What is the Best Office Chair for Sitting Long Hours?

Sitting for long periods is never a good thing. In fact, prolonged sitting has been linked to a whole range of health implications – from back pain to cardiovascular diseases. But knowing this doesn’t really help when you have a job that ties you to a desk. You have to work, few of us have any choice about that. So, taking regular breaks and choosing the right chair are both essential elements to staying healthy. But how do you know which type of office chair to choose?

What to Look for in an Office Chair that Will be Used All Day?

Ergonomic design

The principle behind ergonomic design is the creation of products that are safe, comfortable, and efficient. Products are typically developed with input from physiologists and psychologists, as well as designers and engineers. And with chairs, this should lead to the creation of a product that is supportive and cushioning, while promoting healthy posture and easy movement. Ergonomically designed office chairs, like the i29, can help you to avoid any aches and strains while sitting for long periods.

Fully adjustable

Everyone is different, so it’s ridiculous to think that a single chair configuration can suit everyone’s needs. When choosing a seat, it’s important to look for adjustability. With an office chair like the Strata, you have the ability to not only adjust the height of the seat, but also the seat depth, the headrest, the arm height, and the angle of the backrest. Other seats, like the Aspect, also allow you to adjust the lumbar support.

Lumbar support

Although we’ve mentioned it above, lumbar support is so important when you’re sitting for long periods, that it deserves its own heading. Around 65% of office workers develop back pain. Having the right lumbar support in your chair can help to reduce this. Seats like the Maxi Ergo come with a lumbar pump. This allows you to adjust the support provided to your lower back. Seats that hug to your body shape not only allow you to maintain better posture. They can help to reduce common strains, aches, and pains, as well as making working a whole lot more comfortable.

Design quality

If you’re going to be sitting in a chair all day everyday, it needs to be pretty durable. So, look for design quality. That doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive chair in the shop. But just something that is made out of strong materials. The Marathon Heavy Duty chair provides a couple of good clues in its name, but it was designed for heavy usage. As well as being ergonomically designed, it has strong mechanisms, and is made from sturdy materials. It’s a seat that will last as long as you need it to.

When work demands that you sit at a desk for long periods, it’s integral that you take plenty of breaks. Standing, stretching, and walking around for just five minutes every hour can make no end of difference to your overall wellbeing. It’s also been shown to make you more productive. But choosing the right chair is also vital. So, if you’re self-employed and looking to improve your office comfort, or own a business and seeking ways to reduce staff absences, it might be time to reevaluate your seating.

Visit UK Office Furniture to answer all your office seating needs.