The office worker spends more time in the chair during the workday than they spend in their beds. Since people spend an average of one-third of their lives sleeping, the task chair is one of the most used pieces of furniture in our lives.
Getting the right chair at work is critical for productivity and health. Having the right equipment for your office is an integral part of workspace ergonomics. But it’s been often overlooked. Task chairs were designed to correct this discrepancy.
But what is an ergonomic task chair, exactly, and why are they important?
Qualities of a Task Chair?
An ergonomic task chair is a special desk chair or office chair. It has distinct features that are different from the other “office chairs”:
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They promote good posture.
Task chairs were designed from the operator-style chairs which typists and stenographers used in their work. These chairs help keep the back straight and the weight off the shoulders making typing speed faster.
Modern task chairs help the body into a similar upright posture to get the same health benefits and reduce stress on joints and muscles.
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They’re functional, promoting productivity.
Task chairs generally have simple designs. They can swivel and adjust their height. They are used to get your work done. Any other accessories are unnecessary.
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They’re highly adaptable for workspaces and body types.
Other specialized chairs are made to support a specific area of the body. But task chairs are adjustable and design to accommodate several body types. They are usually found in shared workspaces. A good task chair is naturally able to accommodate any person.
Benefits of a Task Chair
A task chair’s job is to help in productivity. Therefore, its benefits should be functional, letting workers to complete their tasks more comfortably. Use task chairs in any office space to:
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Reduces shoulder, back, and hip pain:
Task chairs take the pressure off the shoulders, hips, and back by promoting an ergonomic posture. it allows workers to sit comfortably, concentrate more, and, hopefully, prevents pain in the future.
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Creates a professional environment:
Having a professional office look for potential clients gives a good impression for them that service is paramount. Task chairs are a cost-effective way to make the office space look unified and professional. Getting the same office chair at each workstation reduces cluttering. An unprofessional appearance can drive off potential employees and clients.
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Use office space efficiently:
Task chairs are designed to fit under desks, not like bigger executive-type office chairs. They also swivel, allowing you to move around more.
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Facilitate productivity in a shared work environment:
When employees work in various locations, task chairs keep the office the same look, so they always know what to expect. A good task chair helps productivity, professionalism, and efficiency in the workspace.
What to Look for in a Task Chair
A good task chair encourages the productivity and efficiency of a worker without adding unnecessary features.
In looking for a task chair it should:
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Can be adjusted to accommodate multiple body types
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Can be adjusted without tools
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Rolls and swivels easily
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Fits the height of a workstation or a desk
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Has breathable upholstery
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Let’s you sit or get up quickly and easily
These qualities will make the task chair more functional and reliable in the workplace.
Here are some key considerations to help you look for the perfect task chair.
Using the Task Chair
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Arms & Distance
Sit comfortably close to the desk with at least 20 inches away. Have the upper arms parallel to the spine. If the elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, adjust the task chair height so your hands rest on your work surface.
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Lower Back Support
The back of the chair should be reclined at a 100- to 110-degree angle, with your bottom pressed against the back of the chair. A cushion will help your lower back to arch slightly, minimizing the load on your back, and not slouch over time.
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Resting Eye Level
To keep the neck, stay relaxed, and in a neutral position, your gaze should be at the center of the computer screen, directly in front of you a few inches above eye level. If the screen is higher or lower than your gaze, adjust it to lessen the strain on the upper spine.
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Seating Maintenance
A simple way to stay in a correct posture in a task chair after spending hours of sitting is to implement exercise sessions of standing and movement. Studies say standing for short periods every 30 minutes or so when sitting for long intervals increases blood flow and revitalizes the body. Taking a 10-minute power walk at work can help counter the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Longer periods can engage the muscles required for good posture.
Selecting Task Chairs
There are many producers of task chairs, each with its own style of chair models at various prices and different aesthetic designs. With such a wide selection, it would be hard to find the perfect chair. We accumulate some pointers in finding the right one above. Since a study shows that people sit for about ten hours per day, the health experts are warning that sitting down for too long can have damaging effects on the health. Lower energy, high blood pressure, and obesity can result from doing those bad habits. However, it is easier said than done in avoiding sitting while working.
Companies should help the employees to pursue a healthy lifestyle. They must provide better ergonomic desks and chairs to promote exercises and good posture. Flexispot.com has a great selection of ergonomic task chairs.
In the end, the employees will be more alert on their jobs, and productivity increases. This will result in more profits for the company and maintain a professional look for the office.
