Strategies for Finding an Ergonomic Office Seat
Webster defines the word “ergonomic” as “an applied science focused on creating and coordinating things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” Essentially, this means that ergonomically built items are specifically designed for comfort and performance. Ergonomic office chairs are no different. They vary from regular office chairs as ergonomic chairs are made for maximum comfort and efficiency. Standard office chairs may not have some ergonomic features like armrests, adjustable height, lower back support, etc. The bottom line is, ergonomic chairs will have a higher level of adjustability compared to a standard office seat.
Why are ergonomic chairs essential? Well, whenever you sit down and add up how much time you could be seated in the seat, it is crucial. According to OHSA, the average office based worker, working a 40 hour week, will spend 25-30 hours in a seated position. Over a twelve month time period, that’s over 1500 hours in a seated position at work. That much time in a seated position puts a considerable amount of force on the lower back section of your backbone.
There are a variety of different ergonomic functions that improve the fit and comfort of a chair. Characteristics like back support, arm rests, chair height, and seat angle work together to support your body. If all those functions and terms have your head spinning, I’d suggest that you concentrate on ride height and back support as your primary focus. Having an adjustable ride height enables you to set the seat height to your personal tastes. The height that you choose will also impact the angle of your lower back so it’s imperative that you try different heights. Back support plays a essential role in your long term comfort. Look for a chair with variable back support, which is also typically called “lumbar” support in reference to the lumber area of your backbone. You can also make use of the tilt function on your seat to recline yourself slightly, which takes additional pressure off your spine.
I realize that all these features can be confusing when it actually boils down to making a choice, so it’s worth your time to comprehend what ergonomic options are actually important. Your level of comfort and health will play a direct role in your productivity and overall success, so take the time to review your options.
