Want to get more out of your team without working them harder?
Your employees sit in their chairs more than they do anything else each day. Yet it’s one of the most neglected tools for productivity. Business owners spend grand on software/utilities … then place their employees in cheap chairs that hurt their backs by afternoon.
Here’s the problem:
A sleepy, achy employee isn’t an effective employee. Studies prove it – Employees are 15% more productive when using ergonomic chairs vs traditional office chairs.
That’s a huge difference for what is essentially a one-time investment.
In this blog we will discuss why ergonomic chairs are important for businesses and how to choose the correct one.
Let’s jump in!
Here’s what’s inside:
- Why Ergonomic Office Chairs Matter For Business
- The Real Cost Of Bad Office Chairs
- Top Features To Look For
- How To Choose The Right Chair For Your Team
Why Ergonomic Office Chairs Matter For Business
Ergonomic office chairs are no longer considered a “nice to have”. They are a legitimate business investment impacting your bottom line, staff retention, and more.
Here’s why:
Happy teams concentrate better. When they concentrate better, they create more. When they create more, your business expands. Seriously, it is that easy.
That’s just the beginning. Purchasing an ergonomic office chair for every employee promotes good posture, alleviates back pain and can prevent repetitive strain injuries that could sideline your employees for weeks. If you have employees who sit at a desk all day, that’s huge.
Let’s look at a real example…
One rapidly expanding accounting firm had an employee team that was always complaining about lower back pain. Sick days were on the rise and afternoon productivity was falling. They replaced their standard task chairs with ergonomic chairs. After 3 months sick days decreased, afternoon productivity increased, and employees stayed later because they didn’t hurt.
That’s the kind of result you can expect when you take seating seriously.
Better Health = Less Sick Days
Desk workers sit an average of more than 10 hours each workday. Here’s how that’s wrecking their bodies.
Lower back pain. Neck strain. Achy shoulders. It’s no joke. These are some of the things that have your employees calling in on Monday morning.
An ergonomic chair promotes your spine’s natural curve, relieving pressure on your lower back. Less back pain equals less missed days of work.
Stronger Focus And Concentration
When you’re uncomfortable, you can’t focus. It’s that simple.
Every time you shift in your seat or stretch your achy back, you are taking a micro-break from focus. Hundreds of micro-breaks will take days of productivity right out of your work day.
Ergonomic chairs take care of nearly all these distractions. Your employees can sit comfortably for longer periods of time, allowing them to concentrate better.
The Real Cost Of Bad Office Chairs
When most business owners see the price of an ergonomic chair that is of good quality, they assume it is too pricey. What they don’t realize…
The cost of NOT buying one.
Poor quality chairs are more expensive to businesses than quality chairs. Cumulatively, they add up in subtle ways that aren’t always easily quantifiable.
Here’s where the money leaks out:
- Lost productivity: Tired, sore staff produce less work
- Sick days: Back pain is a top reason for absence
- Staff turnover: Uncomfortable employees leave for better jobs
- Insurance claims: Workplace injury claims are not cheap
Chair height has also been associated with upper back pain among office workers. Poor chairs are a direct cause of injury.
Your team already knows their chair matters. The question is: are you listening?
Top Features To Look For
What features should you look for in an ergonomic office chair? Don’t fall for a chair just because it “looks” good. Functionality is important.
Adjustable Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is non-negotiable.
This rests against the curve of your lower back preventing you from slouching. An ergonomic chair will allow you to adjust the height and depth to your body.
Without it, your team will end up hunched over by lunchtime.
Seat Height And Depth Adjustment
Every body is different. A one-size-fits-all chair doesn’t fit anyone properly.
Look for chairs with:
- Pneumatic seat height adjustment
- Adjustable seat depth
- A seat width that suits the user
The feet should be flat on the floor with thighs parallel to the floor.
Adjustable Armrests
Armrests are overlooked often. However they can change the game. Height adjustable armrests are key. Armrests that can slide wider and narrower are great too. Armrests relieve the shoulders and neck from strain when typing.
Breathable Materials And Tilt Functions
A chair that holds in heat will feel uncomfortable very quickly. Mesh backs are extremely popular for this reason. They allow airflow which keeps you cool.
Remaining seated in the same position all day is bad for the body as well. Try to find chairs that have a slight recline and tilt. This allows the user to change positions throughout the day.
How To Choose The Right Chair For Your Team
You know what to look for now. Next, we’ll cover how to select chairs for your business.
Match The Chair To The Job
Different chairs are needed for different purposes. Someone who is constantly standing up and sitting down, like a receptionist does, does not need the same chair as someone who sits for 10 hours a day, like a software developer.
Think about:
- How long the person sits each day
- What tasks they perform
- Whether they need mobility or not
Test Before You Buy
Whenever possible try to sample furniture before you buy. Let your employees sit in it all day long. Chairs can feel fantastic for 10 minutes and pure torture at the end of the day.
Buy Quality, Buy Once
Cheap chairs fall apart. Invest in a good ergonomic chair. They’ll last years and save you money in productivity and lost work days. Just do it once. Do it right.
Final Thoughts
Buying ergonomic chairs is one of the best investments you can make. Here’s a brief summary:
- Ergonomic chairs boost productivity and reduce sick days
- Bad chairs cost more in the long run
- Look for adjustable lumbar, height, armrests and tilt
- Match the chair to the job and test before you buy
Your employees are your greatest asset. Treat them with proper equipment and they will treat your company right.
