| Many of us spend more hours in our office chair than | | | | new ones. |
| all the other chairs, sofas and stools in our life | | | | 2. Lumber support. |
| combined. With more Brits working longer and longer | | | | A key indicator of a quality office chair is one fitted |
| hours, many with back problems, more women | | | | with lumbar support; this support cares for the lower |
| working while pregnant, coupled with a media that is | | | | back's inward curve. When this natural curve is not |
| continually educating us on the health and productivity | | | | supported it can lead to a flattening of the curve and |
| benefits of properly fitted office chairs, it is clear that | | | | stress on the spinal structure. |
| quality office furniture is a critical consideration for any | | | | 3. Height adjustment features. |
| company in the design and outfitting of the modern | | | | An ergonomic chair should also have height |
| office. | | | | adjustment features that allow people with a range of |
| But how to know what to look for? The process is | | | | heights to sit with their feet flat on the floor while |
| not as simple as you think, with thousands of retailers | | | | having their arms at desk height. It is not healthy to |
| and suppliers out there competing for your business, it's | | | | have feet and legs dangling all day nor is it good for |
| important to know the key things to look for that will | | | | arms to not align with the desk - these issues are a |
| help you identify a chair that's going to support a spine | | | | leading cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. |
| - not crush it. Dean Ramler, managing director of office | | | | 4. Adjustable head rest. |
| and retro furniture retailer Milan Direct , explains | | | | A quality office chair should come equipped with an |
| Ergonomic office chairs are chairs that have been | | | | adjustable headrest to provide neck support, a support |
| specially designed to give the user maximum comfort | | | | that is vital for anyone stationed to a computer for the |
| and convenience. | | | | majority of a day. |
| Ergonomic office chairs are extremely effective in | | | | 5. Swivel capabilities. |
| reducing shoulder, back, and neck strain. While these | | | | Ergonomic chairs should also have the capability to |
| office chairs may cost more than a standard chair, the | | | | swivel easily so the occupier is not continuously |
| initial cost is outweighed by the long term benefits of | | | | straining to reach different areas of their desk |
| increased productivity and prevention of serious injury" | | | | throughout the day. |
| he said. | | | | As a society it is common for us to spend hours |
| There are several features that the ergonomic office | | | | testing and selecting the most comfortable couch for |
| chair offers to ensure the comfort and health of its | | | | our living room, yet the humble office chair, something |
| user. And here are our top 5 tips for being able to | | | | we are likely to be seated in for far more many hours, |
| spot the right chair: | | | | has in the past, often been overlooked. |
| 1. Lower back focus. | | | | But no longer. With clear evidence coming from our |
| When shopping, look for a chair with a strong structural | | | | health professionals as to the long term benefits of |
| focus on the lower back area. Support in this area | | | | properly fitted chairs, it is clear that employers who |
| assists the occupier in maintaining good posture, | | | | want to retain their best staff can no longer afford to |
| something that is imperative for avoiding undue stress | | | | overlook what is arguably the most important item for |
| on the spine. Ignore the spine and you are likely to | | | | any office worker– the office chair. |
| complicate existing back issues and in addition, create | | | | |