For most of us, our work life consists of long periods sitting at a desk. Whether it is working at a computer, drafting board, or other related tasks, we are sitting for longer and longer periods. In fact, a recent study from the Australian Bureau of Statistics says that the average person will spend 33 hours a week at work and for most people, that means almost as long sitting, per week. So it’s little wonder that more and more businesses are turning toward ergonomic options like ergonomic office chairs. Join us, as we discuss the health benefits or ergonomic chairs!
Firstly, what are ergonomics exactly?
We hear this word everywhere, these days, but many of us would struggle to explain exactly what it means. Essentially, ergonomics involves matching equipment to the user and task to the worker. Ergonomic furniture is designed to fit the body to ensure a comfortable, safer and more efficient environment. Humans come in a range of sizes and shapes, so there’s rarely one size that fits all. As a result, ergonomic office chairs – and other ergonomic furniture pieces – are designed to be adjustable. This means each employee can customise their workstation to fit the needs of their body.
What are the Risks of Non-Ergonomic Chairs?
There are actually a large number of risks associated with prolonged sitting. These include:
- Poor posture
- Pain in the hands, arms, neck, shoulders and spine
- Chronic back pain
- Circulation issues
- Headaches and migraines
- Eye strain from straining to avoid screen glare
- Overuse and Repetitive strain issues
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Psychosocial issues
As a result, it is important to ensure you and your employees have the best possible ergonomic office chairs to counteract a sedentary work culture.
Duty of Care
Employers have a general duty of care for their employees to ensure they are provided with a safe and healthy workplace. This involves ensuring your staff have appropriate equipment and working environment that is not detrimental to their health. As a result, many employers are turning to ergonomic furniture to make sure they are covering their duty of care.
ergonomic office furniture solutions for your business.
Why are Ergonomic Office Chairs so Important?
Unfortunately, in offices, it is easy for chairs to be overlooked. However, the wrong chair can lead to health issues for employees – especially as chairs age and lose basic usefulness such as working castor wheels and support. Too many Australian workers have developed chronic back pain from poorly chosen or broken office chairs. Ergonomic office chairs allow your employees to adjust their chair to their heart’s content, ensuring it fits their needs and the requirement of their position. Even cheaper ergonomic office chairs allow you to adjust the tilt, height and angle of the chair.
What are the Features of Ergonomic Office Chairs?
When considering ergonomic chairs for your home or office, it is important to keep these features in mind. A good ergonomic chair should cover most of the following:
- Adjustable seat height
- Adjustable seat tilt
- Rounded front seat edge
- Lumbar support
- Adjustable backrest height
- Controls that are easy to operate from seated position
- Five-point base
- Comfortable cushioning and covering on the seat and backrest
Researchers have found that the average office worker makes an average of 53 changes to their seated posture in an hour – from simple adjustments for comfort to moving to make phone calls or writing on a notepad. People are constantly moving, from leaning on an arm or elbow while typing or reading to fidgeting during meetings. This often comes from a poorly chosen chair. An ergonomic office chair that allows you or your staff to adjust their seated position as needed for maximum comfort can increase productivity and your workplace environment.
If you would like to find out more about our ergonomic office chair options, click here or contact us today for expert advice from Premier Office Furniture!
