Choosing The Right Office Chair

Many people spend a large part of the working day sitting down so it is essential to find a suitable chair that can be adjusted to a person's physical needs and prevent back pain. Getting it right can help to avoid future health problems. A good supportive chair is a long-term investment in a person's health and wellbeing.

Staff who are comfortable, fit and well will be more motivated than someone whose health has suffered from poor ergonomics in the workplace over a period of time. Health problems due to bad posture can lead to increased absenteeism.

Use this chair buying guide to help you to make the right choice from the large range of chairs we have available.

The main features to consider when choosing a chair are as follows:-

• Type of Chair
• Seating Time
• Type of Material
• Adjustment Options

Type of Chair

Office/Operators Chair

If you spend up to 8 hours sitting at a desk, you need a good office chair with a high comfort level. The chair should help achieve an ergonomically correct seating posture to minimise work-related stress. The adjustment options are the key to additional comfort.

Ergonomic Operators Chair

Ergonomic chairs are designed for long working hours, where the recommended seated time frame extends beyond the normal day. In addition to their ergonomic design, these office chairs feature a higher number of adjustment options.

Executive Chairs

The executive chair is designed for shorter periods of time of up of to five hours a day, and often comes with fewer adjustment options. They are particularly suitable where there is a lot of contact with customers or business partners, and where creating a good image is important.

Seating Time

Up to 5 Hours a day

These chairs are designed to provide the right level of comfort for shorter usage. They cost less but may have limited adjustment options such as seat height adjustment only.

Between 5 and 8 Hours a Day

These chairs offer better ergonomic support for medium term usage and should have additional adjustment options. Suitable for home-office use

Up to 24 Hours a Day

These chairs have a lot of adjustment options including adjustable armrests, headrests and extensive lumbar support.

Type of Material

Mesh

Mesh covering is an extremely breathable and flexible fabric and is often used for backrests to help to ensure good air circulation around the body.

Fabric

Fabric is the most popular material for office chairs. It is hard wearing and long-lasting and  available in the widest range of colours. Fabric is  warm material and breathable at the same time.

Leather and Faux Leather

Leather covers are hard wearing and have an elegant high-quality appearance. Leather is a natural product with a luxurious feel. Imitation leather is also an alternative to real leather.

Adjustment Options

Seat Height

The seat height should be set so that the soles of both feet are flat and in complete contact with the floor. Also, the thighs and lower legs should form a right-angle when seated.

Backrest and Lumbar Support

Backrests should be height-adjustable.  It is also vital that the backrest supports the lower back with good lumbar support.

Armrests

Armrests help to reduce strain on the shoulders and neck. Ideally, they should be height-adjustable so that when moving forward toward the desk, the abdomen touches the desk first, and not the armrests.

Headrests

Headrests support the neck and head and should be height adjusted correctly. However, in terms of ergonomics, a headrest is not strictly necessary.

The increasing number of chairs available in different styles and materials with different adjustment options makes it a challenge to select the right chair. Our friendly and knowledgable Sales Team are ready to help you with that challenge and select the right chair for each person. 

Call us today to speak to a team member on 0191 2674981 or request a callback by emailing sales@laser-ex.co.uk