The average corporate worker spends approximately 2 000 hours or more at work each year and for many, the majority of this time is spent at their desk or workstation. This usually means a disproportionately large amount of time spent sitting during the day. If the process of choosing an office chair is not treated with consideration, it could lead to long-term complications, such as back pain, headaches, and loss of concentration.
Here are nine important tips to consider when buying the ideal office chair to help support the wellbeing of your team and your business:
Your employees should be your main concern, which is why setting a budget is so important. While you want to give them the best, you also have to consider what it is you can spend. Then, see what the best is you can do with that budget to ensure that each employee is looked after.
Not every office chair is created for the same purpose. Some designs have slight differences to make it more suitable for specific functions and environments. Examples of these include draughtsman, executive, ergonomic and typist chairs. Consider the needs of your team when making your choice.
Ergonomics should be the main consideration when choosing an office chair. No two people are built the same, and seating positions also differ. Look for adjustable seating to accommodate the needs and wellbeing of each of the members of your team. Consider things like seat height to suit people of different heights, as well as desk heights and movable backrests to allow for proper support.
Even if an office chair comes with all the bells and whistles in terms of ergonomics, there is still only one way to truly evaluate how comfortable it is – and that is by sitting in it. Comfort is an essential feature. Moreover, an uncomfortable seat can lead to incorrect posture and difficulty focussing.
Chairs should be of a size that both accommodates the users, as well as fit the workspace in which they will be used. While adjustable seats can go a long way to work for a wide range of people of all shapes and sizes, it is worth noting whether there are special requirements in your team.
Providing seating for an entire office usually requires a substantial investment. You want to be sure that you choose wisely, even if it seems more expensive initially, to ensure durability and avoid the need to replace every chair every second season.
When cutting costs, padding is usually one of the first features of an office chair to be sacrificed. However, remember that people will be sitting on these chairs all day, every day. Proper padding provides comfort, supports ergonomics and promotes better blood circulation.
While function should be your first priority, form is just as important. The corporate image of your business relies on more than just your logo and marketing. Make sure the design style of your office furniture matches the image you want to portray, whether it is modern, futuristic, innovative, classic or corporate.
The market is flooded with lookalike products and unreliable suppliers. Make sure you partner with a reputable supplier with experience in the industry and a demonstrable track record to find the best quality furniture at the best prices.
Quantum Office Furniture is a market leader in South Africa and can assist with everything from the perfect chair to desks, accessories and even space planning. Contact us with any queries and to obtain a competitive quote.