What to look for in an office chair

Having a good office chair is very important if you spend a considerable amount of your working day sat down.

A good, supportive office chair will reduce back strain, promote movement, and reduce fatigue in your neck and arms, leading to a boost in productivity and workplace well-being.

But choosing the right office chair isn’t easy, so here’s a short guide covering what to look out for in an office chair.

Lumbar support

The most common back problems originate in the lower back, and for this reason an office chair with good lower back support is highly recommended. Nearly all office chairs have some form of lumbar support but the best ones have adjustable lumbar support.

Adjustability

It’s generally believed that the more adjustable an office chair is, the better it is. When shopping for an office chair you should look for adjustable lumbar support, adjustable height, adjustable arms, adjustable seat back width, adjustable seat and back angle, and tension control. Most office chairs are dial controlled nowadays, but these chairs can be expensive.

Wheel base

Wheels are perhaps the best feature of office chairs, but there’s different types — some wheels are specially designed to work well on carpet, so depending on your office floor material, it might be worth getting a chair with wheels with a decent rolling resistance. Remember though that you should get up and walk about regularly — don’t rely on your wheels to get around!

Swivel base

Swivel bases promote healthy movement and allow you to access all parts of your desk without physically moving anywhere. Practically all office chairs have a swivel base, but some are adjustable for sensitivity whilst some don’t swivel 360-degrees. When choosing your office chair, sit down on a demo model and swivel in it to test the movement.

Material

The fabric of your office chair should be breathable to prevent you getting too hot in the summer. Mesh office chairs work best, for these offer a good level of flexibility, support, and breathability. If you must have a leather office chair, then make sure you take 5 minute breaks every hour or so to prevent overheating and to give your body a chance to breath.

For our full range of office chairs visit http://www.theofficesuppliessupermarket.com/c/office-furniture/furniture/office-chairs-operator-seating

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