A lot of our customers ask, "What is an ergonomic chair?" They often want specifics of the term itself, asking, "What does 'ergonomic chair' mean?" While the term has become ubiquitous, there is still often confusion about what it means. For some, it conjures images of kneeling desks and exercise balls used to fight lower back pain. While these devices can be ergonomic, the term itself is more expansive and covers a broader idea of a workspace designed with specific intentions. In this article, we discuss what an ergonomic chair is while outlining what is the best ergonomic office chair for you.

What Does "Ergonomic" Mean?

Use of the term "ergonomic" didn't really make its way into culture until the 1950s but saw its peak usage in the 1990s and early 2000s. As office work has become more widespread, ergonomic chairs and furniture have found their place in offices and workstations worldwide. Broadly defined, ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the work environment and the work being performed. In other words, it studies how humans work best in a given environment — such as an office — and applies design and engineering to boost productivity.

Ergonomics is intended to help the worker find the most efficient way to perform their work. When it comes to the office environment, that generally means designing office chairs and workstations to promote comfort and eliminate distractions.

So, What Is An Ergonomic Chair Exactly?

In a personal sense, an ergonomic chair is one that has been designed just for you. Whatever provides you with the most comfort while providing good lower back support will assist you with completing your work efficiently (since you’ll spend less time finding that single comfortable position). That could mean anything, including headrests, reclining functions, adjustable height, back support, proper cushioning and all things in-between. An ergonomic chair is a problem-solver. It looks at the problems being asked by the work you intend to perform and tries to eliminate unwanted variables. Increasing comfort and safety while promoting good posture are three of the most important elements of good, ergonomic office chair design.

What Is The Best Ergonomic Office Chair?

Ideally, the most ergonomic of chairs would be tailor-made and bespoke, customized to your specific height, weight and seating preferences. Unfortunately, an ergonomic chair of that nature could cost thousands of dollars and take a long time to manufacture. Most companies don't like to wait that long, so they tend to buy ergonomic chairs that have flexible designs with multiple points of adjustment. The best ergonomic chairs tend to beadjustable in as many ways as possible, so you can customize heights, armrests, backrests and seat positions, while providing good lower lumbar support. This allows businesses to order these standard, high quality chairs that employees can then calibrate to their comfort.

What Is An Ergonomic Workstation?

Similar to a chair, your workstation can also be used to promote healthy habits and provide more comfort while you work. Adjustable desks allow you to shift between sitting and standing,promoting good circulation without interrupting your workflow or interfering with your work. In addition to periodic standing, these desks also allow you to adjust the height of your workstation, which can improve your posture and eliminate slouching. For best results, you should combine an adjustable office desk with an ergonomic chair to maximize the benefits of both!

Elevate Your Work With Porvata Office Furniture

Increase your focus and creativity with Porvata's ergonomic and customizable office furniture. Our mission is to improve your ability to do the things you love through superior design and engineering. Our ergonomic chairs are designed for long-lasting comfort and support. Combined with one of our height-adjustable standing desks, you can improve your health, raise your comfort and boost your productivity. Browse our entire collection of standing desks and chairs today.

September 23, 2021