We’ve all heard the scare stats about obesity and heart disease and everything else linked to sitting for long periods of time: it’s bandied around like the latest thing that causes cancer. But if you’re based at your desk for nine hours a day and you’re not taking the recommended walk around the office once an hour – you need to be sure your chair is absolutely tip top when it comes to support.
There are several key areas you need to consider when assessing your office chair:
1) The backrest
Your upper and lower back must be supported, preferably with lumbar support which follows the curve of your spine. The backrest should also be adjustable so you’re comfortable whatever height you are.
2) The armrests
Proper adjustable armrests make your chair more comfy, which means you’re more relaxed at your desk. You shouldn’t have any tension in your shoulders and neck, and you should be comfortable enough to keep yourself from leaning your arms on the desk.
3) The seat
Not to put too fine a point on it, your seat needs to fit your bottom properly! You need consistent support across the seat, and it should be angled slightly towards the floor. This allows your feet to lie flat, which is much better for circulation.
4) The test
The only way you can know if a chair is made for you is by sitting in it. And I don’t mean just giving it a little try in the shop. Spend as much time as you need assessing how comfortable you are, and if it’s a chair your employer has selected, don’t be afraid to speak up if it’s not right.
If you’re considering how to choose the perfect office chair, you need to think about the amount of time you’re spending there. For instance, I sit in my office chair for up to nine hours a day, and I spend another four hours sitting on trains… I need office furniture that is going to work as hard as I do!
When you’re stressed at work, the last thing you need is a poorly performing chair adding discomfort and potential damage to your back. You wouldn’t put up with a bed that wasn’t comfortable, so don’t put up with it at work either. Desk comfort and health is actually covered by workplace welfare legislation, so if you’re not sitting comfortably – it’s time to start making demands.
Have you found the perfect office chair? I’ve heard everything from Ikea to exercise balls, so let’s have some more!
Honor Clement-Hayes is an office nuisance who always demands the perfect working conditions. She blogs for Office King and also writes about shoes for a fashion magazine.
Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ngv_design,_frank_lloyd_wright,_office_chair_larkin,_1904-06_02.JPG