The Ultimate Ergonomic Office Chair Shopping Guide
Are you looking to invest in an ergonomic office chair? If so, you've come to the right place.
An ergonomic chair is a must-have for anyone who works from home.
Many people are aware that sitting in the same position for too long might be unpleasant, but few are aware that worn out workplace chairs are oftentimes an overlooked source of discomfort that leads to reduced productivity.
With so many ergonomic chairs to choose from while shopping in Canada or the United States, it may take you quite some time to find suitable options and decide on the best fit for you.
That’s why we’ve created this ultimate office chair shopping guide to help answer commonly asked questions about ergonomic chairs, including what an ergonomic chair is, as well as how to choose the right office chair for you.
What is Ergonomics?
To understand what an ergonomic chair is or the benefits of using one, let's take a look at what ergonomics is all about.
Ergonomics is the study of work design that aims to reduce physical strain on workers while they are completing their tasks or jobs.
Ergonomists consider both mental health and environmental factors when designing ergonomic products to reduce injury risk and improve overall comfort levels for employees.
The most common types of workplace injuries include:
- Neck and Shoulder Pain (Read: How to Treat and Prevent Chronic Stiff Neck: Nursing and Rehabilitation)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Read: How to Pick the Best Office Chair for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?)
- Text Neck Syndrome (Read: Text Neck Syndrome: Do You Have it, and Can You Fix It?)
- Knee/Leg Pain
- Foot Pain or Tension (Read: Anti-Fatigue Mats: Your Ergonomic Solution for Sore Feet)
- Back Pain & Strain (Read: 9 Yoga Stretches for Lower Back Pain)
These types of injuries can be caused by prolonged periods of time spent sitting in uncomfortable chairs. Choosing a good ergonomic chair can help prevent workplace injuries and improve your overall health physically and mentally through correct positioning.
What is an Ergonomic Chair?
An ergonomic office chair has unique features that are designed to promote good posture while sitting in the office during the day. It's designed to support your body and promote proper posture when sitting at a desk.
Ergonomic office chair designs consider lumbar support, spinal alignment, bodily pressure points and weight distribution in order to help you feel comfortable. In addition, ergonomic chairs allow natural movement without your body becoming restricted by the seat or armrests.
An ergonomically designed chair can thus help to reduce the risk of common workplace injuries such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, and boost your productivity for improved work performance.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety , an ergonomic chair is defined as follows:
“A chair becomes ergonomic only when it specifically suits a worker's size (body dimensions), their particular workstation, and the tasks that must be performed there.”
As ergonomics become more popular in today's society, people are looking for ways to improve their overall well-being at home by incorporating properly supported, comfortable and functional furniture into their home offices.
What makes a chair ergonomic?
Since the goal of ergonomics is to ensure that you are working in the most comfortable posture possible, ergonomic chairs are designed with functional elements such as adjustable armrests, headrests, and seat heights to help you achieve optimal comfort and performance.
A good ergonomic chair will allow for proper angle adjustments, support the lumbar area, and promote blood circulation where you can lay your feet flat on the floor.
Ergonomic Chairs vs Standard Office Chairs
What makes an ergonomic chair different from other types of office seating?
The main differences lie in the chair's design elements that allow users to customize their experience based on specific needs or preferences. This is usually achieved through a wide range of features that enable adjustability.
What is the difference between a task chair and an ergonomic chair?
Task chairs are designed to help keep you comfortable at your desk as long as possible throughout the day, while ergonomic chairs go beyond simple comfort by promoting proper posture for those who sit for long periods of time.
A conventional task chair or standard office chair might come with some ergonomic elements, but true ergonomic chairs are specifically designed to provide users with the ability to personalize their office seating experience.
While the two may seem similar on the surface, keep on reading for a closer look at how a good ergonomic chair can benefit your workspace.
Benefits of an Ergonomic Chair
What are ergonomic chairs good for?
Now that you understand the primary benefits of an ergonomic chair, are you ready to dive into features you should look for when shopping for one?
What should I look for in an ergonomic office chair?
These days, most ergonomic chairs come with different options that allow you to customize your work experience based on how much time you spend working from home and what type of work you do most often.
What features should an ergonomic chair have?
The best ergonomic chairs for all desk workers should come with adjustable features like:
Additionally, ergonomic chairs typically offer multiple back options including mesh backs or cushioned fabric backs.
Are mesh chairs better?
Mesh is often considered a better option than fabric for users, because it will allow your body's heat to dissipate more efficiently by allowing air circulation between you and the surface of the chair. At EFFYDESK, we refer to this as the "breathability" of our office chairs' reinforced mesh material.
Does an ergonomic chair make a difference?
What can you expect when you switch to an ergonomic chair?
Are ergonomic chairs comfortable?
The ergonomic chair you choose should be comfortable.
Comfort is different for everyone and can depend on your body type as well as the ergonomics preferences that are specific to each person.
You should always pick an ergonomic chair with adjustable features to optimize your seating position based on your needs.
Are ergonomic chairs worth it?
Is an ergonomic office chair worth the investment?
That's a question that only you can answer, as an ergonomic office chair is an investment in your overall health and productivity.
An ergonomic chair is something you should plan on using for years to come, so many consider it to be a worthwhile investment for your health in the long run.
Some questions to consider are:
If you’re someone who aims to reach optimal work productivity, an ergonomic office chair is the right choice for you.
EFFYDESK’s ergonomic chairs provide great value by helping reduce long-term damage caused by poor posture and prevent future health-related injuries that often occur as a result of sitting for long periods.
What are the best ergonomic chairs to invest in?
If you’re browsing online for an ergonomic office chair, you’re probably wondering: "What is the best ergonomic chair to buy?".
The truth is, there isn't just one type or style of office chair that's right for everyone; the best fit for you will ultimately depend on your ideal working style, body type, and personal preferences.
To learn more about finding the best office chair for your specific needs, take a look at our other blog articles here:
-
What is the best chair for sitting all day? (What is the most comfortable office chair for long hours?)
- What is the best office chair for lower back pain?
- What is the best chair for gaming?
What should I look for while shopping for ergonomic chairs online?
Clear and informative product specifications
PRO TIP – Consider: Does the brand you’re considering value transparency in sharing the benefits and features of their ergonomic chair descriptions?
Our website and online shopping experience is designed with you in mind.
Ability to try out the chairs in person
PRO TIP – Consider: Does the brand you’re considering offer in-person showroom viewings so you can test out the ergonomic chair(s) yourself?
A chair that doesn't suit your body shape or ergonomic requirements will not help you achieve good posture or ergonomic comfort, making it difficult to work in.
If possible, we recommend trying out office chairs in-person to ensure that they truly feel comfortable and are a good fit for you.
While shopping for ergonomic chairs online is simple with our user-friendly website, we’re always happy to invite you to come to our showroom and try out our signature ergonomic chairs and other ergonomically-designed office furniture lines for yourself.
Reliable and responsive customer support
PRO TIP – Consider: Does the brand you’re considering provide accessible and consistent customer support when you try to get in touch?
At EFFYDESK, customers have shared praises about their experiences with our customer support team:
If you ever have questions about any of our products or services, be sure to check out our FAQs or simply connect with our dedicated customer service representatives through email or live chat who can help find the best fit for you.
Quality assurance: fair warranty and shipping policies
PRO TIP – Consider: What are the warranty and shipping policies for the office chair(s) you’re considering? EFFYDESK’s Office Chair series offer two to 5 years warranty based on the model of your choice.
If you ever have any questions about our warranty or shipping details, simply call or email us for the latest and most accurate information.
Need to choose the best ergonomic chair for you? EFFYDESK can help!
EFFYDESK's office chairs are designed with ergonomics in mind for people who sit at a desk all day long while working from home.
If you found this guide helpful and are ready to invest in an ergonomic chair that works for you, we invite you to shop our Office Chair Series now.
–––
EFFYDESK is an ergonomic office furniture company based in Vancouver, Canada. We believe an engaged workspace that enables routine movement is the future of work. Our mission is to provide innovative ergonomic products that help people work in happier and healthier workplaces.
To help you achieve this, we offer height adjustable Standing Desks (winner of The Consumr’s "Best Office Desk 2021" Award), Office Chairs, and desk accessories like anti-fatigue standing mats, monitor arms, filing cabinets, under-desk treadmills, and more.
Thousands of North American workers and corporate teams of all sizes have transitioned from sedentary lifestyles to staying active and upright at work by choosing EFFYDESK.
We’re excited to help you work more productively than ever, too.