3 reasons why you need to make your office chair more comfortable*
Your office chair is an important part of your workstation set up (unless you prefer a standing desk of course!). Whether you work from home or you’re positioned in an office, a comfortable office chair can have a huge impact on your working day. Like any piece of equipment, your chair will need to be replaced at some point. If you’re unsure as to whether you could do with switching up your seat or just an office chair repair, here are three telltale signs that it could be time to look for a replacement.
1. It’s damaging your health
Your office chair should not have a negative effect on your health and wellbeing, so if you’re cursed with aches and pains while you sit in a chair, it’s likely you’re due an upgrade. In fact, your seat should provide you with the utmost comfort as you work.
For example, when you’re selecting a new chair, you should opt for one that is supportive of your back so that you can sit comfortably. Sitting for long periods of time feels uncomfortable and can wreak havoc on your spine and posture, so it’s important to opt for a model that will be kind to your body. For example, the office chairs from Furniture At Work™ are available with contoured lower back areas for added comfort and support.
You should also look out for other features, such as seat height adjustment, built-in lumbar support, back position and armrest pads, all things which make up an ergonomic office chair.
An ergonomic chair or ergonomic seat is one which has been designed to best support the human body. If you feel that you need more support for your spine you could try adding a lumbar pillow to your chair. This will relieve pressure and help to improve posture.
It’s important that you’re able to adjust the height of your office chair so that you are not straining your neck or shoulders to reach your computer or see your screen for perfect sitting positions. Your screen should be positioned at eye level so you might need to add a laptop stand to your office shopping list.
You should also look for a desk chair with a tilt lock. This means that you can sit in an upright position for typing, but you can also comfortably rock or recline during meetings, phone calls and if you’re reading.
You should also ensure that your sitting posture is correct so that this doesn’t put any strain on your back and shoulder muscles. For proper posture, ensure that your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are in line with or lower than your hips and that your hips are far back in the chair for a perfect seating position.
2. It’s affecting your productivity
Although you might not realise it, your chair could be having an effect on your productivity while you work. An uncomfortable, poorly made seat can be distracting, causing your performance to plummet. To avoid losing concentration at your desk, changing your office chair for a much more comfortable and plush design could help. When you’re out shopping for a substitute, make sure you test out a few different chairs to see which feels best, or if you’re browsing online, you could read reviews to see how other people rate them. Ideally, the seat you go for should allow for your body’s natural movement and be comfy enough for you to sit in all day and focus on the task at hand.
3. It’s in poor condition
While it’s important that your office chair is comfortable and allows you to do your job, it needs to look good too. For example, if the fabric covering your seat is worn, ripped or frayed, or the arms have become loose, you could probably benefit from swapping it for a newer model. Your office chair should be durable and look good year on year. When choosing a replacement, make sure you pick one that is made from high-quality materials like faux leather, breathable mesh, or even a real leather chair, so that it’s guaranteed to stand the test of time.
You also need to make sure that the seat cushions are in good condition so that your chair is comfy. You could even choose memory foam cushions which mould to your shape for maximum comfort.
If your current seat is guilty of these faults, it could be the perfect time to treat yourself to a brand new office chair. There are lots of office chair offers available so do your research to get a great price before you buy.
*This is a collaborative post.
I just started working outside the home on Monday (February 1st) so I haven’t spent much time in a work chair, but I will keep these tips in mind and see if I need a new one!
Yep! My office lately has been my bed. I have no desk set up and my bed doesn’t make a good “chair”. I’d love a good office chair and use my kid’s desks.
This post is awesome because it reminds us to look at something part of our mundane activities, i.e. office chair, and think about if it is still safe to use. I remember replacing mine a year ago. I still test once in awhile if it give me enough support.
OK, you got me. Time for me to buy a new one that would make me comfortable for long hours of work.
I need a good office chair and these are all great tips for buying a new one!! I definitely need one that won’t hurt my back!!
I had to kick the office chair to the curb a long time ago. I tend to use my laptop in comfortable locations due to low back pain and Fibromyalgia.
I have a ergonomic chair that I purchased some time ago. It’s a few years old and starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. So, I know it is time for an upgrade.
Many people don’t realize how important good posture is or how a good chair makes a huge difference in how you feel. Personally, I could use a new chair!
Our chair is in rough shape. We would definitely benefit from replacing this chair with something much more supportive and comfortable.
Ergonomics is very important if you find yourself sitting a desk most of the day! If you’re uncomfortable, not only can it potentially hurt your body but will keep distracted! And then your day is a mess!
Mine is in poor condition. I really need to get a new one.
This is perfect timing for me. I have really been thinking I needed a decent office chair. My problem is I want one that feels good but also looks good! I have had a hard time finding one that fits both of those needs!
This reminds me of my chair that I have been wanting to replace. My chair definitely have seen better days.
I need a new one after reading this for sure but also because I have had some recent back problems that have left me wanting more support. I have had 4 spinal taps and a blood patch in the past couple of weeks and boy am i hurting! I will have to go shopping right away!
I definitely need a new one! I’m waiting until next month when I get a new desk to make sure it works with it though. Great tips!
Yes i agree I need a new chair mine was old and ripped. I took a long hours for working
I do have a problem indeed with lower back pain and my posture does for sure effect my head aches in my opinion. Furniture At Work I will have to check out for sure. Thanks for sharing the information on why you need to replace your office chair.
It is true that we must invest in a good office chair. Especially if we are using it for hours on end. It just suddenly dawned on me that we really need a new office chair!
I need to set up a home office and get a good chair. My back is always sore form sitting at the coffee table to work.
Yes, yes, this is a fantastic post. As someone who spends at least eight hours sitting in front of a computer, I know how important it is to have a comfortable chair. There are days when I get up after work and have a difficult time moving because my back hurts so badly. Other times, I spend the day readjusting and having a difficult time focusing. I just told my husband that I need a better chair and reminded him that this is best for my health and productivity; fingers crossed that he agrees.
I know I need a new office chair. These are all perfect reasons why I need a new one. And my back is always angry with me after I sit in it.
We have a home office and a well loved chair that is sadly on it’s last legs.
We have been looking but so far we haven’t found its replacement yet!
Well then..I definitely need to replace mine after reading this. I have a high back chair in my office, but it’s old and worn out. Hubby has a stand/sit desk and rarely sits. Thanks for the info
I know I need to replace mine. My back is always so sore when I go home. It really affects my health and attitude.
We don’t have a home office, so we don’t have an office chair here. At work, my husband gets what they give him 😉
We just bought one and I love it SOOO much better than the old one we had. It really does make a difference.