Ergonomic office chairs have become a primary objective for office workers around the world. These chairs are designed to promote good posture, reduce discomfort, and improve productivity.
However, simply owning an ergonomic chair isn’t enough. To reap the full benefits, it’s crucial to adjust it properly for your specific body type and work style.
This guide explores the key adjustments on most ergonomic office chairs and provides tips on how to position them for optimal comfort and support.
Adjust the Chair Height
Setting the ideal chair height involves adjusting your chair to fit your body properly, Start by setting the seat height. Stand in front of your chair and lower the seat pan until it is just below your kneecaps.
Next, sit in the chair with your back against the backrest, and adjust the seat cylinder to the correct height. Aim for your feet to rest flat on the ground and your knees are at or close to a 90-degree angle.
Setting the Seat Depth for Comfort
The seat depth adjustment is crucial yet often overlooked in ergonomic chair setups. This setting moves the seat pan either closer to or further away from the chair back, affecting comfort significantly.
For optimal comfort, maintain a gap about the size of your clenched fist between the seat cushion’s front edge and the back of your knee when seated. Adjust the seat depth accordingly and lock it in place to maintain this position.
Align the Backrest and Lumbar Support
The placement and adjustment of lumbar support are critical features in ergonomic chairs. It should align with the natural curve of your spine, usually at the small of your back above your belt line.
This adjustment is often integrated into the chair, allowing simultaneous height adjustments for both the chair back and lumbar support. In certain chairs, it’s an independent adjustment for customised comfort.
This support feature helps maintain good posture, prevents lower back pain, and improves comfort and productivity at your workspace.
Hone the Armrests
For optimal comfort and reduced strain on your upper back and shoulders, focus on your arms to rest comfortably at your sides while seated.
Luckily, most ergonomic chairs go beyond basic height adjustments, offering depth adjustments and pivoting armrests.
This comprehensive adjustability ensures a customised fit for various body types. For instance, slender users can slide the armrests inward for a more supportive and personalised experience.
Fine-Tuning the Recline
The reclining function offered by many ergonomic chairs is a valuable tool for promoting lower back health. By reclining at an appropriate angle, you can reduce the pressure on your lumbar spine and improve blood circulation throughout your legs.
Ideally, the recline angle should fall within the range of 100-110 degrees, providing optimal support for your back while allowing for a slight change in posture. So, don’t underestimate the power of the recline function.
Adjust the Headrest
Headrests should be adjusted for proper neck support, especially when reclined, ideally keeping your head aligned with the monitor.
Remember, ergonomic chairs are all about adjustability – a feature crucial for maximising comfort and health benefits. If your chair isn’t adjusted to your specific body, you’re missing out on its full potential.
When you prioritise good neck alignment, you’ll experience the benefits throughout your workday.
Position Your Monitor
Positioning your computer monitor at eye level is essential to prevent neck and eye strain. It should be at or slightly below eye level and about an arm’s length away, maintaining a neutral neck position and reducing eye strain.
Tilt the monitor upward slightly to minimise glare from overhead lights. If using multiple monitors, adjust the same height to avoid constant head turning.
Even with the perfect ergonomic chair set-up, take regular breaks from work to move and stretch your body.
Arranging Desk Accessories
To maximise the full potential of ergonomics, organise your office workstations for optimal accessibility. Keep essential items like your keyboard, mouse, and phone within easy reach for a smooth workflow.
Use a keyboard tray or adjustable platform to position these tools at an ergonomic height, maintaining straight wrists and 90-degree angles at your elbows while typing.
Optimal posture reduces unnecessary movements and awkward reaches, promoting spinal alignment and the overall ergonomic efficiency of your workstation table.
Wrapping Up
Follow these settings and understand the importance of ergonomic office chairs and how they contribute to a healthier and more productive workspace.
Choosing an ergonomic chair is a commitment to your long-term health and well-being. Proper positioning promotes good posture and reduces discomfort and work-related injuries.
Including these adjustments in your routine, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the significant benefits ergonomic office chairs have to offer.
So, take a moment, adjust your chair, and experience the difference an ergonomically optimised workstation can make.