What Are Ergonomic Chairs?

Ergonomic is definitely a buzz word when it comes to modern office supplies and furniture, but few people actually understand what that term means. What are ergonomic chairs? The Collins English Dictionary defines ergonomic as: designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency. In other words, ergonomic chairs are designed to keep a person comfortable while at work, so they can focus on doing the best possible job.

Height

It seems like a simple enough feature, but chair height makes a big difference when it comes to the comfort of every worker. The same is true of the height of the arm rests. For that reason, any decent ergonomic chair should offer both an adjustable seat and adjustable arm rests. Some ergonomic chairs even allow users to adjust the height of the back rest. This allows them to position the chair in a way that makes perfect posture feel both natural and comfortable.

Sizing

Beyond height, there are other dimensions of an ergonomic chair that are extremely important to overall comfort. For example, seat width and depth as well as back rest width are crucial. A seat that is smaller that a persons bottom does not supply sufficient support, and the same is true of the back rest.

Back Support

One of the primary advantages that an ergonomic chair has over a standard office chair is back support. While virtually all office chairs have a small pad for the back, ergonomic chairs usually have both the classic back rest as well as a lumbar support. This keeps the spine straight and absorbs shock to limit the stress the back is exposed to, during a long day.

Ergonomic chairs are more than just a fancy term for expensive office furniture. These chairs are designed not only to make work more comfortable but by extension to make the workers themselves more efficient.

Ergonomic chairs are designed to keep you comfortable while you work

by Artie MacPhearson, Office Products & Supplies writer