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Enhanced Productivity Through Proper Seating
What employee can concentrate, let alone perform at peak level, when just sitting at their desk is literally painful? A solid chair can enhance productivity, while reducing back stress. An ergonomic office chair, when properly adjusted, can make all the difference.
A comfortable employee free of back, neck, and shoulder strain has the energy and morale to focus on projects for longer periods of time, and with greater efficiency. If you happen to notice your once-hunched-over employees suddenly walking straight and tall, it isn't just their improved attitude you're seeing: support to the lower spine improves posture.
Being properly seated while working also means fewer ailments. And, fewer ailments mean fewer employee absences, not to mention a significant reduction in worker's compensation costs.
Regardless of the type of chair you have, it won't have the desired effect if it isn't properly adjusted. The following are seating tips:
- A major priority in adjusting your office chair is creating adequate support to the natural curve of the lower back, known as the lordotic curve.
- Lumbar back support alleviates pressure on the joints, discs, and soft tissue, preventing the gradual weakening that can result in achy legs and lower backs, as well as slouched posture — while standing or sitting.
- Another serious consideration when fine-tuning your office chair is ensuring correct support to the neck and shoulders.
- Raise or lower your office chair to a height that enables you to use your work surface with your elbows set at a 90-degree angle. The armrest of your chair should be positioned to raise your arms just enough to take the pressure off your neck and shoulders. Your computer screen should also be at eye level so you don't have to strain your neck.
- Ensure lower back support by making sure your derriere is flush with the back of the chair. If necessary, use a pillow to support your back's natural arch. Otherwise, you'll find yourself leaning forward and putting stress on your lumbar disks.
- Make sure there's about ½ inch of space between the underside of your thighs and the front edge of the chair. If this space is non-existent you may need to add a footrest. If you find you've too much space, you may need to raise your work surface. This is most likely to occur with taller employees.
- It's important to confirm the chair is properly fitted. You can tell if the chair is too deep for you by measuring where the front edge of the chair hits the bottom of your legs. If there's more than 2-4 inches (about the size of your fist) of chair continuing out from under the back of your knees, the chair is too deep and you'll need to adjust the backrest by moving it forward. Make the opposite adjustments when the chair isn't deep enough.
But what if your existing office chairs simply lack the capability to meet your needs? If you're in the market for new and improved office chairs, and aren't sure what to look for, keep these factors in mind:
- Look for seats that are 17-20 inches wide. This width should comfortably accommodate most people.
- The depth of your chair should be adjustable and the seat shouldn't be so long that adjusting it fails to reduce its depth sufficiently (as described above).
- Choose a chair with adjustable lumbar support, backrest, and armrests. Ideally, you should go for a model with a backrest that's 12-19 inches wide.
- Make sure the chair's upholstery offers adequate padding. Select a material that's light and airy. Heavier materials can cause uncomfortable heat and friction.
- Last but not least, shoot for good "swivel and glide." A chair that's easily maneuvered allows you to quickly access the tools you need — yet another of the many ways in which a good chair can significantly enhance your comfort and productivity.
Visit us online at www.CEBInteriors.com for more information. If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you'd like to sign up to receive it, simply click on the "Subscribe" button at the bottom of this page. |
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