How long do you spend sitting at your desk, sitting in meetings or just generally sitting each day?

Working in an office environment generally means the vast majority of every day will be spent sitting, but did you realise the sitting position can cause stress to the spine and can lead to unnecessary back problems and muscle aches and pains?

Recent research shows common back complaints is one of the most popular reasons for long-term sickness in the UK, proving the chair you are sitting in needs to be one of the most important things in your office.

If your chair is not comfortable or cannot be operated correctly, it is time to invest in your health and look for a replacement, but it is worth remembering a ‘cheap’ chair is manufactured to meet a price target, and not always a quality level which will meet all your back support needs. It’s always good to ‘try before you buy’ and sit in a range of chairs to find the most suitable seat for you. (Read more about our local showroom’s here).

Good operator, task and managerial chairs will come with additional accessories including arms, slide seat, lumbar support, and seat & back tilt facilities. The following is our advice with helping to choose the right chair for you…

Adjustable Seat Height

A seat with an overall seat height of 16 to 20 inches off the floor will suit most. The height allows your feet to rest flat on the floor and your arms to rest even with the height of the desk.

Seat depth and width

Seat depth is measured from the front to the back of the seat and needs to be large enough so you can sit with your back against the backrest. The correct chair will give you approximately 2 to 4 inches space between the knee and the seat of the chair, ideally with a forward and backward seat tilt facility to suit your personal requirements.

Lumbar Support

For good lower back support, a flexible lumbar support will assist you with getting the correct posture.

Seat Material

Good seat coverings and padding will allow you to stay seated for long periods of time, providing you with comfort and preventing you from becoming too hot.

Armrests

When choosing your new chair, consider if you need an armrest. We would advise a fully adjustable option would be most suitable for the majority of office workers. Your arms should be able to rest on the arms with your shoulders in a fully relaxed position.

Swivel Base

Your chair needs to be able to move with you preventing you from back strain when moving or reaching.

Backrest

A backrest should fit well against the natural curve of your spine.

For more advice, a personal chair survey or to demo our extensive range of chairs - contact us today!

 

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