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For all the attention we give the shiny electronics we face at the desk, a lot less attention gets placed on where we’re sitting. Those of you with back problems or ergonomic concerns, however, know just how important an office chair can be for your health, productivity, and comfort. And while standing desks offer a solution, not everyone can stand all the time. So when the time comes to pick a new office chair, it’s definitely worth your time to investigate, find the best office chair options, and decide which works best for your office situation.
We have a few suggestions for you below, but before you begin we encourage you to think about your budget: Good office chairs are not cheap, and you should have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend before you jump in.
Herman Miller Embody – $1,269
Herman Miller is known for its line of elegant showy chairs with ethereal names – but that doesn’t mean these chairs are overhyped – they’re simply some of the best office sitting options around. Embody is carefully designed to encourage a relaxed sitting position that still leaves you alert – and you can change up to six different angles and levels to find the posture that’s just right for you. The covering is made from a textile that’s designed to breathe easily and keep you cool even after hours of work. If you or your business are interested in sustainability and eco-friendly buying choices, you’ll also be glad to know that this chair is manufactured via renewable energy and is itself 95 percent recyclable.
The downside here is, of course, the high price tag. While over $1,200 may be a steep cost for an office chair, we like to remind people that they will spend a big portion of every day using it, like a bed or a sofa. In other words, sometimes it’s worth paying more to ensure comfort and health.
Steelcase Gesture – $1,000
Gesture was made after extensive research into how people sit today, with our many office technologies at hand. It appears to be different from past studies of office ergonomics, because our devices are literally changing the way we sit. Gesture is designed to compensate for those changes, and includes a back that can automatically adjust to spine movements, as well as unique arms that can fold, expand, and move to accommodate alternative sitting positions. The foam padding is supplemented by pockets of air for more comfort as well. This is an especially good pick for a home office or a more relaxed work environment where you are just as likely to turn to your phone or tablet as to your computer. Note that prices will vary a bit based on the color you choose – it’s an inventory thing that’s common with office furniture like this.
Ergohuman – $600
This much more affordable office chair is ideal for more limited budgets – but don’t worry, there are still lots of customization options to use, including 8 adjustments you can make to angles, heights, and tilts. This chair also has a mesh seat – which is a great options for hotter officers and is typically more durable than many other materials that are susceptible to moisture damage. There are also plenty of environment accolades for this 97 percent-recyclable chair, including Greenguard indoor air quality certification.
Note the adjustable headrest as well. Headrests have gone out of style for most office chairs these days, but they can be useful for taller people or simpy prolonged working sessions.