Depending on their job role and responsibilities, employees can spend a large amount of their working lives seated. It is thereforne no surprise that back pain is a common issue for office workers. It’s important that you provide them with the right types of office chairs to ensure that they are comfortable and avoid developing back pain and long-term skeletal and lumbar problems. The right chair can make a world of difference.
There are many options on the market, and it can be overwhelming to select a chair that adheres to legal regulations, fits in with the existing office décor, and is affordable. Before we go through the different types of chairs that are available, it’s important to outline what types of chairs you should be avoiding.
What constitutes a bad office chair:
- Bad design
If a chair has gaps and someone isn’t paying attention to where their fingers and thumbs are, they are at risk of getting trapped or injured. Not only is this dangerous for your employees, but it can also get you as the employer into trouble, not to mention all the paperwork you’ll need to do.
- Little to no adjustability
A chair should be adjustable to the height and spine curvature of the person occupying it. It’s also ideal to select a chair that has adjustable armrests and backrest tilts. If a chair has lumbar support, it should be adjustable so your employee can find the most comfortable seating position for them.
- Safety risks
One of the most dangerous things that could happen in the workplace is when a chair overturns or tips while someone is sitting in it. All it takes is for someone to lean too far back and a screw could come loose from the backrest, or the entire chair capsizes with the person in it. Opting for a chair with a mechanism that can adjust the recline to the weight of the person sitting on it can help keep these issues to a minimum, leaving you to focus on running your business safely and effectively.
- Uncomfortable
Some of the complaints people often report to their bosses as a result of uncomfortable seating include neck pain, back strain, and stiff muscles. A good-quality chair will often have built-in lumbar and neck support to prevent employees from slouching and developing poor posture. Also, adjustable armrests help to take the pressure off of their back.
While providing good-quality chairs for employees is a necessity and not a luxury, there are additional preventative solutions that you can encourage your staff to do. These include taking regular short breaks to move around and stretch their muscles, having the screen at arm’s length and level with their eyes, and looking after their mental health.
The Best Office Chair for Back Pain
The best office chair for back pain supports proper posture, reduces spinal strain, and enhances comfort. Here’s what to look for when choosing an office chair:
Key Features of Chairs for Back Pain:
- Adjustable Lumbar Support: Maintains the natural curve of the spine.
- Ergonomic Design: Includes adjustable seat height, armrests, and backrest.
- Recline Function: Reduces pressure on the lower back by allowing a slight recline.
- High-Quality Padding: Firm yet comfortable to prevent pressure points.
At SmartOffice NZ, we offer ergonomic office chairs designed to reduce back pain and enhance productivity.
Our Top Recommendations for ergonomic office chairs:
Mondo Java 3 Lever High Back
Features include:
- Three adjustable levers for seat height, back tilt, and seat tilt.
- High-density molded foam for extended comfort.
- AFRDI Level 6 and Greenguard certifications for durability and safety.
Roma 2 Lever High-Back Office Chair
Features include:
- Ratchet height-adjustable back and lumbar support.
- Customizable seat and backrest angles.
- High-density molded foam with multiple color options.
Buro Manta Mesh Back Chair
Features include:
- Breathable mesh back for airflow.
- Adjustable seat slide, backrest, lumbar support and optional arms
- Sleek design suitable for modern offices.
Supplying Affordable Ergonomic Office Chairs Since 1996
SmartOffice NZ has been a trusted supplier of comfortable and efficient seating solutions for decades. We make it easy for people to access all the options we have available on our website and filter them by price, workspace, and the types of office chairs they are looking for.
The types and features of our office chairs are:
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Mesh Backed:
Perfect for people who work in hot and humid conditions because the mesh keeps air circulating and the user well-ventilated.
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Leather Office Chairs:
Adds a touch of elegance to office or boardroom décor. They typically have thick padding that adapts to the shape of the user’s body to offer a level of comfort and support that can’t often be matched by other types of office chairs. With regular cleaning and maintenance, they can offer years of use.
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Executive Office Chairs:
Features high backs, armrests with padding, lumbar support, and a reclining mechanism for the comfort of the user. Some even come with a headrest. They’re often made with premium-quality upholstery that exudes authority.
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Conference Chairs:
Offers support and comfort required to ensure complete focus during presentations and conferences. They’re stylish, minimalistic, and designed to facilitate participant collaboration and interaction.
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Architectural Office Chairs:
Architects spend a lot of time seated to sketch designs or study blueprints. A specially designed chair will ensure comfort by helping the architect maintain a good posture and prevent muscle fatigue. It’s best practice to select a chair with swivel functions to enable them to be able to move around the room quickly and easily.
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Lounge chairs:
These are versatile options for a variety of activities, including relaxation during a rest break as well as informal meetings and brainstorming sessions. Even though they might not be used as frequently as desk chairs, it’s still important to choose a chair made for its user’s comfort. The seat and back parts of the seating should include generous padding to reduce muscle strains, promote good posture, and support their lumbar region.
Before you select your lounge chairs, make sure that you measure the space they will be placed in so you can be confident that they’re exactly the right size and shape. You don’t want to order your chairs and then discover that they’re too big for the available space! We supply a large range of lounge chairs to fit all spaces, and our experts can recommend the right seating for your areas.
Types of Ergonomic Office Chairs for Visitors
Choosing seating for visitors to your office is just as important as the chairs you provide for your staff. Your choice of chairs can make or break your visitor’s impression of the organization. Whether they are a potential customer, job candidate, or partner, your seating should provide comfort while reflecting your company’s professionalism. Uncomfortable, low-quality chairs may suggest to visitors that you don't prioritize their experience, which could impact their perception of your organization. While it’s not necessary to provide luxury seating, choosing well-designed chairs with adequate support and comfort will leave a lasting positive impression.
Here are a few options from our range that balance style and comfort for your visitors:
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Mondo Molti Visitor Chair:
This chair features a high-density foam-upholstered seat that is made for complete support and comfort and a mesh that will keep your guest cool and well-ventilated. It also includes removable armrests if you’re short on space, and it’s trendy enough to fit in with any office setup.
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Polo Plus:
This is great for stacking when you’re short of space and features a supportive seat and backrest with a strong frame.
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Buro Bella Guest Chair:
This chair can be height adjusted and has generous padding in the seat and backrest. It’s perfect for visitors to healthcare or aged care facilities.
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Jazmin Chair:
This seat has a curved backrest for back support and a waterfall-shaped seat cushion to promote good blood circulation in the knees.
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Max Tub 4-Star Swivel:
This is a trendy, eco-friendly seating solution with a recycled seat. The swivel function promotes easy and free movement around the office if required.
Why Choose Smart Office Furniture NZ for Office Chairs?
We make it easy to select the right types of office chairs from any location. We regularly update our range of seating options, so you’ll always have access to the latest ergonomic and aesthetic furniture at competitive prices. Check out our range today and ask our experts for their recommendations and advice on how to choose the right seating for your office.