The Benefits of Ergonomic Office Chairs

Back pain is a common symptom of many different types of medical problems and affects millions of people in Canada. According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, back pain is a major contributor to work absences (40% of all absences). There are several different causes of back pain, including sitting for long periods.

In this blog post, we will highlight the benefits of ergonomic office chairs. If you or the employees in your office are experiencing back pain, ergonomic office chairs are highly recommended. Some of the benefits that we will focus on include:

• Posture support
• Enhanced productivity
• Reduced pain
• Increased blood circulation

Let's get started.

Enhanced Productivity

There is a direct link between back pain and productivity. If you have ever experienced back pain, you will understand this. One survey on the impact of back pain on productivity in the office found that chronic back pain contributes to more than 16 minutes per day of work lost to pain.

People who experience back pain may notice that it is heightened while sitting in an uncomfortable chair for a prolonged time. Additionally, the act of sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours at a time can directly lead to back pain. With an ergonomic office chair, employees are able to focus on work tasks rather than debilitating pain.

Posture Support

Poor posture can be defined as a body position that is non-neutral or asymmetrical. Signs of poor posture include rounded shoulders, back pain, muscle fatigue, and headaches.

There are a number of possible causes of poor posture, including having a sedentary lifestyle. If you work in an office and sit in front of a desk, you may be prone to slouching or sitting in a reclined position. 

Regular office chairs that lack basic ergonomics help to reduce a natural posture so that a person is able to sit comfortably without putting any strain on their back or neck. In addition to using an ergonomic office chair, it is advised that you ensure that your computer is positioned at the correct height (eye level, so that you are not putting strain on your neck).

Increased Blood Circulation

Sitting for long periods at a time may also lead to poor circulation throughout the body as well as pooling of blood in the legs and excessive pressure in the veins in the lower extremities. This can lead to vein diseases, such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. 

One relevant study found that sitting for prolonged periods is bad for circulation, regardless of a person's overall fitness or health. Today, the average Canadian is sedentary for an average of 9.5 hours per day.

It is recommended that a person takes frequent breaks while working; standing up and taking a brief walk help to combat the negative impacts of sitting for long periods. In addition, using an ergonomic office chair will help. It's important to properly adjust your seat to match your height and to sit at a 90-degree angle to allow proper circulation in the legs.

Reduced Pain

An ergonomic office chair promotes an improved posture that allows proper alignment through the:

• Shoulders
• Spine
• Hips

This type of office chair is specifically designed to reduce stressful forces on the body and maximize back support while working.

An ergonomic officer chair's headrest is designed to support the shoulder and the neck, while the backrest is designed to support the spine's natural curve. Additionally, adjustable armrests allow a person to use a mouse and keyboard without experiencing muscle fatigue in the arms and shoulders.

Sitting in a hard chair that is not specially designed for office workers can also result in hip pressure. An ergonomic chair is fitted with sufficient padding to reduce stress and pressure on the hips. Whether you have experienced pain as a result of prolonged sitting or are keen to prevent pain, an ergonomic office chair is highly recommended.

Employee Adjustability

We're all different and we all come in different shapes and sizes. The adjustability that is possible with ergonomic office chairs is one of their biggest advantages.

A regular chair that is not adjustable cannot be expected to be comfortable or suitable for someone who weighs 55 kg and is 5"6 inches and, at the same time, someone else who weighs 90 kg and is 6"4 inches.

An ergonomic office chair allows for key adjustments to match the specific user. These adjustments include seat depth, adjustable armrests, seat height, and back recline. 

In this way, an ergonomic office chair is designed for all users and is guaranteed to fit employees' body types and workspaces. What's more, ergonomic chairs undergo testing to ensure that they are safe to use, offering you peace of mind while you are working.

Understanding the Benefits of Ergonomic Office Chairs

In total, it is estimated that 1 in 8 Canadians report chronic back problems that have a major impact on their quality of life. 1 in 3, meanwhile, say that they experience back pain that is sufficient to limit their work and daily lives. If you are one of those who suffer from pain as a result of sitting for long periods of time at work, an ergonomic office chair is an excellent option.

Here at Simplova, we work with businesses across Canada to improve the comfort, productivity, and overall happiness of employees. Our ergonomic office chairs are not only functional, but they are also stylish and affordable.

To learn more, contact our friendly team today. We look forward to speaking with you.