Right Chair for the Job

In order to make the right decision when purchasing a chair, you need to consider your own workspace and how long you spend in that space every day.

You need to think about:

• How long you spend in that chair everyday

• What work do you do

• What office equipment you use and do you need multiple workstations

• How big or small you are and your dimensions

• Your personal preferences and style

Since these things vary from person to person, choose a chair that best fits you, based on the frequency of use. If you are a draughtsman then perhaps you need a kneeling chair to protect your back from standing all day but, if you are a hairdresser, you might only need a stool with adjustable height and wheels so you can move around your client at will.

Often it is the busy executive who gets the best, most ergonomically designed chair, but who tends to spend less time using it than his personal assistant or a telemarketer who competes in a stressful arena spending six or more hours every day sitting down.

Companies are beginning to realise that these staff, in particular, need a high quality, adjustable chair which is ergonomically designed to help prevent injury and increase comfort, which in turn increases well-being and often their efficiency.

Good posture and maintaining a neutral position is key to being comfortable without straining any part of your body. To achieve this you need to make sure that:

• The small of your back is supported by the back of the chair

• The arm-rests are at the right height

• Your knees can sit comfortably under the desk if you are sitting at one

• Your body fits comfortably between the armrests or on the seat when there are no armrests.

• Your arms sit at the correct angle on the table so you can maintain a straight wrist posture when using a computer mouse.