Many employees don’t think twice about the chair they sit in every day for hours on end. Employers often purchase the same chair for everyone. However, office chairs are not one size fits all. They are the exact opposite. A six-foot-two employee is not going to find an ergonomic fit in a chair that works for a five-foot-two employee. Height and weight are the two biggest factors that should affect your chair choice. If you haven’t put much thought into your chair before, keep reading to learn how you can find the best fit for you.

Seat Height

In a correct seated position, your feet should be able to touch the ground fully with a 90-degree bend in your knees. Check your leg placement the next time you’re in your office chair. Adjust the seat height if needed until your legs are in the correct position.

• If you need to add height to your chair, you might be able to get away with a seat cushion. The Adjustable Seat/Back Cushion comes with removable foam inserts to allow for customization.
• Footrests can provide the platform your feet need if your feet don’t touch the ground in your current chair. The Workrite Height Adjustable Rocking Footrest automatically adjusts with your movements to correctly support your feet.

Seat Depth

Another chair characteristic that factors into your ability to place your legs in the correct position is seat depth. You should be able to rest against the back of the chair while still having a few inches between the back of your knees and the end of the seat. If your feet dangle over the floor even after adjusting your seat height, you might have a chair with the wrong seat depth.

Lumbar Support

Lower back pain is common among employees who sit for hours at a time. Even using the correct seated position can’t relieve all of the stress that sitting puts on your spine. That’s why many office chairs come with built-in lumbar support. If yours does not, consider a back cushion that supports the natural curve of your spine. The Better Back Lumbar Cushion attaches to your current chair with an elastic strap.

After inspecting your office chair, adjust. In some cases, it’s as simple as lowering your seat height or adding lumbar support to your backrest. If a simple accessory or adjustment won’t do the trick, switch chairs with a coworker. Your chair might just be better suited for someone else in the office. Lastly, invest in a new chair that meets your requirements.

Ergo Works® in Palo Alto, CA is your ergonomic expert. Whether you need ergonomic accessories or one of our services, contact us. We can help you create a safe and healthy work environment. Our team was developed to combat ergonomic concerns among heavy computer users. Schedule any of our three levels of Ergonomic Evaluations to begin your ergonomic health journey.