There’s no doubt that the workplace is changing. Today, not everyone has a dedicated “resident” workstation. And if you do, your desk might be height adjustable allowing you to stand for some of the day. Often millennials prefer to work in more lounge-like settings and new options such as the Brody Lounge, a hybrid lounge-desk alternative, are being introduced to the market. Options like Buoy, which takes the balance ball approach to a more sophisticated conclusion, can also give the traditional task chair a run for its money. But the reality is, most office workers spend 80% of their day sitting – the need for a great task chair is clearly not going away. So, the question then becomes, how on earth do you evaluate the plethora of task chairs currently on the market. Most are labeled as ergonomic and come in a panoply of colors and cool materials with lots of bells and whistles. There are clear guidelines however, when considering which task chair to choose and for facility managers especially, it can be a critical decision that effects the health, comfort and productivity of employees.
How to evaluate a Task Chair Here’s what not to do. Lining up a large quantity of chairs in a hallway and asking people to test them out may seem democratic, but it can be misleading. This brief interaction with a task chair can lead people to evaluate based upon things like fabric choice, cool factor and initial 10 second seat impressions. Instead, ergonomic experts recommend prequalifying 3 chairs and tapping a diverse group (both in job function, gender and physicality) to test the chairs for a few days each. This allows the focus group to evaluate using real criteria, and factor in such things as how “usable” the chair is. Here are some guidelines for what to do; 2. Test chairs in the environment in which they will be used. 3. Give the chair to individuals for 2-3 days at a time. 4. Do not train the testers on how to use the chairs. 5. Have testers fill out an evaluation form. A chair should move with the body and support a wide range of postures and should adjust perfectly to individual body types and preferences.
Cornell University’s Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Group (CHFERG) has tons of helpful information and guides on ergonomics. According to CHFERG, here are a few key questions that you should ask yourself when evaluating a task chair. Does the seat pan feel comfortable and fit your shape? Is the seat chair height adjustable? Is the range of height adjustment of the chair sufficient to meet the needs of all users? Does the chair have a comfortable lumbar (lower back) back rest? Is the chair back rest large enough to provide good back support? When you sit back against the lumbar support is there ample space for hip room? Does the seat pan still feel comfortable after you’ve been sitting in it for 60 – 120 minutes? Does the chair backrest recline and support your back in different positions? Does the chair have a 5 pedestal base? Do you need armrests on your chair? Check out the CHFERG Guide, “How to Choose and Ergonomic Chair” for specific criteria to look for when evaluating task chairs.
At Red Thread, we often lend demo chairs to our clients to help them make the best decisions for employees. We can also provide an evaluation for for your testers to fill out. Selecting the best task chair can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Through a thoughtful evaluation process and some meaningful time spent in the chair, there is always one that fits the bill perfectly! For more information on Steelcase Task Chairs or help in selecting the right chair for your employees, get in touch, we’re happy to help! AUTHORED BY: Petra GeigerIf you sit at a chair for long periods of time, it’s important to always ensure you are in the most comfort possible. If you don’t take precautions before it’s too late, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and wrist pain will end up being unbearable. Should you really let your health be compromised because of the time you spend in front of your computer or behind your desk? I hope right now (reading this) you do refuse this gloomy perspective and understand there is a way out – a way called ergonomics.
Having a truly ergonomic office isn’t always easy to furnish when you first start out, especially with all the products available on the market, it can become completely overwhelming. Especially when some ergonomic furniture may turn out not to be ergonomic at all, despite what’s proclaimed in the description. “How do I find what’s suitable?” you may ask… Worry no more, your knight in shiny armor is riding towards you with a sack full of information concerning ergonomic chairs. And…affordable ergonomic chairs all under $200 each! Thought it was impossible to find a good quality ergonomic chair but also a cheap ergonomic chair? These ergonomic desk chairs, although not as high quality and fully ergonomic as the recommended top ergonomic chairs, are all still designed to provide you with spinal support and neck support, but and are also designed ergonomically to avoid any ongoing body strains and injuries. When it comes to the Office Star Ergonomic Chair (), there is two things right off the bat that are worth the mention.
Firstly, this ergonomic computer chair is one of the best selling office desk chairs. Secondly, it has a mesh back (for awesome circulation) and Eco leather seat (for comfort and durability), so, leather lovers do take a look at this chair – all for an affordable price at under $150 (check latest price below). More Info/Specs (& Free Shipping Eligibility in ): Free Shipping Eligibility (): Not only do the two points above hold true, but this ergo chair will last a lot longer than most of the other ordinary office chairs in the same price range, with a cool, aerated design that immensely helps your back. This #1 rated best ergonomic computer chair, is perfect for those people that want all the benefits of being ergonomically designed without looking too high tech and full on as some other ergonomic chairs on the market – known as the ‘low key ergonomic look’. The Office Star ergonomic chair comes a few different designs (click the link above to get directed to the page with all the models available).
On top of that, you won’t have any problem assembling it, as the instruction guide is precise and well-made. Just because the chair’s design remains simple, it’s important to understand that it still meets all the requirements one can have. It also allows you to lean back just on the perfect angle (sparing you the awkward “goodness I just fell” moment). The Boss Black LeatherPlus Ergonomic Chair (View Colors Available & Styles) is one of my favorites when it comes to affordable ergonomic office chairs. I prefer this Boss ergonomic chair, and boss office chairs in general, than the #1 option above, the Office Star, because the Boss has more padding and for me, I prefer this when I am sitting for 6 or more hours per day, the padding and cushioning provides it’s purpose – ultimate comfort all day long! Trust me that “Boss” wasn’t put out there just for show. One glance at this boss chair just makes you drool (one needs all their self-power not to do it right on the spot) but let’s not get carried away and elaborate too much.
If you are tall in height, it’s good to know that this ergonomic chair, and boss chairs in general, are great for people who are medium to tall in height. Assembling it upon delivery is quite easy and it comes in a variety of colors. It can also lean (recline) backwards. But what interests us most in this is the arm rests’ softness and the fact that this chair was designed to support your back, your feet as well as your lumbar region (oh yes finally!). If that isn’t a quality chair, I don’t know what is. Next up on our list of ergonomic desk chairs is the Lorell Executive High-Back Ergonomic Chair. Made of mesh, it is especially designed to help your upper back, all for an affordable price. It is also one of the best selling home office desk chairs. Free Shipping Eligibility (): C This Lorell Chair has not one, nor two, but three lever controls, making it adjustable in height and width. Just like the previous ergo office chair, the assembly of this seat’s parts will not make you face any major difficulties.
One other point in Lorell’s favor is in regards to the chair’s lower back support: there is no hump on that part, unlike many other high-back chairs. The seat’s design is often seen in executive offices, has a large height limit (17″ to 21″ from the floor) and, if you enjoy spinning around as much as I do, its 360 degree swivel will take on many rides. On its part, the Flash Furniture Leather High-Back Executive Chair, has three paddle controls for better adjustments. It takes care of your lumbar region too and introduces you to back tilt control, that can also be useful in case you need a nap, LOL. No seriously, this chair is comfortable, just the way you need it without spending too much. The only downfall which a few customers talk about with this chair is that the arm rests are this chair’s “weakness”. The reason for this is that the arm rests are separated from the “main body” of the chair. However, in saying this, many customers also consider this a blessing so it’s the way you feel comfortable and view the chair.
For the rest I’d say it’s amazing, especially because of the quality offered for such a fair price. The LexMod Office Chair , is an ergonomic mesh office chair (on the back) and of black Leatherette for the seat. Our color lovers please lend us an ear, as it comes in many, many colors (and new colors keep getting released, see below for more info). This LexMod chair also has tilt control as well as flip-up arms, an interesting concept that could be nice to explore. The back on the lexmod edge office chair has quite a unique shape that lets you sit with ease. Your lower back will be supported by a metallic structure fixed behind the chair, so you can stop worrying about your body and fully focus on your work. Last but (so) not least, we have the Gaiam Balance Ball Chair (View Colors Available + 2 New Colors!), which is different from all the previous ergonomic computer chairs most of us have seen before as its an….ergonomic ball office chair. For a good price, coming in 4 6 colors (see above for more info), this extremely popular model (not exaggerating here) is a marvel when it comes to back exercise or well-being in general.
It allows you to fix your spine and is adapted for users of various height and size. This chair will discipline (if I may say) you, so that you don’t push yourself to become hunchbacked, you need to train regularly on it for better results though. I have written a detailed review of exercise ball chairs which you can read about here. FYI: to see another type of ergonomic desk chair in the form of a click here. Voila, now you have all the ergonomic chair reviews that are most essential for you to pick whichever of those equally good models you’d like to sit on. So if you are looking to buy an ergonomic chair on a budget, choose any of these cheap ergonomic chairs under $200. Included in the list of top ergonomic desk chairs are the best selling office chairs, most popular desk chairs and top rated task chairs. For more ergonomic office chair reviews, click on the links provided to read what others have to say! Again, these are the most affordable and best selling ergonomic chairs, each of them amazing in their own way.