SIT SMART, WORK WELL: 4 BENEFITS OF AN ERGONOMIC CHAIR YOU CAN’T IGNORE
Melissa, a designer at a local design firm in Atlanta, has been working at the firm for almost 2 years. At only 24 years old, she finds herself scheduling a few too many chiropractic appointments for someone who considers themselves a healthy person. One evening, as she plugged away on a project, Melissa caught herself constantly readjusting in her office chair. A moment of self-awareness struck her as she realized the discomfort she was experiencing. Her chair was the culprit. Whether you find yourself working in a home office, a flexible coworking space, or your favorite Starbucks, the common denominator here is sitting.
While the act of sitting may seem straightforward, it involves a complex interaction of bones, muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves. Even when we “sit still” our bodies are constantly moving. So, while the act of sitting is natural, maintaining one seated position for a long time (like the traditional office task position) is not. When we sit in forward leaning positions we place a massive stress on our bodies, particularly the lumbar area of the back and spine - (sound familiar?)
So why question the chair you’re sitting in? What sets a better office chair apart from the ones readily available on Amazon? The answer lies in the term "ergonomic," a buzzword that has been steadily gaining traction in the commercial furniture industry. In short, ergonomics is the study of people in their working environment. An ergonomic chair is designed with the explicit goal of removing discomfort and promoting optimal well-being.
In a world where the consequences of sedentary work are increasingly evident, an ergonomic chair serves as more than just a comfortable seat. It becomes a proactive measure to protect against the toll of prolonged sitting, offering a solution to the physical strain that many, like Melissa, experience. As conversations about ergonomic practices grow, picking your workplace office chair isn't just about convenience—it's a commitment to your employees' health.
Consider these top four features in the DNA of an ergonomic chair when contemplating your next seating choice:
1. Natural Balanced Movement:
An ergonomic chair is designed to promote natural and balanced movement while seated. Traditional chairs may force the body into fixed positions, leading to discomfort and stiffness. The Mirra 2 chair strikes a delicate balance between support and flexibility. Its Butterfly Back design ensures optimal spinal support, while the flexible seat and back adapt harmoniously to the user's movements. Reflecting Millerknoll's commitment to sustainability, the Mirra 2 is also an environmentally conscious choice for conscientious workplaces. Building on its past as the first office chair made with the environment in mind, Mirra 2 keeps the eco-friendly design going by using and reusing materials better. When redesigning Mirra, Studio 7.5's rule was simple: "every molecule counts."
2. Total Spinal Support
Designed with the natural curve of the spine in mind, this support helps prevent slouching, minimizes the strain on the lower back, and reduces the risk of developing back pain. Millerknoll's Embody Chair stands at the forefront of ergonomic innovation. Its pixelated support system adapts dynamically to the user's movements, promoting healthy posture and minimizing discomfort. It is known for pressure distribution, natural alignment, and support for healthy movement.
3. Dynamic Fit:
Ergonomic chairs are designed to support you through all your twists and turns, no matter the shape or size of your body. For example, the Aeron chair, an enduring symbol of ergonomic excellence, has evolved with the times under the Millerknoll banner originating in 1994. Having a breathable mesh design and customizable adjustments, the Aeron chair provides unparalleled lumbar support for a wide range of body types. For more than 30 years, MillerKnoll has been perfecting Aeron so that it’s good for your body as well as for the environment. It’s the chair that moves forward.
4. Flexible to use in different settings:
From comfort during group settings, to dedicated workstations, the chair accommodates sitting styles and postures with little to no adjustment to provide support for both short and long-term sitting. The Generation chair is designed to cater to the needs of modern, dynamic workstyles. With its adaptive flex back and intuitive adjustments, the Generation chair supports natural movement, empowering users to stay comfortable and engaged throughout their workday.
Are you ready to take control of your posture through a better sitting experience? Explore the ergonomic chairs and discover the mixture of design, comfort, and well-being.
Schedule a showroom tour to sit in various ergonomic chairs and find the perfect one for you and your space.
