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Selecting the Perfect Office Chair

In selecting the perfect office chair considering individual needs for suitability, support, and comfort. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to chairs. Standard chairs may only fit the average person's height and build, so it's crucial to have a variety of seating options that cater to different sizes and types of work.

Whether you're setting up a new office space or making ad hoc purchases, it's essential to select chairs that meet a range of individual requirements. The right chair and setup from the start can save time and money in the long run by preventing injuries and enhancing productivity.

Here are some things to think about when selecting and purchasing chairs:

  • Look for chairs with adjustable features to suit various individuals.
  • Consider different chair options for small, average, and tall workers, paying attention to seat pan dimensions and backrest height and design.
  • Opt for chairs with adjustable backrests and built-in lumbar support for added comfort during prolonged sitting.
  • Seat slide adjustments may incur additional costs but can accommodate more workers, especially in shared workspaces.
  • Ensure the chair's load capacity exceeds the individual's weight, with standard adjustable chairs typically rated up to 120kg.
  • Consider the upholstery material's suitability for the environment and ease of cleaning.

Consider who will be using the chair and how it will be used:

  • Will multiple workers share the chair, such as in hot desk arrangements?
  • Does the user have any disabilities or health requirements that necessitate specialized ergonomic chair assessments?

When it comes to armrests:

  • They're optional purchases that can provide forearm support and assistance when sitting and rising from the chair.
  • Armrests should be height adjustable, offset to allow close desk positioning, padded for comfort, and easily removable if they hinder desk access.

Finally, check the warranty coverage, service availability, and disposal options for retired chairs to ensure efficient and responsible chair management.

Chair feature

When required

Seat pan depth – too long

A short statured worker will not be able to sit back into the chair and use the back rest if the seat pan is too deep.
Clue: worker may be seen ‘perching’ on the front of their chair.
Tip: look for petite or small chair / seat designs.

Seat pan depth – too short

A tall worker will not have adequate thigh support if the seat pan is not deep enough.
Clue: there may be more than four fingers of gap between the chair and back of knee; worker may be sliding out of their chair or complaining of back pain.
Tip: look for seat dimensions with a depth of more than 500mm or add a seat slide to increase the depth more subtly.

Seat pan with a greater width than average

Workers with wider hips than average.
Clue: worker may be sitting on the edges of the seat pan.
Tip: look for large seat specifications. May also need to consider customised seat pan design that can accommodate shorter workers with wide hips so that the chair fits the worker generally.

Extra seat height adjustment in the gas lift and extra high back rest

Very tall workers that need to sit at a higher than average desk height to accommodate their height. Tall workers need to have backrests that support the length of their spines to at least the top of their shoulder blades.
Clue: workers sitting too low at their desks or complaining of spinal pain in the middle of their back.
Tip: look for extra high back chairs with extended gas lift features.

Heavy duty chairs designed to tolerate above 120kg body weight i.e. 140kg to 200kgs+

Workers over 120kgs.
Clue: worker reporting that the gas lift is not working efficiently, or chair stem support and wheelbase breakages are occurring.
Tip: let workers know what the load capacity is on the chairs available at your workplace. Ask them to nominate what weight range they may require (e.g. load capacity up to 140kgs or 160kgs).

Chairs designed for greater than an 8-hour shift use

Monitoring room workers and security officers
Clue: these chairs may require specific requirements like arm rests and head rests depending on the tasks performed while sitting in the chair.
Tip: maintenance and replacement may be required more frequently given the amount of use.

Chairs designed to work at desks above standard office desk height

Work performed at high benches such as laboratories or at a front counter
Clue: how much getting on and off the chair the worker does during the shift.
Tip: look for draft chairs with foot rings that are wide enough to safely assist the worker and have the gas lift excursion to raise the chair adequately to the working surface.

Seat coverings options to suit the work environment needs

‘Clean’ sterile work rooms or ‘Dirty’ environments such as workshops and some industrial setting.
Clue: need to clean and remove surface contaminants easily including castor wheels.
Tip: look for vinyl or leather if chairs need to be wiped down regularly.

Reference: Selecting and adjusting your chair

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