12MAY
One of the key aspects of office ergonomics is the chair you sit in everyday. Choosing the correct and suitable ergonomic chair for employees has proven various and direct benefits to productivity and wellness. An ergonomic chair is one that eliminates physical problems such as strains and discomfort caused by the extended use of a normal chair. Ergonomic chairs optimally provide the needed support for the body when sitting at a desk taking into account back support, comfort, and mobility. An ergonomic office chair also features several adjustable pieces so that it fits each user individually, allowing everyone to sit at their own standards of comfort. On the other hand, an inadequate normal chair can have a severe impact on employees’ physique and as a result their productivity and work effectiveness.
Like any other piece of office furniture, a chair will eventually need to be replaced. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your chair or not, here are 3 signs to keep an eye out for:
1. Damaged chair
If your office chairs are cracked, ripped, or collapsed into pieces, it’s about time to find a replacement. Armrests, knobs, and levers that adjust seat height and backrest are examples of loose or non-functioning components that are commonly overlooked. If any of these components no longer allow adjustment of the chairs to support a correct posture, it’s time to look for new desk chairs.
2. Lifespan
After some time, the structural stability and the value of the furniture deteriorate to the point where they can no longer be saved. The average lifespan of an office chair is five years. If you’ve had an office chair for that long, regardless of its condition, it’s time to replace it. The reason is simple, the chair has seen it all in five years. And while it may not show it, it is just a matter of time and the chair’s condition will fall off very quickly. Rusted joints, loose bolts, and loosened metal parts that are not visible to the naked eye could also cause harm to the user.
3. Outdated design
While this doesn’t signify a pressing reason to replace your office chair based on function, industry norms do change, and you’ll need to adapt and keep your office space up to the market trends. All of today’s greatest ergonomic chairs feature some degree of flexibility and strong spinal support, while most of the old chairs were designed to be comfy at the time, and the absence of today’s ergonomic trends almost renders them obsolete.