6 Office Chair Myths That Cost Companies Thousands Every Year

Office Chair Myths That Cost Companies Thousands Every Year

When it comes to office furniture, there’s no shortage of myths floating around like dodgy coffee in the breakroom. Some of them are harmless — “an office chair is just a chair” — while others quietly drain thousands of pounds from company budgets each year.

The truth is, businesses often underestimate the impact of proper seating. A poorly chosen chair can chip away at productivity, increase absenteeism, and even drive up staff turnover. So, let’s debunk six common office chair myths that are secretly costing companies more than they realise.

Myth 1: All Office Chairs Are the Same

If you think every chair is interchangeable, you’ve never sat in a Herman Miller Aeron Size B. Unlike bargain-bin chairs that collapse into wobbly misery after a year, ergonomic designs like the Aeron last for decades and actively improve posture. Treating chairs as “just chairs” is like saying a Fiat Panda is the same as a Bentley. Both get you from A to B, but one gets you there in far better shape.

The hidden cost: Cheap chairs need replacing frequently, plus they contribute to bad backs and lost workdays.

Myth 2: Refurbished Means Low Quality

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. A refurbished Steelcase Leap V2 or Vitra Eames EA117 doesn’t mean “second-hand and knackered.” At Corporate Spec, refurbishment means high-end chairs are carefully restored to excellent condition, with parts replaced and finishes renewed.

The hidden cost: Dismissing refurbished means overspending on brand-new when you could save thousands and still get world-class seating.

Myth 3: One Chair Fits Everyone

People come in different shapes, sizes, and work styles. Trying to kit out an office with one “universal” chair model is a recipe for complaints. The RH Logic 400 is an example of why customisation matters — it has endless adjustments to suit different body types. Compare that to the Haworth Zody, which is known for its asymmetrical lumbar support, catering to those of us with uneven spines (yes, that’s most people).

The hidden cost: Employees forced into the wrong chair are less comfortable, less productive, and more likely to call in sick.

Myth 4: Style Doesn’t Matter, Only Ergonomics Do

Sure, ergonomics come first — but style influences psychology and branding. A sleek Vitra Eames EA219 or Boss Design Kruze Medium Back does more than support your posture; it sends subtle cues about professionalism and prestige. A tatty chair in a client-facing office is like wearing Crocs to a board meeting — comfy perhaps, but not the impression you want.

The hidden cost: Poor aesthetics can chip away at client trust and even affect recruitment when first impressions matter.

Myth 5: Cheaper Chairs Save Money

It feels logical — spend less, save more. Except office chairs are one of those rare cases where cheaping out actually costs more in the long run. The Herman Miller Aeron Size C may seem expensive upfront, but it’s engineered to last 20+ years. A budget chair may last two before ending up in landfill.

The hidden cost: Constant replacements, higher waste disposal, and increased HR costs from musculoskeletal injuries.

Myth 6: Employees Don’t Care About Chairs

They absolutely do. Studies show that proper ergonomic seating improves wellbeing and boosts productivity by up to 17% (MDPI, 2023). Staff notice when their backs ache less and their chairs adjust seamlessly. The Humanscale Diffrient World is a good example: it’s minimal, intuitive, and employees love it because it simply works without fuss.

The hidden cost: Poor morale, increased turnover, and the not-so-small matter of recruitment costs.

The Bottom Line

Office chairs aren’t just furniture. They’re tools that shape productivity, health, and perception. Falling for these myths is like throwing money down the drain — slowly but consistently.

The smarter move? Invest in quality refurbished chairs from brands like Herman Miller, Vitra, Steelcase, and Humanscale. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and keep your team happier and healthier.

Final Thoughts

Next time someone in procurement says, “Just get the cheapest chairs,” you might want to share this blog. Because while it may sound like penny-pinching, it could be pound-foolish in the long run.

So, let’s put these myths to rest. The right chair doesn’t just save spines — it saves balance sheets too.