Working from home can be isolating and difficult. Even the most diligent employee can find it hard to stay focused when they work from home. Having a dedicated home office can help, but a lack of visual stimulation can also make working from home more challenging than working in an office. Working from home is not for everyone some people thrive on structure and find it beneficial to go into an office each day.
Others discover that working from home allows them to be more productive by eliminating commute time and other distractions of going into an office every day. If you’re currently working from home or thinking about making the switch, here are some things you should look for to choose a great chair for your home office that will boost your productivity, alertness, and overall happiness during work time.
A Chair that Supports Good Posture
The best chairs for home offices are the ones that encourage good posture. When you slouch in a chair, you put a strain on your muscles and joints. Poor posture can also lead to headaches, neck pain, and even back pain. A good way to make sure you’re sitting up properly while working from home is to use the 90-90 rule. This means that your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your hips should be at a 90-degree angle as well.
Using an ergonomic chair can help support good posture and prevent injury. A well-designed ergonomic chair typically has adjustable lumbar support, meaning it can be customized to fit your back. It should also have a headrest and armrests, which are also important for good posture. And while many ergonomic chairs are adjustable, it’s important to be careful not to mess with the settings while you’re sitting in them.
A Chair for Visibility
Next, consider a chair that allows you to be fully visible while you’re sitting. Sometimes, the best chair for home offices is one that allows you to stand up and move around. Depending on your job, you might have to respond to phone calls, emails, and other people’s requests. For these types of interactions, a chair that can be easily moved out of the way can be advantageous.
A chair that allows you to stand up, move around, and sit back down again without too much interruption can help you stay more efficient. You don’t have to spend time looking for a chair that will allow you to respond to people and then go back to sitting.
A Chair that Doesn’t Squeeze your Legs
If you work from home in some capacity that involves a lot of sitting, you need to make sure that your chair isn’t squeezing your legs. The pressure from a chair that’s too tight can lead to serious health issues. A chair that’s too narrow can also put too much pressure on your lower back, which can lead to chronic pain. This is why you should try to select a chair with a wide seat.
A wider seat will distribute your weight more evenly, helping you avoid any potential health issues that come with a narrow seat. A wide seat will also help you maintain good posture, preventing you from slouching and putting too much pressure on your back.
A Chair with Arm Support
A chair that has arm support can help you stay alert and focused on the work you need to get done. A chair that supports your arms and shoulders is important for minimizing the pressure placed on your lower back throughout the day.
A chair with arm support will help keep your forearms and elbows at a 90-degree angle, which will help you avoid putting too much pressure on your lower back. A chair that supports your arms can also help you maintain good posture and prevent you from slouching.
A Chair that Supports Back-Sitting Position
Finally, the best chair for home offices is the one that supports a back-sitting position. You might not spend every minute of your work day sitting at a desk, but you probably spend hours sitting in a chair. A good chair will support a back-sitting position, which means it will keep your spine straight and in a natural position so that you don’t feel any pain. A substandard chair can put unnecessary pressure on your lower back and lead to pain. A good chair can help prevent pain and discomfort.
Final Words
Ultimately, the best chair for your home office will depend on your particular lifestyle, work environment, and needs. If you work from home, it’s important to choose a chair that is comfortable and promotes good posture without being overly restrictive. And, as with any office chair, it’s important to maintain your chair and clean it regularly to avoid bacteria build-up, which can cause infection.