Humans were not built for sitting hunched in front of a computer screen for hours - and that’s something we are spending more and more time doing. According to the Guardian, back pain affects 60 per cent of adults and costs British industry an estimated £5 billion a year.
If you are self employed or spend all day sitting in front of a computer your posture can have a big impact on your productivity and well-being. Investing in a new chair for could be a wise move in 2008.
At Index Office we stock a wide range of office furniture. We have a selection of seating designed for office workers who spend all day sitting at a desk. On our site you will also find a range of much luxurious Management Seating for those who want to treat themselves for the new year!
There are lots of factors to bear in mind when choosing a new chair. One of the main things to think about is adjustability – the chair needs to fit your body shape. The Spine Health site have some very useful information:
1.Elbow measure - First, begin by sitting comfortably as close as possible to your desk so that your upper arms are parallel to your spine. Rest your hands on your work surface (e.g. desktop, computer keyboard). If your elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, adjust your office chair height either up or down.
2.Thigh measure - Check that you can easily slide your fingers under your thigh at the leading edge of the office chair. If it is too tight, you need to prop your feet up with an adjustable footrest. If you are unusually tall and there is more than a finger width between your thigh and the chair, you need to raise the desk/work surface so that you can raise the height of your office chair.
3.Calf measure - With your bottom against the chair back, try to pass your clenched fist between the back of your calf and the front of your office chair. If you can’t do that easily, then the office chair is too deep. You will need to adjust the backrest forward, insert a low back support (such as a lumbar support cushion, a pillow or rolled up towel), or get a new office chair.
4.Low back support - Your bottom should be pressed against the back of your chair, and there should be a cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly so that you don’t slump forward or slouch down in the chair as you tire. This low back support in the office chair is essential to minimize the load (strain) on your back. Never slump or slouch in the office chair, as that places extra stress on the structures in the low back, and in particular on the lumbar discs.
5.Resting eye level - Close your eyes while sitting comfortably with your head facing forward. Slowly open your eyes. Your gaze should be aimed at the center of your computer screen. If your computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze, you need to either raise or lower it to reduce neck strain.
6.Armrest - Adjust the armrest of the office chair so that it just slightly lifts your arms at the shoulders. Use of an armrest on your office chair is important to take some of the strain off your neck and shoulders, and it should make you less likely to slouch forward in your chair.
Index Office are UK based stationery suppliers with a head office in Nottingham. We stock a huge range of cheap stationery, stationery wholesale and office equipment. Please visit our Online Stationery Store to see our full product range. We are currently offering free delivery on all UK mainland orders over £25
