Though it may seem like a small detail, choosing an office chair is one of the most essential parts of an office environment. Poor ergonomic practices cause discomfort and fatigue, leading to a loss of employee productivity. Over time, the setup takes a toll on the employees’ bodies and may result in illnesses or injuries that increase absenteeism.

On the other hand, a well-designed workstation with good ergonomics improves employees’ comfort level and productivity.

However, trying to choose the right chair can be challenging, as there are numerous options on the market. Read on for tips on selecting the best ergonomic office chair for the workplace.

Comfortable seat pan

For a comfortable sitting experience, the seat size and depth should be just right. This means the seat pan should be at least one inch wider than your thighs and hips on both sides.

Additionally, it should be of a comfortable length, leaving about two to four inches between the back of your knees and the seat when your back is against the backrest. If it is too long, it may catch you behind the knees or prevent you from leaning back. Currently, most ergonomic chairs have a waterfall seat design, which prevents the seat from hitting the back of your knees and allows for even weight distribution.

Back support

Sitting for prolonged periods can contribute to lower back pain and discomfort.

Therefore, your chair’s backrest should be large enough to provide effective mid-back and upper-back support. This design helps you maintain good posture, thus reducing neck pain, back strain, and muscle overuse.

Comfortable armrests

The armrest is an essential part of an ergonomic office chair as it helps reduce neck and shoulder strain when you type.

Your forearms should be parallel to the floor, and your shoulders should not be hunched when using the keyboard or the mouse.

Height adjustable

A good ergonomic chair allows you to adjust its height.

At the ideal height, your feet are flat on the floor, and your thighs are parallel to the ground.

If you position the chair too high, there will be excess pressure on the area behind your knee, hindering blood circulation. Conversely, if you position the chair too low, your knees will be higher than your hips, and your body weight will shift back, putting pressure on the sitting bones.

Easy mobility

Your office chair should allow you to move freely in your workspace. If you work at a large desk, investing in chairs with wheels or a swivelling seat is best, as this will improve your efficiency and productivity.

Does the chair move easily? Does your work require you to move around? Consider these questions when choosing your office chair.

It is also crucial to find chairs with castors that work with your floor material, whether a hard or carpeted surface.

Conclusion

Workplace ergonomics plays a significant role in designing a conducive workspace. This is especially true for chairs—after all, most office jobs require employees to sit at their desks for long periods. Poorly designed office chairs can thus make working uncomfortable and unbearable. Therefore, knowing how to choose the best ergonomic chair for your office is crucial.

Eng Hin Construction offers ergonomic desks and training chairs in Singapore. We also offer custom furniture, including canteen tables and chairs and science lab chairs. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us or visit our furniture warehouse in Toa Payoh.