Better sitting starts here
The benefits of ergonomics. A buyer’s guide
Ergonomics isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right chair for one person may not suit another, which is why adjustability and getting the right setup for you really matter.
A well-designed office chair should support your body, adapt to your shape, and move with you throughout the day. When it does, you reduce discomfort, improve posture, and make sitting for longer periods more comfortable.
Adaptive
Chairs and desks should adapt to both the user, regardless of shape or size, and the task.
Definition
The science of designing workspaces to suit people and improve comfort and effectiveness.
User
Ergonomics are vital when considering user tasks and the rest of their workstation setup.
Value
Quality equipment costs more upfront, but lasts longer and delivers better value over time.
What makes a good chair? Little things that make a big difference
Castors
Most work chairs need castors and can weigh up to 20kg, and even lighter chairs need to be lifted. That can lead to unsafe postures when lifting them to and from your desk, especially if you’re doing so multiple times a day.
Fit
Your chair should fit you like a good pair of shoes. Adjustable chairs should accommodate most people, but no single chair will suit people of different heights and weights. To get the right fit, the seat height and depth need to be adjusted. Ideally, the backrest should adjust in angle and height independently of the seat.
Armrests
Your arms make up around 10% of your body weight. Without armrests, your spine has to support them. Armrests should adjust for height and width, and the best will also allow forward and backward movement.
Movement
Being sedentary is a major contributor to back pain. Some chairs encourage you to change posture throughout the day, while others have mechanisms that let the chair move with you. Either way, regular movement is crucial to any ergonomic setup.
Make it yours
Fabric or mesh
Choosing between fabric and mesh is a personal choice. Mesh provides ventilation and is often cheaper, but may offer fewer adjustment options than upholstered backs. Quality foam, paired with breathable fabric or leather, offers comfort and style to suit most tastes.
Do you need a headrest?
Most people don’t need a headrest, but it’s nice for resting back into. Certain roles, such as security or jobs that might need a more reclined position, would benefit from a headrest. It would provide greater neck support when looking up at monitors.
Special adaptations
For most people, the standard options are enough. But if you have a musculoskeletal issue, an injury, an unusual size, or specific work requirements, you may need additional adaptations. Talk to a specialist. You might be surprised by what solutions they can offer. It’s what they do best!
Hello desk!
Is the desk really that important?
Get the information you need with our sit-stand desk buying guide.
When choosing a desk, make sure it has a suitable height range for everyone who’ll use it.
It’s quite surprising that, while we all vary in height, desks have long been mostly provided as a one-size-fits-all piece of furniture. That means it’s suitable for almost no one. Height-adjustable desks offer two key benefits: first, it ensures the desktop height is correct for every user at all times.
Second, it lets you change your working posture throughout the day. Movement is vital for the body. Not all tasks suit standing, and opinions differ on how to divide time between sitting and standing. What matters most is being able to switch postures and paying attention to your own body. You’ll know when it’s time to change.
And finally…
You’ve now got a great chair that supports you and a desk that encourages movement throughout the day. But posture isn’t just about furniture, and there are still other risks and factors to consider.
Many people overreach on keyboards, use mice that are too small, or have screens at the wrong height. Proper setup is key. Buy from an ergonomic specialist, and you’ll get the right equipment and guidance to use it effectively. At Backworld, we even deliver chairs personally and make sure yours is set up right so you get the most from it.
FAQs
View our most frequently asked questions.
Further buying guides
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Chair setup
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