If you work in an office environment and spend hours sitting, it can take a toll on your body.  And if your office chair isn’t suitable, it can affect your productivity and even lead to health issues like back problems. Experts agree it’s important to have an office chair that is well designed and encourages good posture.

With that in mind, we talked to Janet Goth, Director of Furniture at Mills Office Productivity to get her tips on picking out an office chair. Here are five things Janet encourages you to take into account.

1. Consider what tasks you will be performing when seated

Your type of work is an important consideration when choosing a chair.  Today most of us do a substantial amount of computer work but you may also spend time writing, reading (paper or screens), talking on the phone, etc.

Sitting casually in a chair for 5 minutes in a store does not represent your physical behaviour in your workplace.

2. Ensure the chair is comfortable and supports your unique physique

Standard chairs are designed to fit the average body type and have adjustments to accommodate short/tall and petite/large, etc.   Here’s a checklist for a proper fitting chair:

• Feet should rest flat on the floor
• Armrests close to the body and allow the shoulders to relax
• Back height adjustable & follows the shape of the spine
• Back of the chair comes to the middle or above the shoulder blades
• Seat edge allows 2-3 finger widths between it and the back of knee
• Seat height adjustable to match the height of the desk

3. Make certain chair adjustability is varied and easy

Most office chairs have height adjustments. But they should also have adjustments for arm width & height, seat and back angle, tension control, lumbar support, and seat depth.

You should become familiar with these functions and adjust them according to your task. Frequent adjustment helps with circulation and lessens body fatigue.

4. Ponder style and design

When choosing a fabric you should consider the ambient temperature and cleanliness of your office environment.  The fabric should be breathable in order to keep the chair from becoming hot after hours of sitting. As well, easy to clean upholstery may be required in a dusty environment.

Chair design is a consideration, but it should not take priority over functionality.   Low profile back, chrome accents, and mesh are some design elements that can be incorporated into a functional chair.

5. Decide on your budget

Although the average business person racks up approximately 1,900 hours in their chair per year, more money is spent on purchasing a desk than on a chair.  Given the amount of time in your chair, it only makes sense that it is comfortable and supportive.

There are a wide variety of chairs to fit every budget – getting the best chair you can afford is an investment in your productivity and long-term health.

To learn more about Mills Productivity, visit Mills.ca.