The Adjustable Ergonomic Chair
What really needs to be adjustable on a chair?
- Chair Height
It is important for the user to be seated with their knees bent to 90 degrees and their feet sitting flat on the floor. For an individual who is 5’5 (and under) to sit at the correct height with their feet properly supported, a footrest is usually required when seated at a standard 29-inch desk.
- Backrest
The backrest needs to be able to adjust up or down to properly support the individual user. Having lumbar support within the backrest of a chair is great but if this lumbar support does not hit the user in the correct spot it defeats the purpose of it. Some chairs are available with custom lumbar positioning and/or air lumbar. A small percentage of the population that the standard lumbar position and height adjustable backrest do not properly support will require a custom lumbar position. Air lumbar allows the individual to inflate the lumbar support to the desired firmness.
The backrest should be positioned upright or slightly reclined. The individual should not feel like they are being pushed forward out of the chair or like they are lounging in a reclined position. The backrest position should help maintain a slight curve in the lower back.
- Seat
The user’s legs should be properly supported while they are seated. There should be approximately 2-4 finger widths between the back of the individual’s knee and the edge of the seat. The edge of the seat should not run into the back of the user’s knees, if this is happening it means the seat is either too long or (if possible) needs to be slid back. If too much of the user’s legs are unsupported while they are seated, either the seat is too short or needs to be slid forward. If the seat can slide forward and back this helps to eliminate the above issues for most people. There are ergonomic chairs available in different seat sizes from extra small to extra long and plus size.
- Arm Rests
Arm rests that can adjust vertically and horizontally are an important feature on an ergonomic chair. The user’s arms should be supported while they are typing and mousing. Armrests that can move up and down allow the user’s arms to be raised or lowered to the correct height. Arm rests that adjust in and out (horizontally) ensure the user’s arms can be supported close to their body while they work. The cherry on top is if they also swivel inward, this allows the arm rests to be positioned in the exact, or close to the exact, position the user requires.
Having an adjustable ergonomic chair is an important step toward creating an ergonomically correct working environment for your employees.
For assistance with selecting the right ergonomic chair for your employees let the experts at Apex help!