Tell Me More: Ergonomic desk chair

An ergonomic desk chair should help increase back and neck support to help improve posture and prevent slouching. Employees frequently experience back pain because they sit in their chairs for long periods of time. This increases stress in the spine, neck, arms, shoulders, and legs as well as in various muscles. A chair that isn’t ergonomically friendly can also aggravate existing conditions.

Your ergonomic desk chair should be one inch wider or more than your hips or thighs on both sides. There should be enough room between the back of your calf and the front of the chair. The seat pan should be contoured for equal weight distribution and maximum comfort. Also, your back should arch against the chair to avoid slumping.

Another way to improve your posture with an ergonomic desk chair is to sit with your arms parallel to your spine and your hands resting comfortably on your desk. Your knees should be a comfortable distance apart with your feet planted firmly on the floor. If your chair includes upholstered armrests, this will improve comfort and help reduce straining.

One helpful feature of an ergonomic desk chair is an adjustable height mechanism. This is particularly helpful if many people use the same chairs in a conference room or reception area and want to adjust seating to their individual body type. Most chairs with adjustable height capabilities allow you to fine-tune the backrest in all directions. If you don’t have an adjustable backrest, you can simply add a pillow or cushion for lower back support.

Can you see the center of your computer monitor while sitting at your desk? You should be able to rest in your ergonomic desk chair comfortably while facing forward you’re your eyes concentrating on the middle of your screen without straining your neck. If you have difficulties viewing the screen, you need to adjust the height of the monitor or the chair.