There's no shortage of data and personal experience linking comfort, health, and productivity, but many people continue to rough it out for the sake of not doing anything different. Just because you can get the job done without enhancements doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement, and improvement can start with proper furniture and equipment. Here's an overview of ergonomics and productivity to understand how much better an office can be with the right balance of comfort and work ethic.

What Are Ergonomic Products?

Ergonomics are more than just a sales tagline and fad, although some companies may take advantage of the term. At the office level, ergonomics covers the efficient and comfortable way to use equipment and work at your station without causing damage simply by doing your job.

The study and trend exists to combat spinal malformation problems, carpel tunnel, cramping, and other problems that stem from extended, repetitive working conditions in a bad posture. It isn't just about forcing good posture or claiming to cancel out related pain problems 100%; a few passive improvements can greatly reduce office pain and discomfort, which can lead to more productivity as fewer pain medications and medical treatment for these casual injuries are needed.

The Office Chair And Its Major Health Support

For many workers, a major part of the day is spent sitting down. Sure, some work spaces can facilitate standing desks and other types of workstations, but for the many businesses and satellite offices the need a standard fit, look to innovation at the office chair level first.

Comfort and productivity can be built into the chair, but you have to know what you're looking for. The chair needs to support a posture that is less likely to lead to spinal form problems, nerve pinching, joint discomfort, and overextended limbs.

The back of the chair is the first area to consider. It needs to be flexible, but firm enough to guide your back into a position that may not be perfect posture, but at least not at a radically awkward posture that leads to spinal disc positioning problems as the years go by.

Mesh chairs with a specific curve design are great for this, because the flexible fit is still guided by a wave-shaped frame. Your body may push the standard shape of the chair further back, but the wave shape of the frame compensates for the difference.

Lumbar support is another important part of office chairs. This usually comes in the form of a round pad or bump near the bottom of the chair, which forces your lumbar area (an abdominal area, with bending just above the waist) to stick to a more natural inward curve instead of allowing the back to curve outward.

Contact an office furniture professional for desks, chairs, cabinets, and other pieces to keep your comfort and productivity as high as possible.