When looking at state-of-the-art office chairs, it may well be difficult to imagine that there was a time when a chair wasn’t much more than a glorified stool. The addition of a backrest changed one piece of furniture into something completely different.
In this article, we’re looking at the evolution of office chairs.
Nonetheless, that’s by no means where the development of these fundamental features of every furnished office halts. It’s at this point where the evolution of the once humble seat begins its transformation into what would eventually become a fit-for-purpose office chair.
It seems that some evolution of the office chair is thanks to Charles Darwin, one of mankind’s greatest scientists. When not out in the field collecting specimens, he was a man who undoubtedly spent countless hours and much of his life at his desk, studying the changes in and progression of umpteen biological species and writing his theory of evolution.
Apparently, Darwin sought a way to move around his workplace without leaving his seat. To overcome this inconvenience, he removed his armchair’s original legs and replaced them with four cast-iron legs, obtained from a bed. The iron legs were already fitted with castors.
Thereafter, he didn’t waste time by leaving his chair to move around, thanks to his almost accidental invention of this innovative chair design – a step further towards the creation of ergonomic seating solutions.
American president Thomas Jefferson required more mobility from the seat at his desk. He, assisted by a carpenter, invented a model with a swivel function, yet another phase of designs that would lead to ergonomic seating solutions, specifically for the workplace.
An office chair is no longer just a seat upon which to park one’s bottom in order to work harder and for longer periods. Much more is required from contemporary office chairs, ideally ergonomic comfort and support in all the correct places, which are invariably linked to numerous other body parts.
In our context at Quantum Office Furniture, a leading wholesale supplier of cutting-edge seating appointments, ergonomics refers to one of numerous sources’ definition – “the study of people and their working environments, especially done in order to improve effectiveness”.
People who are comfortably accommodated in a workplace, which features furniture that is ergonomically designed, are typically more efficient and productive, and are far less prone to developing aches, pains, and health conditions caused or exacerbated by furniture which fails to enhance proper body posture and support when seated.
Comfortable office personnel are able to focus on their tasks and perform productively, without excessive need for time off work because of aches and pains incurred at work, which is a win-win for all concerned. Nevertheless, an optimal seated posture also depends on how one sits.
Here are a few guidelines on how to sit while working to avoid aches and pains:
Read more about Office Chairs’ Role Enhance the Workplace Experience here.
Here are a few elements that can be adjusted for ergonomic reasons:
In a study conducted by a firm of solicitors in the United Kingdom, researchers concluded that approximately 600 000 workplace injuries occur there annually. Of these, a significant number may be caused by the ongoing use of obsolete furniture designs, particularly chairs.
It’s well worth your while to invest in these ergonomic seating solutions for a formal and home office. Get yours now at Quantum Office Furniture. We have various ranges on offer. Now is a good time to obtain your chair, undoubtedly soon to become your favourite seat.