When it comes to furnishing a work environment, the solution is never “one size fits all”. Every type of worker and work setting comes with a specific set of needs, and taking this into account can result in better comfort and productivity.
Seating basics
Although seating needs differ, all chairs that will be used for hours at a stretch must provide proper lumbar support. Sitting for hours on end in a seat that doesn’t support the natural “S” curve of the back can result in back ache and, eventually, spinal damage.
Also, a chair needs to fit your body’s proportions or be able to adapt to them.
If you have short legs, you’ll want to ensure that your seat has a “waterfall edge”, in that it dips slightly where the backs of your knees are. This will reduce strain on your knees. If your legs don’t otherwise reach the ground, it’s a good idea to use a footrest.
If you’re sitting in front of a computer most of the day, armrests are essential to reduce strain on your shoulders and wrists. The ideal is armrests that can be raised or lowered to suit your needs.
Executive office furniture
Especially for meeting and boardrooms, executive office furniture is ideal. However, although high-back chairs look professional, don’t be fooled into thinking they’re right for every office situation. Typically they’re good for meetings and long periods of reading because they have high backs with shoulder and head support. However, they don’t provide the best support for those working on computers or writing at desks.
Home office furniture
If you’re furnishing your home office, chances are you need only one or two chairs, so don’t be afraid to splash out a little. However, also don’t be tempted just to buy the chair with the largest price tag. Consider the unique layout and design of your workspace, as well as the way you work, and choose a chair that will really suit your needs. For example, find a chair that fits properly under your desk and then choose a fabric for it that matches with the existing interior design of your office.
Secretarial seating
A secretary typically moves around a lot, for example swivelling between faxes, printers, computers and telephones, or moving between offices to deliver and retrieve documents. For this reason, a secretary’s seat should have strong wheel casters, allow easy swivelling and be on a surface that makes it easy to slide the chair around. Operator chairs, Midback chairs and meshback chairs are all popular choices for secretarial seating.
Considerations for start-up businesses
When furnishing a start-up business, it may make sense to start small. However, make sure that if your business expands, you’ll be able to order more of the same seating so that you can preserve whatever branding or stylistic decision you’ve made. Accordingly, it’s important not to order a line of office chairs or fabric that’s from a limited run.
Cubicle office furniture
Cubicle office workers tend to stay in front of their computers for extended periods, so it’s vital to ensure that their chairs provide good lumbar and leg support. A good midback chair with lumbar support and leaning capability is a popular choice. Another factor to consider is that meshback chairs allow air flow and may keep cubicle workers cooler.
At K-Mark we offer a wide range of office chairs which are made to order and are tailored to your individual requirements.
