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Most of us working in an office spend our maximum time sitting in an office chair. When you sit on a chair for a long time, you experience discomfort, stiffness, and aches. And if the chairs are uncomfortable or ill-designed, it can lead to long-term health problems such as chronic back and neck pain and musculoskeletal disorders. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke stated that low back pain is the most prevalent occupational disability and a significant cause of missed workdays.
According to the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 79% of employees in India suffer from lower back pain and minimal disability.
As per to the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 79% of employees in India suffer from lower back pain and minimal disability.
“According to a survey by the American Chiropractic Association, 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point.”
Poor stance, particularly while sitting for extended periods, contributes to this problem. Office chairs make a significant impact on an employee’s health. And an ergonomic chair makes all the difference. An ergonomic chair is an essential piece of office furniture. It provides comfort and support for the lower back and promotes good posture. And it is a must-have to improve work productivity, comfort, and well-being.
“As per the Society for Human Resource Management, 87% of businesses provide their employees with ergonomic workplace equipment, including chairs.”
The awareness and concern for employee health and well-being are growing worldwide. Let us dig deeper into ergonomics at the workplace and furniture, especially ergonomic chairs.
Ergonomics at workplace
Ergonomics is the study of how individuals interact with their environment. In the workplace context, it is about designing the work environment to optimize human well-being. Offices can achieve that by empowering employees with the highest quality office solutions.
What is workplace ergonomics?
Workplace Ergonomics involves creating office furniture that supports the spine’s natural curvature, provides comfort, and promotes good posture. The furniture aids in reducing the risk of developing back, neck, and shoulder issues.
Work-related musculoskeletal ailments are one of several issues that ergonomics attempts to address. A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that 70% of office workers who reported back pain had postural abnormalities, including slouching and a forward head position.
With the growing concern for employee health, building a better workplace is at the heart of workplace ergonomics.
Among the many advantages of ergonomics are :
- increased productivity
- improved staff involvement,
- better product quality,
- lower costs,
- and improved safety culture
As per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), office chairs should be adjustable to support the back, arms, and legs. Ergonomically designed office chairs can lower the incidence of musculoskeletal conditions like tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Several types of ergonomic chairs are available in the market. The chairs provide specific benefits and accommodate different body types and preferences. These features allow users to make the chair work well for their needs. Keep your particular needs and preferences in mind before buying a chair.
Here we discuss two of the most sought-after office chairs – Ergonomic and Executive.
Ergonomic chair vs Executive chair
An ergonomic chair is designed with ergonomics in mind. The chairs are ideal for office workers and gamers who spend long hours sitting at their desks.
Ergonomically designed chairs support the spine’s natural curvature and promote good posture. It reduces the risk of developing back, neck, and shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
The chairs are adjustable in height, seat depth, and lumbar support and have good armrests and backrest angles.
Executive chairs are best for executives and managers who spend less time sitting and more time moving around the office. The chairs convey status and authority. They are usually larger, more comfortable, and more luxurious than ergonomic chairs. They have features like high backrests, leather upholstery, and extra padding.
Let’s discuss the key differences between an ergonomic and an executive chair.
Seat Height
A seat height between 16 and 21 inches off the ground suits most people. The height allows the user to sit with feet flat on the ground, horizontal thighs, and arms at a desk-height angle. An ergonomic chair has a pneumatic lever to adjust the height. Users can make height adjustments as per preference and sit in a relaxed posture. Executive chairs provide comfort but allow fewer adjustments and modifications
Backrest
An ergonomic chair has an adjustable backrest angle to provide comfort and support. It reduces the risk of developing musculoskeletal conditions like back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Executive chairs convey status and authority with features like high backrests but have fewer change options.
Lumbar Support
All office chairs have back support, but only an ergonomic chair will allow you to adjust it according to your body. The Lumbar spine is naturally curved inward. Prolonged sitting without support for this curvature often results in slouching. The curve stresses the lower spine’s structures and flattens the natural curve.
Lumbar support maintains the spine’s natural curve and reduces stress on the lower back. The contoured backrest follows the spine’s natural shape and provides more support and comfort.
Executive chairs offer lumbar support with fewer adjustments. It works well for executives and managers who spend less time in their chairs.
Armrest
An ergonomic office chair has adjustable armrests with customizable height and width. They are positioned close to the body to prevent reaching and straining. Armrests in executive chairs come with extra padding for comfort and style.
Material
Ergonomic chairs have breathable seats. Materials such as mesh, foam, recycled plastics, or sustainable fabrics provide comfort and allow for airflow. Steel and high-quality plastics body provide durability and can withstand heavy use. These provide functionality and comfort rather than luxury or status.
Executive chairs use materials such as leather, velvet, or silk. The chairs are delicate and need special care. The high-quality fabric creates a visual impression of power, status, and luxury.
Both chairs provide comfort and support and add to the decor of an office. Ergonomic chairs are better suited for people with desk jobs. And executive chairs are more appropriate for people who move around the office.
Types of ergonomic chairs
Here are some much in demand common types of ergonomic chairs:
Kneeling Ergonomic Chair
Kneeling chairs encourage good posture and reduce lower back pain. This type of ergonomic chair decreases spinal compression. They reduce stress and tension in the lower back and leg muscles by distributing weight between the pelvis and the knees. The chair’s forward-sloping seat puts the spine in a more natural position. The user can sit comfortably in a more upright sitting position.
Saddle Ergonomic Chair
Like kneeling chairs, Saddle chairs encourage proper posture and ease pressure on the lower back. The office chair seat is like a horse’s saddle. It places the user in a posture that is midway between sitting and standing, much like while riding a horse. Having the legs descend naturally produces a firm and healthy stance and relieves pressure on the hips and thighs.
Recliner Chair
Those who want to unwind and relieve stress while sitting can use recliner chairs. These chairs usually include a backrest that a user can tilt. The chairs might have extras like footrests and lumbar support. People with pain from degenerative disc degeneration or lumbar spinal stenosis will feel most comfortable sitting in a reclined position.
These are the three types of Ergonomic chairs. Each design provides certain benefits and accommodates different body types and user choices.
Whether using an ergonomic chair or a regular office chair, employees should take small breaks throughout the day to improve circulation. Getting up from the chair will help you maintain better posture, reduce eye strain, and feel less tired.
With more employers providing ergonomic office furniture to their staff, the need for ergonomic office chairs will continue to grow in the future years.
As per the Global Ergonomics Market Study, demand for ergonomic office furniture will develop between 2020 and 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%.
This expansion is fuelled by growing attention to the importance of ergonomics in lowering workplace discomfort and increasing productivity.
If you need supportive and comfortable ergonomic chairs for your home office or business, look no further than Fusion Furnish. Our ergonomic chair collection lets you experience the highest levels of comfort and support besides promoting correct posture and mitigating the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
“Choosing the right material for your office chair is crucial to ensure durability, comfort, and functionality. Whether you prefer leather, mesh, or fabric, Fusion Furnish offers a range of options to suit your preferences and needs.”
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Whether you need a task chair, a kneeling chair, or a saddle chair, we provide a range of choices. Invest in an ergonomic chair from Fusion Furnish right now to avoid letting pain and discomfort keep your employees from being productive and focused at work.
Simple Stretches To Enhance Your Office Chair Ergonomics
