points and improving blood flow. Additional features like swivel and tilt mechanisms encourage dynamic sitting and minimise stiffness.
Now we know what an ergonomic chair is, what are the six benefits it can bring to the table:
1. Reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Many of the 600,000 workplace injuries recorded annually in the UK can be traced back to outdated, unsafe office furniture. Conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow and Sciatica are common. Ergonomic chairs reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, especially damage to the joints in the neck and back.
Ergonomic chairs help to distribute body weight to alleviate undue stress on the musculoskeletal system. In addition, their adjustable features, such as seat height, backrest, armrests, and lumbar support, adapt to individual body dimensions and work habits.
They enhance user postures and movement, reduce prolonged static loading, and ward off awkward positions that could lead to muscle fatigue and strain. As a result, ergonomic chairs actively foster a healthier and safer working environment, reducing the onset and severity of musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Enhanced Productivity
If you have ever used an ergonomic chair, you will know the productivity benefits on offer. It stems from an improved posture that reduces pain and muscle fatigue, with increased comfort improving productivity, focus, energy levels and the length of time you can work for.
Investing in ergonomic furniture doesn't only contribute to physical health; it can also boost employee satisfaction. A comfortable employee can focus more on their work, improving productivity and overall performance.
3. Improved Posture
Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the user's body safely upright, reducing stress on the spine, neck, and hips. With features like a supportive headrest and a backrest following the spine's natural curve, these chairs can prevent future health issues like cervical spondylosis.
Here are several ways you can improve your posture:
● Seat Height: Adjust your chair so your feet are flat, and your knees are at 90 degrees.
● Lumbar Support: Align the chair's lumbar support with your lower back's curve.
● Backrest: Ensure the backrest supports your spine's natural curve. Find a comfortable tilt and tension.
● Seat Depth: Aim for a 2-3 fingers gap between your knees and the seat.
● Armrests: Set the armrests so your elbows bend 90 degrees with relaxed shoulders.
● Headrest: If present, adjust the headrest to support your neck's natural curve.
● Eye Level: Position your computer screen at or slightly below eye level.
● Take Breaks: Despite perfect posture, prolonged sitting can cause strain. Instead, stand, stretch, and walk regularly.
4. Adjustability
A standout feature of ergonomic chairs that sets them apart is their adjustability. The height can be modified to ensure you sit flat with your knees at a 90-degree angle, parallel to your hips. This adjustability allows users to customise the chair to their body, reducing the risk of workplace injuries.
This approach helps you to be more comfortable and keeps your muscles and joints happier since you're not stuck in one position all day. Plus, the beauty of an adjustable chair is that it can evolve with you. So, your chair can adapt as your needs change, whether due to a new desk setup, an injury, or even pregnancy.
An adjustable chair keeps you comfortable, supported, and ready to tackle the day, no matter what it throws at you.
5. Increased Movement
Staying in one spot for too long can strain our muscles and joints. Ergonomic chairs encourage movement, allowing us to shift positions quickly. The increased activity helps keep the blood flowing and reduces the pressure on specific body parts.
Although not directly related to chairs, the broader field of ergonomics has seen a rise in sit-stand desks. New research suggests that standing at a desk while working can boost productivity. Incorporating this concept with ergonomic seating can lead to even more significant benefits for the user.
6. Reduced Eye Strain and Headaches
If your chair is too high or too low, you might end up craning your neck or squinting to see your computer screen. This can eventually lead to headaches and stress. Now, with an ergonomic chair, you can easily adjust the height so you're at eye level with your screen, meaning your neck is comfortable, and your eyes aren't straining.
Other ergonomic solutions, like monitor mounts, can also help to reduce eye strain and headaches. Combined with ergonomic chairs, these solutions can create a holistic environment that prioritises the well-being of employees.
Looking To An Ergonomic Future
Ergonomic chairs are the unsung heroes of office comfort and productivity, and with numerous benefits, they have become invaluable in the modern workplace. They offer remarkable support for posture, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and future health issues. In addition, these carefully crafted chairs enhance productivity by increasing comfort, allowing for focused work and improved employee satisfaction.
The versatile adjustability of an ergonomic chair ensures a customised fit, promoting movement and evolving alongside the user's needs. Ergonomic chairs also play a pivotal role in minimising eye strain and headaches, contributing to an environment that prioritises employee well-being.
So, the benefits of ergonomic chairs are clear, whether it's boosting productivity, fostering a healthier work environment, or simply providing the most comfortable seat in the office. With such compelling advantages, it's wise for any individual or business to invest in these transformative pieces of office furniture.
Flexispot offers an exciting range of ergonomic office chairs. Ready to experience the benefits of enhanced comfort and productivity? Discover our collection today and find the perfect office chair for your needs.
