Why Choose an Ergonomic Office Chair? The Benefits Explained

An ergonomic office chair can greatly improve your health, well-being, and productivity. If you often sit at a desk for long hours and regularly suffer from back pain and fatigue, it's time to seriously consider your workspace.

Why should you choose an ergonomic office chair? Here are the main reasons:

• Health: Reduction of back, neck, and shoulder complaints.
• Well-being: Support for a natural sitting posture and comfortable working position.
• Productivity: Ability to concentrate better and work efficiently through an improved working posture.

With these chairs, you not only get the best out of your workday, but you also take good care of your body in the long term.

An ergonomic office chair is specially designed to optimally support your body while sitting. The goal is to promote a healthy and natural sitting posture, thereby preventing back, neck, and shoulder complaints.

Ergonomic office chairs have various adjustable components to meet your personal needs. Here are some key features:

• Adjustable seat and backrest: You can adjust the height and angle to perfectly tailor the chair to your body.
• Armrests: These are adjustable in height and width, so your arms are well supported.
• Lumbar support: A good lumbar support supports the lower back and helps maintain the natural S-shape of the spine.
• Headrest: Some chairs have an adjustable headrest for extra neck support.

An ergonomic office chair is always equipped with an occupational health certification. The most important certifications are the NEN-EN 1335 and NPR 1813 standards:

• NEN-EN 1335: This standard makes the chair suitable for 95% of Europeans. It includes requirements such as a height-adjustable seat and backrest, armrests of at least 20 cm, and lumbar support.
• NPR 1813: Specially for Dutch people, because they are on average taller. These chairs have a greater range of height adjustment and a higher backrest.

An ergonomic office chair supports your back, neck, shoulders, and arms in the right way. This promotes a natural sitting posture and prevents you from slouching. Research shows that good posture is essential to prevent back pain and other physical discomforts.

"A correct sitting posture ensures that the shoulders hang less forward, which provides more relaxation and makes it possible to work without complaints for a long time." (source: Bureaustoel.nl)

One of the biggest advantages of ergonomic office chairs is the ability to adjust different components:

• Armrests: Adjustable armrests ensure that your elbows form a 90-degree angle. This prevents tension in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
• Backrest: An adjustable backrest helps to optimally support your back. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy S-curve in your spine.
• Lumbar support: The lumbar support fills the dip in your lower back, which is essential for a healthy sitting posture.
• Headrest: An adjustable headrest provides extra support for your neck, which is especially important during long workdays.

Ergonomic office chairs are designed to allow prolonged use without complaints. They help prevent:

• Back complaints: By providing the right support to the lower back and promoting the natural S-curve of the spine.
• Neck complaints: A good headrest and backrest reduce the strain on the neck.
• Shoulder complaints: Adjustable armrests ensure that your shoulders remain relaxed and are not pulled up.

"Many chairs are shaped to the correct sitting posture. The only thing you need to do is sit properly in your chair and let your back follow the lines of the backrest." (source: Backerz)

By taking advantage of these benefits, you can not only improve your health but also increase your productivity. An ergonomic office chair is therefore an investment in both your well-being and your work performance.

When choosing an ergonomic office chair, it is crucial to consider your body type and the time you spend sitting. Chairs with an (N)EN 1335 certification are suitable for 95% of Europeans, while the NPR 1813 certification is specifically designed for taller Dutch people. These certifications ensure that the chair is easily adjustable and comfortable for most people.

• NEN standardization: Suitable for 95% of Europeans. Important for standard office work.
• NPR standardization: Suitable for 95% of the Dutch population. Ideal for people with a taller stature.

Your tasks also influence which chair suits you best. Different tasks require different types of support and comfort.

• Office work: For everyday office work, a chair with good lumbar support and adjustable armrests is essential. Polyester with foam padding can be a good option here due to its comfort.
• Remote Work: Remote workers often need multifunctional chairs that are suitable for both work and relaxation. A chair with a dynamic seating mechanism and adjustable components can provide a solution.
• Gaming: Gamers often sit for long hours at a time. A chair with mesh upholstery provides good ventilation and prevents a warm back. Additionally, adjustable armrests and a good headrest are important.
• Medical environments: In medical environments, hygiene is crucial. Chairs with (synthetic) leather upholstery are easy to clean and last a long time. They are ideal for medical professionals who need to sit for extended periods.

"How long you sit each day also plays a role in the choice of a chair. For prolonged sitting, a chair with extensive adjustable features and good support is essential. Think of chairs that offer a seat angle of 90 to 110 degrees and have an adjustable lumbar support."

• Short sitting duration: A simpler chair with basic adjustment options may suffice.
• Long sitting duration: Choose a chair with extensive adjustment options and good lumbar support.

There are various chair mechanisms that can improve your sitting posture and comfort:

• Dynamic seat mechanism: This allows you to adjust the seat angle, which helps to reduce pressure on your lower back.
• Seat depth adjustment: Ensures that you have the correct distance between your knees and the seat.
• Backrest height adjustment: Allows you to adjust the backrest to your body height.

By taking into account your body type, type of work, the time you spend sitting, and the right chair mechanisms, you can find the perfect ergonomic office chair that promotes your health and productivity.

An ergonomic office chair offers many benefits, but only if it is properly adjusted. Start with the seat height. Make sure your feet are flat on the ground and your knees form a 90-degree angle. This prevents pressure on the back of your knees and ensures good blood circulation.

Many ergonomic chairs have a lumbar support that you can adjust. Whether it is an inflatable or adjustable lumbar support, make sure it fills the curve in your lower back. This helps to maintain the natural S-shape of your spine and prevents lower back pain.

Armrests are crucial for reducing tension in your shoulders and arms. Make sure your elbows form a 90-degree angle and that your forearm, wrist, and hand are in a straight line while typing or using the mouse. This prevents your shoulders from rising and helps you maintain a relaxed posture.

The right upholstery can also make a big difference. For intensive use and good ventilation, mesh is an excellent choice. For everyday office work, polyester with foam filling is comfortable and durable. In medical environments, synthetic leather is ideal due to easy cleaning, although it may feel a bit harder.

Make sure you sit close to your desk. If you sit too far away, you will work with outstretched arms, which creates unnecessary tension. This can lead to complaints in your shoulders and neck. By sitting close to your desk, you maintain a good posture and prevent yourself from leaning forward to see your screen better.

Use these tips to optimally adjust your ergonomic office chair and maintain a healthy working posture. In the next section, we will answer frequently asked questions about ergonomic office chairs, so you are even better informed.

For back complaints such as spinalis, hernia, or scoliosis, a good ergonomic office chair is crucial. These chairs support the natural S-curve of the spine and provide adjustable lumbar supports. This helps to reduce pressure on the back and prevent pain.

According to research, chairs for people with back problems should be height adjustable and have good lumbar support. A chair with NPR 1813 certification is often a good choice for the Dutch due to the extra adjustability.

When purchasing an ergonomic office chair, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Sitting Duration: The amount of time you sit each day determines which features are important. For long sitting hours, a chair with extensive adjustment options is essential.
• Body structure: Choose a chair that fits your height and weight. Chairs with NEN-EN 1335 certification are suitable for 95% of Europeans.
• Type of work: Office work, working from home, gaming, or medical environments have different chair requirements. Choose a chair that suits your work.
• Settings: The chair must have adjustable armrests, backrest, and lumbar support. This ensures that you can adjust the chair to your body.
• Chair mechanisms: Choose a chair with a synchronous mechanism for dynamic sitting. This promotes an active sitting posture and prevents complaints.

The Consumers' Association evaluates office chairs based on ergonomics, comfort, and price-quality ratio. A popular choice is the Backerz Motion Mesh office chair, which scores high on ergonomics and comfort. This chair has adjustable features and provides good support for prolonged use.

Use these guidelines to find the best ergonomic office chair that suits your needs and work style.

An ergonomic office chair is more than a luxury; it is an essential investment in a healthy workplace. By choosing a chair that optimally supports your body, you prevent back, neck, and shoulder complaints. This leads to increased productivity and an overall sense of well-being.

At Backerz, we understand the importance of an ergonomic workplace. Our chairs are designed with attention to detail, so you can work comfortably and healthily. Whether you work in an office, at home, or in a medical environment, we have the right chair for you.

"Invest in your health and productivity with an ergonomic office chair from Backerz. Your body will thank you."