In an office environment, ergonomic chairs are an important investment for companies looking to protect their employees’ health and productivity. They are designed to support the natural posture of the body while reducing stressful forces that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. The best ergonomic chair brands provide multiple adjustments so that each person can fine-tune their seat for optimum comfort and productivity.
The main advantage of ergonomic office chairs is that they can significantly reduce or even eliminate back pain. Back pain is typically caused by slouching or sitting in a position that places stress on the lower spine, which can compress the vertebrae and cause discomfort. The best ergonomic chair brands will have adjustable features, such as lumbar support, that help to prevent this type of pain.
Other ergonomic chair features include adjusting the tilt of the seat and the angle of the back. A tilt adjustment is particularly important because prolonged periods of sitting with an uncorrected tilt can cause the pelvis to shift from its normal position, which can put stress on the hips and knees and create discomfort. The best ergonomic chairs also come with a headrest and armrests to further alleviate shoulder and back tension.
Lastly, the height of the seat pan and the seat back should be adjustable to ensure that each person can get their feet flat on the floor and their thighs are at a 90-degree angle with the knees. This helps to keep the legs from becoming stiff and can improve blood flow, which can prevent leg and foot fatigue.
There are a number of other features that can make an ergonomic chair more comfortable, but they don’t necessarily contribute to good posture. These additional features may include a back that’s tiltable, a reclining seat, or a sliding mechanism to adjust the distance between the chair and the desk.
An ergonomic chair is a must-have for anyone who spends most of their workday in an office. In addition to reducing back pain and fatigue, it can also help improve posture and boost productivity by promoting good habits. A poorly made ergonomic chair, on the other hand, can lead to back and neck pain and poor posture, which can ultimately affect productivity.
To select the best ergonomic chairs we consulted a panel of experts who reviewed each chair’s setup, comfort, lumbar support, and adjustability. We then narrowed the selection to the 10 models that met our criteria. This included chairs that were affordable and easy to assemble, but did not skimp on ergonomic features. We rounded out the list with a few fun add-ons, such as cup holders and massage features, that may not be necessary for all users but are still helpful. For more information on the best ergonomic chairs, visit our ergonomic chair buying guide. Jamie Weissman is a commerce editor with two years of experience covering home products. She ranked each chair for its comfort, setup, lumbar support, adjustability, and design.