Working remotely does not feel complete without having your very own office chair. You may get used to sitting in your comfortable office chair, but now that remote work is a thing, you have to buy your own desk chair. Ever think that this is a waste of money? Let me tell you, it is not. Think about it as an investment, you buy an office chair that is of course ergonomic and will not make you suffer from back pain just like when you sit on a wooden chair.
Are you convinced yet to buy a new chair to enhance your remote work experience? Prepare yourself ‘cause we are going to give you a few useful tips on how to choose the right chair for remote work.
Why is It Important to Choose the Right Office Chair for Remote Work?
A healthy day strikes a balance between walking, standing, and sitting. However, as a remote worker, you spend a long period of time sitting in an office chair. If you use an office chair that is not designed properly for the activity at hand, this thing might be unhealthy for you.
The goal of an ergonomic chair is to lessen the physical discomfort brought on by the lengthy use of a basic chair. It addresses posture, back support, weight distribution, comfort, and maneuverability.
An ergonomic office chair will have several adjustable pieces so that it fits you perfectly while also allowing you to sit comfortably at work. Therefore, you need an ergonomic office chair that is easily adapted to fit your needs, preferences, and working style, but can also be beneficial for your health.
All the Criteria to Choose Your Office Chair for Remote Work
Since the office chair has many different types available, there are a few criteria that you should look for in a good ergonomic chair. Below, we have put a list of criteria you shall take into account when choosing the right chair.
- check the size of the armrests and backrest
- lumbar support
- check the size of the seat height, seat width, and seat depth
- adjustability
- maneuverability
- material
Check the Size of the Armrests and Backrest
If you work with your arms on your desk, your office chair should have armrests. Fixed armrests may be enough if you choose a chair with armrests, but an office chair with adjustable armrests is an excellent alternative if you need to adjust and tilt your armrests. Armrests with a glide-back feature allow you to move your armrests backward as desired. The recommended armrest height is 7 to 11 inches above the seat pan height. They should be wide and comfortable enough to allow the elbows and forearms to rest gently on them while typing.
An average backrest size to support the spine’s natural curvature is between 12 to 19 inches wide. To improve blood flow, an office chair should encourage active sitting rather than a static position. As a result, it should allow its users to experiment with different reclining postures to relieve pressure on their lower backs. According to body type, reclining to a degree of between 110 and 130 results in the least amount of pressure on the lumbar discs and muscular activity.
Lumbar Support
A decent office chair provides enough back and lumbar support. Inappropriate working postures are a significant source of strain injuries, which are one of the most common causes of reportable work-related illness.
A decent chair avoids strain injuries and weariness caused by sitting in the same chair for long periods of time. When sitting in the chair, the seat should be so comfortable that you are unconscious of the base. A seat that can tilt forward makes it easy to alter your seating position during the day.
Check the Size of the Seat Height, Seat Width, and Seat Depth
An excellent ergonomic chair will allow you to change the seat height from 15 to 22 inches above the floor. When you are at the proper height, your feet should be level with the floor and your knees should form a 90-degree angle. This will relieve strain on your knees and lumbar area.
To provide enough room for thigh support, the regular seat width is between 17 and 20 inches. Each user must be seated comfortably on a sturdy seat pan with at least an inch between their hips, but not so far apart that their arms must extend to the armrests.
The seat of a good ergonomic office chair should be deep enough for the user to sit with their back resting against it, allowing approximately 2 to 4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat of the chair.
Adjustability
The ideal lumbar support has both depth and vertical adjustability. This is especially crucial if you have lower back problems. The most fundamental lumbar support is able to be adjusted vertically when the chair back is raised and lowered. A fixed-depth lumbar is acceptable if it fits you appropriately and adjusts vertically.
The seat height on office chairs should be freely adjusted. The most convenient method is to use a pneumatic adjustment lever. An adjustable office chair allows you to have your feet flat on the floor, thighs horizontal, and arms at the same height as the desk.
Because the body reacts immediately to lengthy periods of static sitting, choose a chair that allows you to change positions periodically. The office chair should be simple to adjust in order to accommodate different sitting positions. Sit in the chair and make sure your upper leg and toes are not pressed. When sitting, bear in mind that your feet should always be on the floor. This is a criterion to ensure that you are choosing the right chair.
Maneuverability
Many office chairs feature swivel bases with wheels, which help your back muscles and allow you to easily spin to reach something on your desk. The chair should be able to move and spin effortlessly so that you can reach everything on your desk without straining your back. An ergonomic office chair with at least 5 spokes is required for this. Also, make ensure that the wheels are of excellent quality so that no harm is done to the floor surface. Check its weight capacity as well to ensure it is suitable for you.
Material
While upholstery is a significant aspect of the visual expression of a chair, it is also vital for comfort. The material should be tough enough to last about multiple hours of sitting. Also, ensure that the foam used to cushion the seat pan is of the finest quality. Inadequate cushioning and poor-quality foam can result in imbalance, back pain, lethargy, and discomfort.
Mesh office chairs and leatherette office chairs are two of the most popular materials for office chairs. Mesh fabric backs are a wonderful alternative for keeping the chair cool and comfy after long periods of sitting, it also molds the body while distributing weight across a broad surface. Meanwhile, the leather is simple to clean.