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Did you know that you'll spend up to 1,700 hours sitting per year?

Having the right ergonomic office chaircan provide flexibility and comfort in your daily life.

Man playing with his chair

Back view of a man stretching in his chair, looking at his computer

If you spend a lot of time at a desk, switching to an ergonomic chair will help you avoid the body pain that you get from sitting in a standard office chair all day.

Did you know?

Ergonomics looks at how the design of furniture and objects can complement the human body.

Make Sure The Chair Fits You...Literally

Look for the right:

  • Height — you should be able to place your feet flat on the floor.

  • Seat width and depth — make sure there are 2 to 4 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees.

Monkey sits in a chair

Ergonomic Considerations

What makes a great ergonomic office chair:

  • AdjustabilityEverybody is different, so every chair needs to be able to adapt to your unique shape and posture.

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  • Easy movement and rotation — Ideally you can reach anything on your desk without straining.

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  • Stability You feel that the chair can handle your weight while sitting and moving.

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Never Underestimate Lumbar Support

Lower back (lumbar) support reduces stress on the spine and the pelvis. The right chair will help you:

  • Keep good posture

  • Prevent slouching

  • Let your body rest while sitting

To avoid back problems, make sure the chair you choose supports the natural "S" shape of your spine.

Police officer falls down due to back pain

Set Your Budget

  • A reasonable price for an office chair is between $100 and $400. 

  • Customizable ergonomic features can cost more (between $200 and $1,000).

  • Look at your needs and set a budget accordingly.

Piles of coinsPhoto by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash

Getting Ready To Buy An Office Chair

Which of these office chairs would be the best option if they were within your budget?

Person doing calculations

Option A — No lumbar support, limited mobility, adjustable, stable

Option B — Good mobility and rotation, a bit high and wide, great lumbar support

Option C — Good lumbar support, adjustable, good fit for your body type

Quiz

Which option would you pick?

Take Action

Person running with an office chair

When looking for that perfect chair, ask yourself:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

AV

Adriana Villegas Mayorga

Learning Designer

This Byte has been reviewed by

LD

Lana Do

MD, MPH, BCMAS

English

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