Most office workers sit for long periods exerting more pressure on the spine. If not taken care of, this can cause serious health problems.
If you own a company, you should consider replacing your old office chairs with ergonomic chairs. This will drastically increase productivity and you’ll see happier and more comfortable employees.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons why you should invest in an ergonomic chair.
Table of Contents
What does it mean if a chair is ergonomic?
Ergonomic chairs have been around since the 1980s. They are usually made up of mesh, fabric, leather, vinyl, and plastic.
As we know, ergonomics relates to the design for comfort and efficiency in the workplace. Ergonomic chairs are designed to help people sit comfortably during long hours of work.
Most employers consider getting ergonomic chairs for their employees because the headrest, backrest, height, and armrest can easily be adjusted according to the user’s needs or mood.
Additionally, it is proven to have multiple health benefits and reduces body pain, stress, and neck pain. Ergonomic chairs help improve one’s posture and maintain head position.
What is a Normal Chair?
A normal chair is a basic piece of furniture with a seat and backrest. Some normal chairs have armrests and headrests too.
Chairs are seen everywhere—in households, offices, and schools. Chairs can be made from different materials like plastic, wood, or metal. In some cases, manufacturers use multiple materials to produce a chair.
There are different types of chairs such as armchairs, rocking chairs, wheelchairs, and recliners to name a few.
The Differences Between an Ergonomic Chair and Normal Chair
Many people are curious to know the key differences between an ergonomic and a normal chair. If you plan on getting an ergonomic chair, then you should know and understand how it works.
Without further ado, let’s compare ergonomic chairs and normal chairs.
Usage
Ergonomic chairs are mostly used in offices where employees spend more time sitting when working.
Normal chairs are used everywhere like in dining areas, living rooms, schools, offices.
Price
Ergonomic chairs aren’t exactly cheap. While you can easily find normal chairs in the lower end of the price spectrum, ergonomic chairs start in the mid-range and go all the way up to the lower end of six figures.
Comfort
Most ergonomic chairs are made of high-quality materials compared to natural chairs.
Seat cushions are thicker and fit well. You can easily adjust every component according to your body type and size. Making it more comfortable to sit on.
Whereas most normal chairs have hard surfaces and do not come with armrests or headrests. Sitting long hours on a regular chair can cause pain in the butt and hips.
Orthopedic
The more time you spend sitting on an ergonomic chair, the more it becomes suitable and ideal for you. An ergonomic chair can adapt to its user’s weight and height.
With a normal chair, you need to manually adapt and adjust your chair to suit our needs. Most of the time, this can cause bad posture.
Adjustability
Almost all features of an ergonomic chair are adjustable. From the seat height, lumbar support, backrest, armrests, and headrests, you can perfectly adjust it according to what makes you comfortable.
On the other hand, most normal chairs can’t be adjusted.
Comparison Table
| Ergonomic Chair vs Normal Chair | ||
| Parameters of Comparison | Ergonomic Chair | Normal Chair |
| Usage | Mostly used in workplaces | Normally seen in homes, schools, offices, etc. |
| Price | Mid-Range to Expensive | Affordable to Mid-Range |
| Comfort | The soft surface and adjustable features increase comfortability | Most normal chairs have hard surfaces. Sitting for too long can cause pain. |
| Orthopedic | Improves your posture while sitting. | Can cause bad posture |
| Adjustability | Almost all features are adjustable | Lacks adjustable features |
Health Benefits of an Ergonomic Chair
Now let’s dive into the benefits of using ergonomic chairs:
Increases Productivity
An ergonomic chair is more comfortable and user-friendly than normal chairs. Each feature can be adjusted according to your needs. Having a comfortable chair makes working easier.
Having an ergonomic chair in an office plays an essential role in increasing productivity among employees. Studies show that employees who are relaxed and comfortable on their chairs tend to accomplish tasks easier and faster.
Whereas, those who don’t have a comfortable chair are likely to be distracted because of the discomfort they feel.
Supports Proper Posture
What is the proper posture when sitting?
- Feet should be flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs to allow proper blood circulation
- Always sit up straight and do not slouch
- Arms should be parallel to the floor
Normal or traditional chairs are the root cause why most people have incorrect or bad posture. An ergonomic chair includes features like a backrest and headrest—which supports and promotes proper posture.
Additionally, the adjustable feature of an ergonomic chair can help in correcting your posture.
Reduces Pressure on Hips
Sitting on a hard surface for a couple of hours can be uncomfortable and exerts pressure on your hips. An ergonomic chair supports the hips and buttocks because it has an adequate seat depth.
Reduces Back Pain
Unlike natural chairs, the backseat of an ergonomic chair is higher and can support your entire back. There are even ergonomic chairs that come with a reclining feature which allows users to rest at an angle of more than 90 °.
Reduces Neck Problems
When working long hours without neck support, your shoulder region and neck can become stiff. In rare cases, it can lead to serious complications like cervical spondylosis. A headrest supports your neck and head. This is beneficial to people who work at contact centers.
Is an ergonomic chair worth it?
Do you spend a lot of time working? Do you have employees who spend lots of hours sitting down? If yes, then an ergonomic chair is worth the investment!
Compared to normal chairs, an ergonomic chair has lots of health benefits and can help improve your posture. Besides, you don’t need to replace them every year. It’s a functional and long-lasting piece of furniture.
Aside from that, you will feel more comfortable and less stressed when working. This also increases productivity in the workplace.
Conclusion
Posture affects your body and reflects your personality. When working for long hours, you should invest in a high-quality and functional chair like an ergonomic chair. As you can see, ergonomic chairs provide multiple health benefits and increase productivity in the workplace.
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.