Office workers can spend 8 hours a day or more sitting at their desk. Despite this fact, most people have no idea how to adjust the various mechanisms under their chair. They’d rather just “put up” with poor posture and uncomfortable positioning rather than learn a handful of handy seat hacks.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of adjusting your office chair for maximum comfort and ergonomic support.
Adjust the Seat Height
The first and most fundamental adjustment is setting the seat height correctly. Follow these steps to achieve the proper seat height:
- Stand in front of your chair and adjust the seat height so that the seat pan is just below your kneecaps.
- Sit in the chair with your back firmly against the chair back.
- Adjust the seat cylinder (gas lift) to achieve a position where your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are at a close to 90-degree angle.
Adjust the Seat Pan Depth
Often overlooked but highly important, adjusting the seat pan depth can significantly impact your comfort. Here’s how to get it right:
- Sit back in the chair.
- Slide the seat pan forward or backward to find a position that leaves a gap about the size of your clenched fist between the front edge of the seat cushion and the back of your knee.
- Lock this position in place to ensure the correct seat pan depth.
Adjust the Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is a critical feature for maintaining proper spine alignment. Follow these steps to adjust it correctly:
- Locate the adjustable lumbar support on the chair.
- Position the lumbar support so that it fits snugly in the natural curve of your spine, typically at the small of your back above your belt line.
- Adjust the height of the chair back and lumbar support simultaneously to find the most comfortable and supportive position. Alternatively, some chairs offer independent adjustments for these features.
Adjust the Arms
Properly adjusted armrests can alleviate strain and pressure in your upper back and shoulders. Here’s how to adjust them:
- Position your arms comfortably at your sides.
- Adjust the height of the armrests so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when typing.
- If your chair offers depth-adjustable or pivotable armrests, customize their position to match the width of your body for optimal support.
Adjust the Headrest
If your chair comes with a headrest, optimizing its position can provide additional support and comfort:
- Ensure that the headrest is present and height-adjustable.
- Adjust the headrest to a height that provides adequate support to your head and neck, especially when reclined.
- A well-positioned headrest will help keep your head at eye level with your computer monitor, reducing strain on your neck.
Don’t Ignore the Discomfort
Remember that adjustability is key to the effectiveness of an ergonomic chair. Ignoring these adjustments can lead to pain and health issues in the long run. Taking the time to fine-tune your chair to your body’s needs will result in improved comfort, better posture, and enhanced productivity during your work hours. Your body will thank you for the extra care you put into setting up your ergonomic workspace.
OLG Supports You
As one of Australia’s leading office furniture wholesalers, we do everything in our power to support our resellers. For a full list of everything we can do, check out How OLG Can Win You a Deal.
Stuck for ideas? Or maybe you just want an office furniture wholesaler that you can rely on. Give us a call on 02 8188 2732 or send us an email so we can discuss some options.
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