The Mechanics of Office Chairs

 

Ergonomic office chairs are a staple aspect of a modern office space and are necessary for employees to stay comfortable throughout the workday. Most office workers are used to working eight or nine-hour days, and without a suitable office chair, this can start to cause discomfort. Good office chairs are a necessary investment, yet how office chair mechanics work remains a mystery for many people.

A supportive office chair is important, and Furniture At Work offers a range of ergonomic and modern office chairs including leather, mesh, and executive models.

Seat Height

Office chairs are constructed around a single-acting cylinder, which is a spring filled with air. This cylinder is connected to a piston, which moves into the cylinder when the lever is operated. The piston compresses the air to move the seat up, and when the piston is removed, the air decompresses and the seat lowers.

Adjustable seat height is crucial for user comfort, as it encourages proper posture and prevents workers from slouching at their desks. The ideal seat height should allow workers to place both feet on the floor, whilst comfortably resting their hands on the surface of the desk.

Adjustable Tilt and Tilt Lock

The tilt mechanism is the most important aspect of an office chair recline or rock function. A chair’s tilt is usually controlled by a large knob or lever underneath the seat. Operating the lever or knob increases or decreases the amount of force that is required to make a chair recline. Tilt lock uses either a bar or pin to lock the tilt in a certain position, allowing users to adjust the recline depending on the task at hand. For example, an upright position can be helpful for desk work, but reclining can be more comfortable during long meetings.

Lumbar Support and Back Height Adjustment

Any ergonomic office chair that is worthwhile should have adjustable lumbar support. The lower part of the spine naturally curves inwards, and lumbar support is designed to support this area of the back by filling in the gap between the spine and the chair. When correctly positioned, lumbar support should enable users to keep their pelvis, shoulders and ears aligned, whilst supporting the spine’s natural curvature.

Adjustable lumbar support and back height adjustment are commonplace on modern office chairs. A knob on the chair’s frame is a common adjustment method for lumbar support. If a chair does not have built-in lumbar support, this can be added with a curved cushion that simply fits to the back of the seat.

The height of the back of an office chair is usually adjusted with a ratchet method; this simply lifts the backrest up and locks it into position.

The Importance of Having a Good Office Chair

Workers can spend up to forty hours a week in the office, with the majority of this time being spent in their office chair. If the chair is not suitable, it can cause a variety of problems both in the long and short term.

Investing in a good office chair can have benefits for happiness, health, and productivity. Furniture At Work offers a broad selection of office chairs, including mesh, fabric, computer, and executive chairs, with models suitable for both home and office working.

Freedom of Movement

Modern, ergonomic office chairs will allow staff to move around their workspaces freely; this will make it easier for workers to communicate and collaborate. Wheeled office chairs can also be easily moved into meeting or conference rooms as and when required.

Encourages Good Posture

Good quality office chairs tend to include features such as height adjustment and lumbar support, all of which encourage staff to sit correctly during the day. These features will allow each employee to adjust their chair to suit their own needs, ensuring every worker is able to sit comfortably.

Poor posture can lead to physical complaints such as neck, back and shoulder pain, which can cause low morale alongside other problems. Maintaining good posture can boost endurance and concentration during long office days.

Longer Lifespan

Investing in a good office chair as opposed to the cheapest model brings the benefits of a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance requirements. Regularly replacing broken office chairs is not only an unnecessary cost, but is also a serious inconvenience for both employees and employers.

Professional Image

Workplaces full of old, battered office chairs can appear unprofessional to prospective clients and other visitors. Investing in good quality office chairs not only creates a happy environment for employees to work in but can also give a professional first impression to visitors.

Shows Appreciation

At the end of a hard day’s work, employees like to feel valued. Every member of staff needs to feel comfortable during the workday, and investing in modern, ergonomic office chairs can encourage this. By making the health and comfort of employees a priority, offices can become more productive.

 

Guide to Office Chair Lifespan

Office chairs are one of the most crucial pieces of office equipment. With many workers spending up to forty hours a week in the office, office chairs are prone to a great deal of wear and tear. Therefore, understanding the lifespan of a chair and how this can be optimised will ensure a good return on investment.

Furniture At Work offers a wide range of office chairs, including leather, mesh, fabric and executive chairs. 

When to Replace an Office Chair

Fabric Chairs 

Fabric chairs tend to be hardwearing and prove to be a good return on investment. The material copes well with daily use but can start to look aged quicker than some other types of chair. Upholstered fabric chairs can easily suffer tears and may start to look sunken in the middle. They are a durable choice, but if retaining that new appearance for as long as possible is crucial, it might be worth considering a different type of office chair. 

Leather Chairs 

Leather is a sturdy material that will last and retain its new appearance for longer. The lifespan of leather office chairs can also be extended by treating the leather regularly. Leather chairs that are well looked after could easily last for more than ten years. 

Top Tips for Looking After a Leather Chair

Mesh Chairs 

Mesh chairs have a sleek design and are incredibly lightweight, but they are not as durable as some other types of office chair. Mesh can start sagging quickly, and whilst there are durable mesh chairs available, this tends to come at the expense of comfort. 

How To Extend the Life of an Office Chair

Signs a Chair Needs Replacing 

One of the most telling signs that an office chair needs replacing is if it is showing obvious signs of damage, for example broken wheels or damaged components. If a chair is showing signs of damage, it is unlikely to be able to perform its usual functions, and it is time to look for a replacement. 

Over time, the seat cushion of an office chair will flatten and become less comfortable. Once this happens it is worth considering looking for a new office chair, as the cushion plays a crucial role in preventing back pain. 

Everyone is unique, and some chairs are just not comfortable for some people. This is a common complaint when people buy an old chair from a friend, or start a new job. Taking the time to pick out the ideal chair will provide a wealth of benefits in the long term.