If you have bought commercial furniture recently, or at least done research whilst considering what commercial office furniture to buy, we are almost certain that one of the terms you will have come across as you did so is ergonomics.
It is a word that will conjure up all kinds of images in different people.
Some think it is related to economics, whilst others have queried whether it is a term from a science fiction movie.
Those who have seen it written within information relating to office furniture think it might have something to do with muscles and bones, and that is closer to the truth.
If you enter the word ‘ergonomics’ into Google you will see that the definition is that it is a branch of science that studies human abilities, limitations, and also their efficiency at work.
With that definition, you might be questioning how that has anything to do with the office furniture you wish to purchase for your business, and it is an excellent question.
A general answer to it would be that the results of the research and studies that are done under the umbrella of ergonomics are what influence and are applied to the design of many office furniture products, especially those that humans frequently use, such as office chairs.
Good Ergonomics And Office Chair Design
One of the results that most interest business owners that follow ergonomics is how it will benefit their business.
The key to this is, whilst their business will benefit, it is the immediate benefit to their employees that ergonomics most influences.
Having employees who can sit comfortably, have fewer stresses on their bodies, and feel energised throughout the working day, for example, will mean greater productivity, a happier workforce, and fewer sick days lost through ailments such as back trouble.
Business owners can ensure that these benefits and more come to pass by purchasing office furniture which its manufacturer confirms has been designed by following ergonomic principles.
Some examples of the features you can expect to find on an ergonomic office chair include:
- Seat width can be adjusted
- Seat depth can be adjusted
- Seat height can be adjusted
- Seat tilt can be adjusted
- Seat arm height can be adjusted
- Seat back has enhanced lumbar support
- Lumbar support can be adjusted
- Chair allows for improved posture
- Chair has a headrest that may be adjustable
- Seat material is thick, soft, and breathable
- Seat can swivel
- Chair is mobile (i.e. Has wheels)
Not every office chair that claims to be ergonomic will have all of these except the very best.
However, at a minimum the seat height and depth should adjust, there should be sufficient lumbar support, and the office chair should be mobile.
Risks Associated With Office Chairs With Poor Ergonomics
If the office chairs you purchase for your employees lack most of the features we have listed above, and little is done within your company to promote good ergonomics, then several negatives are a possibility.
In particular, your employees might be susceptible to one of the common injuries that are known to be greatly influenced by poor ergonomics These include:
- Raynaud’s Disease: A repetitive strain injury affecting the hand. Symptoms include swelling and numbness in fingers and toes.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This affects the median nerve in the forearm and can lead to weak wrists and hands, numbness, and considerable pain.
- Lower Back Issues: Caused mainly by bad posture, the main symptoms are strain and pain in the lower back muscles.
- Tendonitis: Another repetitive strain problem that can affect tendons attached to your joints such as your wrists, elbows, and knees.
- Ganglion Cysts: These are jelly-like and form on joints that have been overused causing swelling and inflammation.
We trust that as an employer you would not want any of your employees to suffer from any of these ailments, from both a personal perspective and from a business point of view.
Thankfully, they can all be avoided by ensuring that the office chairs your employees use are ergonomic and thus provide sufficient levels of support and comfort as they work each day.