As a business owner, you must be aware of how important it is to maintain the overall productivity of your employees. So you also have to take care of where they sit all day long and work for your organization. Studies have shown that poor ergonomic conditions can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which by the way, cost American companies some $20 billion in lost productivity and workers’ compensation each year. Purchasing the correct office chairs is definitely a wise investment that can ultimately save your business’s money. It’s NOT just about comfort.
When you are choosing the ideal ergonomic chair for your office you are creating a more productive and healthy work environment. This article will walk you through the process of how you can choose the best Ergonomic office chair for your workspace.Â
Why Ergonomics Matter?
Let us first discuss the importance of ergonomics before we dive deep into the details of fancy ergonomic chairs.Â
The term “ergonomics” means “the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment“.
So basically we can say that ergonomics means designing a workspace that fits the user (your employee) and it reduces discomfort and damage.Â
A study by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that companies that invest in ergonomic solutions see a 25% gain in productivity. It also cuts down considerable leaves of semployee caused due to health issues.
Making sure your staff members have ergonomic seats can result in a decrease in sick leave which results in a more engaged team. Comfort has a direct impact on morale, and we all know that happier employees bring greater business outcomes.
What to Look for in an Ergonomic Office Chair?
Now that you know the importance of ergonomic office chairs, how do you pick the best one for your organization? While there is no one-size-fits-all option, you can still find the dream chair for your team by considering these 5 key factors:
1. Adjustability
Most businesses use shared chairs, or they use chairs that are either too small or too large for some employees. One of the most crucial components of an ergonomic chair is definitely adjustability, where users can modify the armrests, backrest tilt, seat height, and take lumbar support. This helps everyone find a comfortable position and work for long hours.
One of our clients shared a story that showed the impact of adjustability. Their staff were complaining of back pain and discomfort before they fully converted to adjustable ergonomic chairs, which resulted in frequent breaks and decreased productivity.
2. Lumbar Support
In offices, lower back pain is a very common problem. A lack of proper lumbar support can cause slouching, which strains the lower part of the spine. The built-in lumbar support that ergonomic chairs provide preserves the spine’s natural curve and lowers the chance of consistent back pain.
According to a research that was published in the journal “Spine”, giving office workers lumbar support decreased their lower back discomfort by 36%. This is a function that is necessary for office chairs and is important for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting down.
3. Seat Depth and Width
The seat depth of ergonomic chairs is a component that is barely discussed about. But it is very important. The distance between the front border of the seat and the back of the knees should be 2-3 inches at the appropriate seat depth. Too deep or too shallow of a chair might impede blood flow and become uncomfortable. Seat width also matters to guarantee that users of all shapes and sizes can seat comfortably and at ease.
4. Armrests
Armrests are quite essential for maintaining proper posture and reducing strain on the shoulders and neck. Also, it serves as a place to rest weary arms. Adjustable armrests with movable height, angle, and other configurations help maintain good posture and reduce shoulder strain. Make sure your arms stay parallel to the desk to avoid straining your neck and shoulders.
“Proper armrest use reduced muscle strain by 28%”, according to a 2018 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This shows how important a not-so-considered feature may be for employee’s well-being.
5. Breathable Material
The chair’s material is a crucial element to comfort and body seating. Breathable mesh chairs provide proper airflow which keeps heat and moisture from building up.Â
Besides being stylish, ergonomic chairs that are made up of breathable materials, help workers in preventing any kind of discomfort during their long workdays.
The Benefits of Ergonomic Office Chairs for Your Business
Investing in ergonomic office chairs offers several advantages, such as:
- Decreased absenteeism: Fewer workers would skip work because of discomforts such as back pain.
- Increased productivity: Comfortable employees are more focused and require fewer breaks.
- Enhanced morale among staff: Being a team player who genuinely cares about their welfare raises morale and loyalty.
We at CatalytixOfficeKit offer ergonomic office solutions with a strong focus on user comfort and efficiency.
So choose the best ergonomic office chairs to enhance the well-being, comfort, and output of your staff. Think about the attributes like lumbar support and adaptability that we’ve discussed. Remember that Happy employees are your productive employees.