A good quality ergonomic chair will go a long way in improving productivity, comfort and long-term health.
With many office workers spending eight hours or more seated at their desks each day, a task chair that provides proper support is crucial. To get the true benefits of your task chair, ensure the other work tools you are using keep your body in a neutral posture.
Here are some things to look for when choosing a seating solution:
INTUITIVE ADJUSTMENT
The best chairs are intuitive, easy to use, and don’t need a lot of adjustments to fit you perfectly.
To adjust your chair to the correct height, make sure your feet can sit flat on the floor or on a footrest with your thighs parallel to the ground.
The seat pan should be adjusted so it is not touching the back of your calves.
RECLINE MECHANISM
You should avoid chairs with backrests that can be locked into one position as this restricts movement.
Look for a chair with dynamic weight-sensitive self recline that automatically adjusts to the tension in your body.
LUMBAR SUPPORT
The natural curve of the lower back should be supported when seated.
Task chairs should automatically be comfortable without the need for any external lumbar devices.
Humanscale’s tri-panel mesh-backed chairs are optimal for lumbar comfort because they cradle back contours much in the same as a tailored shirt, offering custom support for the region.
ARMREST HEIGHT
Armrests are not necessary for everyone, but if you are looking for this feature make sure they are height-adjustable and not fixed.
They should be soft and padded and be able to adjust down as low as the height of your elbow when your hands are in your lap.
Look for synchronous armrests which allow effortless adjustment with one hand.
Armrests should be attached to backrest of the chair, not the seat frame, so they move with the user through different reclines.