Does Ergonomic Office Furniture Make a Difference?

If you’re going to spend tens of hours per week sitting in an office, you shouldn’t have to dread what happens when you take a seat. But here’s the thing: Traditional office furniture just doesn’t work for everyone. We’re all different shapes and sizes, meaning that one person’s perfect chair and desk setup would put a lot of physical strain on someone else. If you identify with the latter, it’s time to reconsider your setup (or to ask your employer to do so).

Have you ever looked at ergonomic office furniture, such as adjustable chairs and standing desks, and wondered if it really makes a difference? After all, you’re still sitting and working at a desk for much of the day. How much different could it be? There is a short answer: The little things this furniture can do for your body will add up over time.

How Ergonomic Office Furniture Works

What makes an ergonomic chair, such as a gaming chair, so much better for your body than a standard office chair? Think of it like buying a suit or a dress.

That outfit might look great on display—so great, in fact, that you pull it right off of the rack, check the tags to make sure it’s in your size, and buy it. But then you’ll put it on and notice something’s not quite right. It may be too tight, too loose, too long, or too short. And if it’s too short and/or tight, you’re going to be uncomfortable.

Or, you could avoid all of this by going to a tailor and getting something that’s actually sized or designed for your body and all of its curves. It’s a night-and-day difference for most people. Ergonomic office furniture has the same kind of effect, as it is chiefly designed to support the human body with comfort in mind. From chairs that fit your shape to desks and tables that are adjustable in height for sitting/standing workflows, there’s plenty of ergonomic furniture options that will help you feel better in body and mind.

Physical Health Benefits

Ergonomic office furniture adapts to you, rather than making you conform to a specific set of dimensions. When you have an office chair with built-in, adjustable support for your neck, back, arms, and posterior, you’re able to sit comfortably for longer periods of time without experiencing nagging pain or discomfort.

In the short term, that means you’re less likely to suffer muscle strains and pains. In the long term, this furniture can help improve your posture and circulation while reducing the risk of developing chronic medical conditions like sciatica. Who doesn’t like the idea of making fewer visits to the doctor or chiropractor?

Mental Health Benefits

You may notice the physical benefits first, but they’re directly linked to the mental benefits you can get from having ergonomic office furniture. It’s as simple as this: If you’re no longer experiencing constant pain from an uncomfortable office setup, you’re likely going to be less irritated throughout the day. And less irritation can help increase your morale—which can also help you get those creative juices flowing and boost productivity.

If your job requires sitting at a desk for more than a few hours a day, you could absolutely benefit from having ergonomic office furniture. And businesses in the Tampa Bay area can count on Ajax Business Interiors for a wide selection of new and gently used office furniture at prices that work in nearly any budget. Contact us today or stop by our 25,000-square-foot showroom in Clearwater to learn more.