Office Chairs: How Fit Makes A Difference

Posted on: 20 September 2017

That neck and shoulder pain you're feeling after a long day at work may have very little to do with your morning workout or the stress your boss is giving you. It may be your office chair. Office chairs may seem like simple pieces of furniture, but they're much more than just background business décor. The "right" chair can help you (or your employees) to feel physically better. This, in turn, helps to boost mood and improves work performance.

What should you look for in an office chair?

Adjustable Back and Headrest

A back that stays put is a one size fits all option. While one size fits all t-shirts or scarves may not make a major difference when it comes to comfort, a chair that's made for people of all shapes and sizes does. Look at your co-workers or employees. Are some much taller than others? The answer is most likely yes. Now look at how they sit in their chairs. They all reach a different point when it comes to back (and headrest).

A chair with an adjustable back and headrest (if it has a headrest) makes it possible to move the chair to fit your size — and not just any size. This adds a greater sense of comfort and helps to support you where you need it.

Blood Flow and Fit

Along with your back, neck and shoulders, your legs need to feel comfortable in your office chair. A chair that provides plenty of room for blood flow to the legs is absolutely essential. Your legs should sit at a 90 degree angle to the rest of your body to ensure proper blood flow and circulation.

How can you make sure that your chair has the right fit for blood circulation? An adjustable seat allows you to raise or lower where your legs fit. Along with this, a chair that has knee support can help to position your legs in the "just right" place.

Ergonomic Chairs

If you're feeling cramped, achy or just not comfortable at your desk, an ergonomic chair can make the difference between something that fits and a day spent in pain. These are specially designed to make sure that your body is positioned correctly for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Keep in mind, all chairs don't fit the same. Even though a chair is "ergonomic," you still need to make sure that it is adjustable and fits to your body.

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