What to Look for in an Ergonomic Office Chair

So you’ve finally bit the bullet. Months into this massive, global work-from-home movement, the aches and pains you’re feeling in your body are telling you the couch where you’re working from, or the dining chair you sit on all day will no longer do. We hear you. But with so many form factors and price points available in the ergonomic furniture market, where do you start? What are some of the non-negotiables you should be looking for when picking out an ergonomic office chair?

First things first: think of this as a long-term investment. If you’re going to get the cheapest option out there regardless of features, you’re better off sticking with the makeshift furniture you’ve been using at home. Ergonomics is a time-tested area of study which has evolved and progressed through time, with the help of scientific research. The science-based advancements you see in proper ergonomic office chairs may cost money, but it’s money well spent. Profession Alan Hedge, a renowned ergonomics researcher from Cornell University once said, “when ergonomics is an integral part of basic job and workplace design and not an afterthought, it's no more expensive to choose a good ergonomic design for a workplace than to choose a bad design.”

So how do you distinguish a good ergonomic office chair from ones that aren’t? Experts advise to look for the following features:

Breathable Mesh

Mesh material on your chair doesn’t just look good – it keeps the air flowing from the back. This feature helps prevent moisture and body heat build-up, giving comfort for long hours.

Adjustable Seat Height and Rest

Different folks, different strokes, different heights and body types. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to ergonomic seating, getting a chair that allows the most adjustments, especially with the seat height, head rest, and arm rest means you can configure your chair to be tailor-fit to your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask which chairs will work best for your height. Since a huge part of ergonomic design is ensuring you’re at the right height, the ergonomic office chair that works for you will be one that can be adjusted so that your feet are planted firmly and comfortably on the ground, while you sit with your back straightened.

Lumbar Support

By nature, the lower portion of your spine curves inward toward the stomach. Lumbar back support is one of the must-have features in an ergonomic office chair, because it fills in the gap between the lumbar spine and the seat, supporting your back's natural inward curve. Good lumbar back support means the muscles that surround your spine don't need to work overtime to keep your spine naturally curved. Reducing spine fatigue, lower back support relaxes the body and eases strain on the lower back, enhancing the natural S curve of the spine while you are seated.

Multifunction Headrest

A multifunction headrest ensures you’ll be able to position your head and neck comfortably, at whatever height you are. Proper support for the neck eliminates the stress on neck disks when sitting for long periods of time.

3D Armrest

Your dream chair’s armrests must be adjustable, moving up and down, left and right, back and forth. The best armrests provide comfortable support for the arms even in various postures, providing the most comfortable sitting position for every body type.

Manufactured by ergonomic specialists and to ISO guidelines, the Ergoal One has all the abovelisted features and more. Offering high-end ergonomic office chair features at a mid-range price tag, you’re going to wonder how you lasted so long working from home without it.