Office Chairs

Guide Note: Office Chairs, sometimes known as task chairs, are used for sitting at a desk or a computer work station. In the late 1800s, as the number of clerical and administrative jobs increased, chairs that allowed the user to swivel and roll were developed to improve productivity by reducing the time and energy expended in standing and walking around. As the number of people working in offices increased, the design and comfort of office chairs has improved, especially with the emergence of the study of ergonomics in the 1970s.

Fast Facts:

1. Range in price from $50-$500
2. Most can turn 360 degrees
3. Non-conventional uses: chair soccer, chair races
4. Size of office chair often indicates the users' status
5. Can be made of: leather, foam, plastic, or various other synthetic materials

Selecting an Office Chair: Look for the following features:

• 1. Casters and a five-point base
  2. Supportive seat pan with tilt and sliding mechanisms
  3. Armrests that are adjustable in both height and width
  4. Comfortable and adequate back (lumbar) support
  5. Adjustable seat height, tilt and recline

Different types of chairs are more appropriate for different body types, so it is important to thoroughly test an office chair before purchasing it. As with any other product, a higher price tag often reflects higher quality and increased longevity.

Safety Tip: Regardless of how comfortable one's office chair may be, remaining in a static position for long periods of time is hard on the body, especially the back. Try to get up and stretch for a few minutes at least once an hour to reduce back strain and prevent repetitive stress injury.