Of all the items of commercial furniture that you may purchase for your business, government department, educational establishment, or health facility, it is the office chairs that should have the most attention paid to them when selecting.
As it is the office chairs that individuals will be using for more hours than any other office furniture, and thus will have the most impact on their physical well-being, choosing office chairs should not be done on a whim, nor purely at the lowest cost.
It beggars belief that business owners and those responsible for running an organisation that employs office workers are blinded to the fact that better quality chairs designed to provide those who use them the most comfort and support, will benefit that business or organisation through fewer sick days, a happier workforce, and increased productivity.
Compare and contrast that by getting office chairs on the cheap which are poorly designed and offer little of the benefits that a quality office chair would.
This can lead to unhappy workers whose productivity drops due to them being uncomfortable and ultimately lead to them having time off work due to muscle problems or issues with back pain.
So, it follows that choosing office chairs needs due consideration, and to help you we have outlined no fewer than fifteen points to contemplate regarding office chairs that you should assess as you research which office chairs to purchase.
#1 – The more ways in which an office chair can be adjusted, the better it is for those who use it. Look for adjustable height, depth, width, arms, and headrests.
#2 – Select office chairs that have different dimensions to suit those you employ that likewise have different sizes in terms of their height, weight, and stature.
#3 – Try to avoid office chairs with fixed backrests. Instead, look for those that offer an adjustable backrest and built-in lumber support.
#4 – Another adjustment that will allow more than one employee to use an office chair is the seat depth or slide as it is sometimes called.
#5 – Make sure that the load capacity of the chairs you purchase is sufficient to accommodate those employees who weigh more than average.
#6 – Do not overlook the importance of the material and upholstery on the chairs with particular reference to their comfort and ease of cleaning.
#7 – A key consideration when selecting office chairs is whether they will be used by a single individual or multiple employees within the office.
#8 – Ensure that you consider employees who have specific health requirements or disabilities and that any office chair purchased for their use is suitable.
#9 – The specific tasks within the office should be taken into account. For example, office chairs for meetings will differ from office chairs used in a call centre.
#10 – Office chairs with armrests are preferable as it minimises the strain on elbows and wrists. Those with adjustable or cushioned armrests, or both, are best.
#11 – Office chairs with wheels or castors allow users greater movement and therefore they have less need to stretch for items.
#12 – A rule of thumb is always to give precedence to the comfort and functionality of the office chairs you purchase rather than their aesthetic value.
#13 – Be aware that colour can influence moods. So, if you are buying office chairs with colours do some research on colour psychology before choosing.
#14 – Check the warranties offered by the office furniture company you buy your office chairs from. The longer and more comprehensive they are, the better.
#15 – If your business or organisation is environmentally aware, you should check with your office chair suppliers as to disposal and recycling options.
