How to Choose the Right Ergonomic Office Chair for Your Workstation

For many employees, a significant portion of the working day is spent sitting at a desk. While it can be easy to focus on monitors, desks and other equipment when setting up a workstation, choosing an appropriate ergonomic office chair is just as important.

Many serious injuries and workers compensation claims have been caused by poor ergonomics and delayed reactions of getting ergonomic equipment for workers. In one case in 2019, a worker in NSW reported they were using an uncomfortable office chair that could not be appropriately adjusted. An ergonomic assessment found that the backrest could not be adjusted and the position of the lumbar support required the worker to sit forward in the chair. As a result of this, the worker sustained a thoracic spine injury.

Therefore, having a well-designed and correctly adjusted office chair can be crucial for injury prevention, support comfortable working postures and form an important part of an ergonomic workstation. However, with so many different styles and features available, knowing what to look for is not always straightforward. This blog will discuss how to choose the right ergonomic office chair for you and the best features and structural elements to look out for when purchasing one.

What Makes an Office Chair Ergonomic?

An ergonomic office chair should be adjustable to suit the individual using it. There is no single chair or setup that will be suitable for every employee, as factors such as height, body proportions, work tasks and workstation design can all influence what is appropriate.

Rather than simply choosing a chair labelled as “ergonomic”, consider whether it provides enough adjustability to support the employee and their work.

5 Things to Look for When Choosing an Ergonomic Office Chair

1. Adjustable Seat Height

The height of the chair should be easily adjustable, allowing the employee to position themselves comfortably in relation to their desk, while maintaining appropriate support through their feet by having them flat on the floor.

2. Appropriate Seat Depth and Width

The seat should comfortably accommodate the employee and provide adequate support without placing unnecessary pressure behind the knees. Where possible, adjustable seat depth can help accommodate employees of different heights.

3. Lumbar Support

Appropriate support for the lower back can help employees maintain a comfortable seated posture. Look for a backrest that provides suitable lumbar support, that supports the natural curve of the lower back and can be adjusted where necessary.

4. Adjustable Backrest

An adjustable backrest allows the chair to better accommodate the individual and their preferred working position. This also allows employees to comfortably change their posture throughout the working day rather than remaining in one position for extended periods.

5. Adjustable Armrests

Where armrests are provided, they should be adjustable and allow the employee’s arms to be comfortably supported without elevating the shoulders, avoiding any strain to their upper body. They should also not prevent the employee from positioning themselves appropriately at their desk.

Remember: Your Chair Is Only One Part of the Workstation

Even the best office chair cannot compensate for a poorly configured workstation.

Desk height, monitor positioning, keyboard and mouse placement, foot support and the employee’s individual work tasks should all be considered when setting up an ergonomic workstation. Regular movement, stretches and changes in posture throughout the day are also important, particularly for employees who spend extended periods working at a desk.

Benefits of Having an Ergonomic Office Chair

• Posture improvement – as these chairs are fully adjustable in all areas, each individual can create the perfect way to sit based on their height and ensure they are sitting with correct posture.
• Reduces back pain – ergonomic office chairs provide lumbar support, which helps to prevent back pain when seated for long periods of time.
• Improves blood circulation – having a chair with good height, width and depth has positive effects on blood circulation, avoiding leg numbness and swelling in the lower half of the body.
• Reduced risks of injury, particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – approximately 6.9 million Australians suffer from MSDs and take time off work to recover. Therefore, an ergonomic office chair can help prevent ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome and neck and back strain.

How Can an Ergonomic Assessment Help?

Every employee and workplace is different, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach to ergonomics may not provide the best outcome.

Recovery Partners’ Ergonomic Assessments consider the interaction between an employee, their workstation and their work tasks. Our experienced consultants can identify potential ergonomic risks and recommend practical adjustments to support a safer and more comfortable working environment, which may include an ergonomic office chair.

Whether you are setting up new workstations, reviewing existing arrangements or supporting an employee experiencing discomfort, an Ergonomic Assessment can help ensure the workstation is appropriately configured for the individual.