Modern Office Chairs

The most advanced ergonomic seating available offers unparalleled support and ends back stiffness and pain.

Most people who work in an office environment spend the better part of their work day seated at their desk. Even at home while using the computer we are seated at a desk. The importance of a well made, ergonomically designed chair cannot be underestimated. Modern office chairs are literally modern marvels. They provide adequate support and comfort to promote proper posture while seated. The familiar leather office chair can actually be dangerous for people who slouch in them at their desks for long periods of time. Many of the most reported cases of chronic neck and back pain can be, at least partly, caused by sitting in chairs that do not promote proper posture.

Companies that seek to increase productivity are learning that the high cost of some of the better made modern desk chairs is actually an investment in their businesses. If people are the number one asset of a business, then increasing their comfort and efficiency has a direct impact on business operations. Ergonomic seating strikes the right balance between comfort and support for the lower back, lumbar and neck which are the areas most susceptible to repetitive stress injury.

Contemporary office chairs that feature a fully breathable, durable mesh backrest that gives support while keeping you cool. The support for a mesh backrest is provided by a padded adjustable lumbar support. The seating area can also be made of mesh material as on the superb Herman Miller Aeron line of chairs or it can be made of a firm contoured foam cushion. Adjustable arm pads provide support on contoured cushions. The common, plastic framed chairs with a flat backrest that are offered at most retail stores are a bad investment and will lead to lower productivity and possibly even long term injury.

The basic things to look for in a truly ergonomic office chair are:
- support for the lumbar area of the lower back with a curved or adjustable backrest
- an adjustable seat height so the user can raise or lower the chair so their feet rest flatly on the ground
- full adjustable arm rests which lessen stress on the shoulders depending on seating position
- breathable material that doesn't increase surface body temperature and cause sweating

Herman Miller Aeron

The Aeron chair is widely regarded as the finest in ergonomic chair design. It's design is the result of intensive studies on the effects of long periods of sitting on the human body. One of it's most recognizable features is the absence of traditional cushions. Instead the seating and backrest area is covered by a patented flexible mesh material known as Pellicle. This revolutionary design became an instant hit due to its superior support and airflow which all but eliminated discomfort and sweating caused by sitting on cushions that trap heat. This material is designed to distribute pressure over a wider area meaning you can sit for longer periods without experiencing soreness or tingling. Herman Miller makes these chairs in different sizes so it is crucial to get the appropriate size. Another excellent, slightly less expensive chair is the Herman Miller Mirra which also features revolutionary materials and ergonomic design.

Steelcase Leap Chair

The signature feature of the Steelcase Leap chair is it's adjustable back support. Steelcase is a leading maker of modern office furniture and although the Leap chair looks like a typical office chair it's much more than that. It provides excellent support to the lower back with a firmness control which prevents slouching. The cushion material is designed to dissipate heat and allow air circulation. The adjustable arms on the Leap are unique in that they are adjustable up and down as well as side to side and they have a telescoping feature. There aren't many modern leather office chairs that offer the same features as the leather version of the Leap chair.

Office Star 3716 Space Professional

A less expensive alternative to the Herman Miller or Steelcase chairs, the Office Star 3716 still offers necessary ergonomic features. One of which is the breathable mesh material, reminiscent of the Aeron, that covers the back and seat. There is an adjustable lumbar support behind the mesh back. The seat function has a tilt tension adjustment, and pneumatic lift height adjustment.