What is the solution to reducing the rising sitting and postural-related issues? Ergonomics!
“The number of employees suffering from back, neck and shoulder complaints caused by sitting and postural-related issues has continued to rise.”
– Mark Barrell and Levent Caglar of Boss Design
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between workers and their working environments. It involves designing or adjusting workplaces, products, systems to fit the people who use them. It helps organizations through providing productive workspaces and introducing ergonomic tools such as the ergonomic chair.
Like budgeting, one size does not fit all when it comes to chairs.
Ergonomic chairs are ordered to suit an individual’s preferences and allow an elevated level of adjustability to help support the tasks at hand. These chairs often include features that are designed to encourage more movement such as adjustable arms, seat height adjustment, or lumbar support. To know more about the benefits of an ergonomic chair, continue reading.
#1: PROMOTES GOOD POSTURE
One of the postural-related issues that employees experience after long hours at work is back pain. Traditional chairs do not have the back support that ergonomic chairs can provide. You see, ergonomic chairs are built to prevent discomfort and promote better posture. These chairs provide spine support, pain relief, and flexibility to prevent unhealthy positions and unusual strain.
Using an ergonomic chair can help you achieve comfortable postures at your workstation without having to worry about experiencing lower back pain. Moreover, many ergonomic chairs come with adjustable armrests, which allows you to rest your body comfortably.
#2: IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY
Choosing office furniture that is ergonomically designed can have a significant impact on employee happiness and productivity, according to previous studies.
As the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration reveals, ergonomic furniture showed a direct link to heightened efficiency by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal conditions. As such, utilizing the power of ergonomic chairs can help increase the potential for profit.
#3: INCREASES LONG-TERM SAVINGS
Investing your money in ergonomic chairs can save you money in the long run. This may be hard to believe, but it is true. A one-time investment in ergonomically designed workplace furniture ensures durability and assurance of quality. You will be given a warranty period to test the furniture and to determine whether the chair is suitable for the user.
#4: PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY
Employees come in all shapes and sizes. Thus, investing in furniture that can be adjusted to their specifications can help keep everyone in the workplace comfortable and productive.
For instance, workers who are petite can benefit from an armless ergonomic chair with a small seat and high back. This will help support their natural posture.
#5: INCREASES BLOOD CIRCULATION
In a 2010 study, researchers found that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of heart disease, poor blood circulation, and back pain. It is recommended to track how long you have been seated and to try to vary your position every 30 minutes.
The American Heart Association further reports that any movement that raises our metabolic rate above the normal stationary resting rate (i.e., during sitting) can have profound long-term health benefits and reduce the chance of illnesses.
#6: OFFERS A VARIETY OF FEATURES
When it comes to ergonomic chairs, you will be delighted to know that there are a range of options available commercially. The adjustable features of these chairs help alter its physical characteristics to suit your working preference and body type.
For instance, you need to look for chairs that allow adjustments such as seat height, back recline, adjustable armrests, adjustable tilt tension, and seat depth.
There are a lot of ergonomic chair brands out there. Thus, you need to have a list of features that you are looking for. Watch the short video below to be guided when it comes to setting up an ergonomic workstation.
