Buying a good ergonomic office chair is only the first step. To get the most from it, the chair needs to be adjusted to fit you.
Many people sit in an adjustable office chair every day without ever changing the factory settings. A few simple adjustments to the seat height, seat depth, lumbar support and armrests can make your workstation considerably more comfortable.
Here are five easy adjustments to make before you start your workday.
1. Adjust Your Seat Height
Start with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs comfortably supported by the seat.
Your chair should be high enough that you can work at your desk without raising your shoulders, while still allowing your feet to be fully supported. If your desk requires the chair to be higher and your feet no longer reach the floor comfortably, consider using a footrest.
CCOHS recommends adjusting the workstation so the elbows are approximately at work-surface height and using a footrest when necessary.
Quick check: Your shoulders should feel relaxed—not raised toward your ears.
2. Set the Correct Seat Depth
If your chair has an adjustable seat slider, don’t overlook it.
Sit all the way back against the backrest. The seat should support your thighs without pressing into the backs of your knees. CCOHS recommends enough clearance between the front edge of the seat and the lower leg to avoid pressure behind the knees.
If the seat is too deep, you may find yourself sitting forward and losing the benefit of the backrest. If it’s too shallow, your thighs may not receive adequate support.
3. Position the Lumbar Support
Your lower back has a natural inward curve, and the chair’s lumbar support should help support that area.
Sit fully back in your chair and adjust the backrest or lumbar support until it fits comfortably into the curve of your lower back. The objective isn’t to push you aggressively forward—it should provide comfortable support.
A properly positioned backrest can make a significant difference, especially if you spend several hours at your desk. CCOHS specifically recommends a backrest shaped and positioned to support the lower back.
4. Adjust Your Armrests
Let your arms hang naturally at your sides, then bend your elbows to approximately 90 degrees.
Raise or lower your armrests until they lightly support your arms without pushing your shoulders upward. If your chair offers width, depth or pivot adjustments, use them to bring the arm pads comfortably underneath your forearms.
Your armrests also shouldn’t prevent you from getting close enough to your desk. If they do, lower or reposition them. CCOHS similarly recommends armrests that support the elbows without elevating the shoulders or interfering with positioning at the workstation.
5. Adjust Your Tilt—and Don’t Stay in One Position All Day
Many ergonomic chairs allow you to adjust the backrest tilt, tilt tension and sometimes the recline range.
Experiment with these controls rather than automatically locking the chair completely upright. Set the tension so you can recline comfortably while still feeling supported.
Most importantly, move throughout the day.
There isn’t one perfect sitting position that you should maintain for eight hours. CCOHS recommends allowing for changes in working position and incorporating opportunities to stand, walk and otherwise change posture.
A Good Chair Should Adjust to You
There is no single chair or chair setting that’s perfect for everyone. Body size, desk height, work habits and the type of work you perform all affect how your chair should be set up.
That’s why we recommend trying office chairs whenever possible rather than choosing one based on appearance alone.
At Choice Office Furniture, you can visit our Calgary showroom, try different chairs and have our team help you find a chair that fits you and your workspace.
Whether you’re replacing one chair for your home office or furnishing an entire workplace, we can help you compare different sizes, features and price points.
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Save on Heartwood & ICON Office Chairs
We’re currently offering special pricing on a selection of Heartwood and ICON office chairs. Whether you’re replacing one chair or furnishing an entire workplace, visit our Calgary showroom to try different models and let our team help you find the right fit.
Ergonomic reference: Recommendations in this article are based in part on guidance from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
