Chairs Buyer's Guide

Ergonomic considerations

Before shopping for office chairs, it's important to understand ergonomics, the science of workplace equipment design. If employees such as customer service representatives sit for hours at a time, ergonomics is essential to their comfort and well being.

Every person's body should be in perfect alignment while seated to avoid pain. Properly designed chairs that allow users to adjust the height and depth and should provide ample support for employees of all body types can prevent employees from experiencing prolonged back and neck pain. In turn, practicing ergonomics helps your business avoid costly workers' compensation claims.

Sitting ergonomically
To avoid unnecessary aches and pains and remain comfortable during long shifts, employees should understand that the right way to sit is as important as the type of chair they sit in. Ergonomics impacts the body in different ways.

• To support the natural curve of your lower back, and prevent slumping and back pain, sit with your back arched against the chair.
• Your knees should be a comfortable distance apart with feet firmly planted on the floor. If your feet dangle, it could impede circulation and cause discomfort. A chair should support your thighs but prevent the backs of your knees from touching the seat.
• Make sure your legs rest at a right angle to your body, perpendicular to the floor, with your thighs resting against the cushion.
• Your arms should be parallel to your spine. This allows you to easily reach your keyboard or phone without straining your wrists, shoulders, or neck.
• It's important that your eyes remain focused on the center of your computer screen while seated to avoid eye strain and neck pain.

To help you remember these key points, every major chair manufacturer provides instructions with each chair that explains how to adjust it correctly. And if you order a large number of chairs, a sales representative may even hold an ergonomic presentation for your staff.

Search by State

Mentioned In...

See Also...

Advice and Tips