In today’s modern work environment, office seating plays a crucial role in the overall well-being and productivity of employees. As many professionals spend long hours sitting at their desks, it’s essential to invest in ergonomic office chairs that provide adequate support and comfort, especially for those suffering from back pain. At Corporate Spec, a leading supplier of refurbished branded office furniture, we understand the importance of workplace office furniture that promotes better posture and helps alleviate back pain. With this in mind, in this blog post we will explore some of the top office seating options that are designed to address back pain issues effectively.
The Importance of Selecting a Supportive Chair
When it comes to healthy office habits, the power of ergonomic design is undeniable. Ergonomic office chairs are more than just stylish additions to the workspace; they are designed to prioritise the health and comfort of employees. One of the primary benefits of ergonomic chairs is their ability to adapt to the natural curves of the human body, providing optimal support. This design approach helps to maintain the natural alignment of the spine, reducing strain on the back and promoting better posture. As a result, employees are less likely to suffer from back pain and related discomfort, leading to increased productivity and fewer sick days.
Ergonomic office chairs typically come with adjustable features, allowing users to customise the chair according to their body type and preferences. Height adjustment, armrest customization and lumbar support are some of the key features that contribute to a personalised seating experience. By investing in ergonomic office seating, employers demonstrate their commitment to the health and well-being of their workforce.
Office Chairs for Back Pain Relief
With so many office chairs on the market boasting unparalleled ergonomic design and a multitude of bespoke features, it can be difficult to know exactly which chair to opt for. Fortunately, as experts on the subject of workplace office furniture, we have compiled information on the chairs we consider to be the very best of the best. The three chairs listed below have been chosen for their superior quality, support and all-around reputability.
Among the popular office chair options available, the Herman Miller Aeron chair is a standout choice. Its ergonomic design and mesh back offer superior lumbar support, which is crucial for those dealing with back pain. The Aeron chair’s adjustable lumbar support feature allows users to fine-tune the chair’s curvature to fit their lower back, ensuring optimal comfort and reducing strain during long hours of work.
The Steelcase Leap chair is another remarkable option. Its LiveBack technology enables the chair to adjust its shape and contour to the user’s movements, providing continuous support as they shift positions. This adaptability minimises pressure on the spine, making it an excellent choice for individuals with back pain issues.
Rounding off this superior trio is the Haworth Zody chair, notorious for its unique asymmetrical lumbar support system, offers exceptional comfort and back pain relief. The chair’s design moulds to the user’s spine, providing personalised support that alleviates discomfort and promotes a healthy sitting posture.
Mesh Back Chairs for Breathability
Mesh back chairs have gained popularity for their breathability and ability to keep users cool, especially during warm weather or extended work hours. The mesh material allows air to circulate through the chair’s backrest, preventing the buildup of heat and moisture. Apart from the cooling effect, mesh back chairs often incorporate lumbar support features, making them an ideal choice for individuals who suffer from back pain. As above, here are the three most breathable mesh back chairs that we believe also offer the best support for preventing back pain.
The Eurotech Ergohuman chair is a prime example of a mesh back chair that prioritises both comfort and support. This chair combines mesh with leather accents, providing an aesthetically pleasing and functional design. Users can take advantage of the three-position tilt-lock and adjustable lumbar support to achieve a personalised seating experience that reduces strain on the back.
The Humanscale Diffrient World chair takes a minimalist approach to ergonomic design. Its tri-panel mesh back provides lumbar support without the need for manual adjustments. The chair’s intuitive design ensures that users maintain proper posture and comfort without any additional effort.
The HON Ignition 2.0 chair is a versatile option that caters to various body types. Its breathable mesh back, coupled with an adjustable lumbar panel, offers personalised support for individuals dealing with back pain. This adaptability allows users to find their ideal level of lumbar support, minimising discomfort during long hours of work.
Supporting Overall Well-Being in the Office Setting
While investing in ergonomic office seating is a crucial step in promoting employee health, there are other measures employers can take to support their workforce’s overall well-being:
- Encourage Regular Breaks: Encouraging employees to take short breaks and engage in light stretching throughout the day can help alleviate strain on the back and reduce the risk of back pain. Providing break areas with comfortable seating creates a welcoming space for employees to relax and rejuvenate.
- Promote Movement: Introducing sit-stand desks or active seating options, such as stability balls or kneeling chairs, encourages movement throughout the workday. These alternatives to traditional seating promote better posture, strengthen core muscles, and reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
- Offer Ergonomic Assessments: Conducting ergonomic assessments for employees ensures that their workstations are set up correctly. Proper desk and chair adjustments, along with monitor positioning and keyboard placement, are essential to prevent unnecessary strain on the back and other parts of the body.
How to Adjust Your Office Seating Correctly
Although ergonomic chairs are a great way to prevent back pain and other serious conditions that can occur when spending long hours sitting down, you won’t get the best out of their benefits if the chair is not adjusted properly. So, how do you know if your chair is adjusted in the correct position?
Seat Pan
To correctly adjust your chair, the user will sit with their feet flat on the floor and adjust the seat’s height to ensure that their knees are at a 90-degree angle. The depth of the seat should be adjusted so that the edge of the chair tapers down a few inches behind the back of the knees when fully seated. If you don’t have a tape measure to hand, it should roughly be about the equivalent of 3 fingers between the knee and seat of the chair.
Backrest
The lumbar support must be adjusted to fit comfortably in the lumbar portion of a person’s back. It must be raised high enough to fit against the lumbar and thoracic spine, whilst also sitting far forward enough to not have to lean back far enough to feel the benefits of the backrest support. If you find that the backrest support is still not supporting you, it could be that the seat pan is too large and a different chair is required.
Armrests
Armrests are correctly positioned when they are directly underneath where your arms end while sitting with your hands on the desk, maintaining good posture. Some basic office chairs have their armrests spaced too widely apart, which can encourage you to have bad posture habits. Armrests should also always be long enough to fully accommodate the forearm; if they are too short, any benefit they hold is lost.
Looking for Branded, Refurbished Chairs at Competitive Prices?
Selecting the right office seating is vital for promoting a healthy and productive work environment, particularly for individuals dealing with back pain. Corporate Spec’s range of refurbished chairs and mesh back chairs provide excellent options to cater to various needs and preferences. By investing in ergonomic office seating and supporting employees’ overall well-being, employers can foster a happier and more productive workforce, contributing to the success of their organisation.
Shop online or get in touch with Corporate Spec today to explore our extensive range of refurbished branded office furniture, including ergonomic chairs designed to provide optimal back support. Make a positive change in your workplace with our premium office seating options. Improving your employees’ well-being and productivity is just a click away!
