As the professional world changes and evolves, so do our needs, preferences and processes in an office space. With many people spending a relatively significant amount of their day sitting in front of a computer screen, posture should be front and centre as a main focus and concern.
With prolonged periods of sitting without the needed support, poor posture can be a drastic result that can cause many other health concerns. Differing from person to person, the range of health issues that develop can include back and neck pain, making it uncomfortable to work for longer periods.
However, one effective solution to combat this is investing in an adjustable office chair. These adaptive office chairs are specifically designed to provide support and promote good posture, ultimately enhancing your overall well-being and productivity as a result. Office Group is here to help you explore whether adjustable office chairs are a good investment for you to improve your posture.
How Adjustable Office Chairs Help Your Health
Adjustable office chairs are designed with support and structure in mind, focusing on helping you maintain the correct posture while you work. These types of office chairs are needed as an aid to keep us in check when working long hours at a desk.
Helping with our posture, they go further to then help us avoid a list of health concerns that can have lasting effects on our overall health. With optimal design in mind, these chairs’ adaptive design allows the body’s natural movements to be supported with orthopaedic design and lumbar function. This, in turn, positively affects overall blood circulation, our breathing and maintaining overall peripheral joint integrity.
Why Adjustability Is So Crucial
The value of having an adjustable office chair comes down to various components holding adjustable features such as height, seat depth, backrest, and armrest function and position. By having adjustability, the user can customise their chair’s settings to meet their comfort and support needs.
This feature allows you to adjust the respective component of the chair to ensure that your body is in the most conducive position. This usually sees that your feet are flat on the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle.
This helps you maintain proper alignment to reduce any strain on your legs and lower back. With this, the back is further supported by the angle of the backrest being tilted or reclined to allow you to find a comfortable position that supports your back and reduces strain on the spine.
As a result, there should also be adequate space between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees, preventing pressure on the thighs and improving circulation. This also works hand-in-hand with the armrests positioned at the correct height and distance from your body. They provide support for your arms and shoulders, reducing strain and preventing discomfort in the upper body.
Benefits of Adjustable Office Chairs
Adjustable office chairs present a wide range of benefits that the user can enjoy. Being an excellent option for a more comfortable and productive work environment, these benefits include:
Lumbar Support
Proper lumbar support is one of the main features that hold major significance in the design and function of an adjustable office chair. The lumbar region encompasses the area of the lower part of the back, and as a result, it is particularly susceptible to strain caused by prolonged, extended periods of sitting.
Adjustable office chairs are equipped with adjustable lumbar support, which allows the user to position the chair at the level that is supportive and most comfortable for your spine. All in all, this helps maintain the lower back’s natural curvature, in turn reducing the risk of any rounding of the spine or slouching while sitting.
Seat Depth and Tilt
The depth and tilt of the office chair’s seat also play a significant role in supporting good posture. With an adjustable chair, it is easier to alter the seat depth to fit your body’s unique dimensions and achieve ultimate comfort.
If the seat is too shallow, it can cause pressure points on the thighs, and on the other hand, when the seat is too deep, it can hinder proper circulation and cause possible slouching. With the ability to tilt the chair forward or backwards as needed, you can find the optimal sitting position more easily. This seamlessly helps reduce strain on your back and encourages an upright posture that creates better workflow and comfort.
Mobility and Swivel
Adjustable office chairs’ mobility and swivel features can indirectly influence your posture as they contribute to the overall comfort and ergonomics involved. Being able to move and swivel effortlessly aids in easily accessing different areas of your workstation without creating strain or the need to twist your body.
This freedom and flow of movement encourage you to maintain an active and dynamic sitting position, reducing the likelihood of staying in one fixed posture for an extended period.
Height Adjustment
Maintaining an optimal height in relation to your desk is vital for promoting and maintaining good posture whilst also reducing strain on the joints and muscles. An adjustable office chair helps you align your body correctly, with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at the correct angle. When the chair is either too low or too high, it can lead to straining or hunching over of the neck and shoulders.
As a result, this can cause discomfort and stiffness that can easily be avoided by adjusting the chair’s height, ensuring that your body is aligned correctly.
Armrest Adjustability
Another vital feature of an adjustable office chair is the adjustability to move the armrests to a position that best suits the user. When armrests are properly positioned, they help support your arms and shoulders, leading to relieved stress and reduced risk of upper back and neck pain.
Adjustable armrests can be shifted to be positioned at the correct height, allowing for your arms to maintain a relaxed position while typing or using the mouse, as well as rest more comfortably while you work.
What To Look Out For
Remember that while adjustable office chairs offer a range of features, it’s essential to find a chair that suits your specific body type and needs. Taking the time to properly adjust and personalise your chair can significantly improve your comfort, productivity, and overall well-being while working.
Adjustable office chairs typically come with a variety of features that allow you to customise the chair to your body and working preferences. When choosing your ideal adjustable office chair, here are some common characteristics of adjustable office chairs to keep in mind:
Mobility
While most office chairs have a swivel base, adjustable office chairs allow this to be further customised. This enables you to rotate and reach different areas of your workspace without straining your body. Smooth mobility and easy movement contribute to comfort and flexibility while working.
Ergonomics
Adjustable office chairs are designed with ergonomics in mind. They aim to provide optimal support and comfort to promote healthy posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Look for chairs that have been certified or endorsed by ergonomic experts or organisations.
Design
The quality of the design, material and padding used in the chair can significantly affect its comfort and durability. Look for chairs that offer adequate cushioning and breathable materials to ensure optimal comfort throughout the day.
Support
Many adjustable office chairs have built-in lumbar support or an adjustable lumbar pad. This feature supports the natural curve of your lower back, promoting good posture and reducing the risk of back pain.
Some adjustable office chairs feature a headrest for further support, providing structure for your neck and head to be kept in the correct position. A headrest can be especially beneficial for those who spend long hours at a desk, as it helps reduce neck and shoulder tension.
Mechanisms
Some chairs come with tension adjustment knobs that allow you to modify the resistance of the chair’s tilt or recline. Additionally, locking mechanisms can be used to fix the chair in a specific position, providing stability and preventing accidental movements.
Office Group: Your Supplier Of Choice
Investing in an adjustable office chair is a worthwhile commitment to your health and well-being. By improving the support, adjustability, and mobility of your office chair, you improve your health in the long run. Adjustable office chairs promote good posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems associated with prolonged sitting as a result of most office jobs.
Your body will thank you for the extra care and attention you give to maintaining a healthy posture throughout your workday. At Office Group, we proudly supply the highest quality office furniture to meet your exact needs and requirements. To learn more, explore our website or get in touch with us if you have any questions.