An ergonomic office chair is an essential element in ensuring comfort and productivity at work. Whether you're an office worker, self-employed or avid gamer, choosing the right chair for your workstation can prevent pain, improve posture and enhance concentration. But how do you know which chair is best suited to your specific needs? This article explores the essential criteria for choosing the right ergonomic chair for your professional activity.
1. Understanding the importance of ergonomics
Ergonomics aims to adapt furniture to the user to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency. A well-chosen office chair can prevent a number of health problems, including:
- lower back and neck pain
- muscular tension
- poor circulation
- eye strain due to poor posture, and many others.
By taking these aspects into account, it becomes easier to opt for a chair that perfectly suits your needs and your working environment.
2. Identify your workstation
The choice of an ergonomic chair depends on your morphology, your type of work and your professional habits.
Administrative office work
If you spend long hours in front of a computer, choose a chair with..:
- Good lumbar support: Reduces pressure on the lower back.
- Well-upholstered seat: Ensures comfort during long periods of use.
- Adjustable armrests: Reduce strain on shoulders and wrists.
- Multifunction mechanism: Allows the chair to be adapted and adjusted in a variety of ways.
Example: An administrative employee who works 8 hours a day in front of a screen will benefit from a chair like the airCentric2 MT or the Cierra, offering excellent lumbar support and customizable settings.
Telecommuting
People who telecommute often have more limited space and have to juggle comfort and functionality. Here are a few criteria to consider:
- A chair that's not too bulky, but ergonomic: Ideal for small spaces.
- A seat with adjustable height and depth: To adapt to different types of office and people.
- Aesthetic, discreet design: To blend harmoniously into the home.
Example: A chair like Allseating's YouToo combines design and ergonomics, making it ideal for telecommuting in confined spaces.
Design work
People who work at blueprint tables, such as draftsmen and other creative professions, need a chair that can offer them a wide range of options:
- Freedom of movement: A swivel base with footrest and adjustable armrests facilitate movement.
- Reclining backrest with lumbar support: Promotes dynamic posture.
- Good height adjustment range: Reduces neck strain during prolonged periods of reflection, and allows work at desk or counter height.
Example: A draughtsman who spends a lot of time working on paper plans, and at the same time on large screens, will appreciate a model like the HÅG Capisco or a pneumatic stool model, which encourages movement and allows a variety of positions.
Industrial, laboratory and clinical environments
Technicians, dental assistants and people working in workshops have specific needs:
- Chemical- andsplash-resistant upholstery.
- An adjustable chair for working at different heights and in different positions.
- A stable base with castors adapted to different floor types.
Example: A laboratory technician would benefit from a saddle-type chair with vinyl upholstery, a mechanic in an industrial environment would opt for a model like Synetik's Flex, and a dental assistant would prefer Posiflex's PS388.
3. The essential features of a good ergonomic chair
Whatever the type of work, a good ergonomic chair should offer the following features:
Adjustable seat height
The height should allow the feet to rest flat on the floor and the knees to form a 90° angle. If this is not possible, you'll need to opt for an additional footrest.
Adjustable seat depth
The depth of the seat provides the right space between the end of the seat and the bend in your knees.
Lumbar support
Good lumbar support reduces pressure on the spine and prevents back pain.
Adjustable armrests
Adjustable armrests take the strain off your shoulders and wrists.
Backrest tilt
A tilting mechanism allows you to adopt different postures throughout the day.
Adjustable backrest height
Height-adjustable backrest positions the chair in the right place for optimum comfort.
Quality materials
Whether it's the upholstery, covering or components, make sure the chair is made of quality materials. This will avoid potential problems and ensure optimum comfort for many years to come.
4. Budget and durability
The price of an ergonomic chair varies according to its functionality and quality. It's important to consider:
- Long-term investment: A quality chair reduces health problems and improves productivity.
- The manufacturer's warranty: Some brands offer extended warranties on parts, structure and labor.
- Certifications: Make sure the model you choose meets established office furniture standards, such as BIFMA and others.
Read on: Learn more about Bifma, Level and GreenGuard standards
Choosing the right ergonomic office chair depends above all on your type of work, your morphology and the adjustments required for optimum comfort. Investing in the right chair not only improves well-being, but also optimizes productivity and concentration.
Are you hesitating between several models? Solutions M3 can help you choose the perfect ergonomic chair for your workstation.