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Five tips for more ergonomics at the workplace
For a long time, the topic of "ergonomics in the workplace" was not given enough importance. Companies focused primarily on increasing sales and more than let employee health slide. The result? Chronic back pain, tension and unmotivated employees.
Since employees are known to be the engine of any company, productivity suffers greatly from a lack of ergonomics. After all, without driving force, no performance can be achieved. So instead of asking staff to settle for the office's inventory, furniture should instead be adapted to the needs and requirements of employees. We'll show you how to make ergonomics a permanent part of your workplace with five simple tips.
The ergonomic office chair - The heart of ergonomics
At first glance, working at a desk seems very relaxing. However, a closer look reveals that a job in the office is not only a challenge for the mind, but also for the body. On average, employees spend around eight hours in front of a screen in the office. The constant sitting can become a physical strain - especially if the individual components of the office chair are not optimally adapted to the employee.
Seat height
The perfect seat height is individual and depends on your own height and comfort requirements. The majority of office chairs – such as the RECARO EXO, RECARO Nxt and RECARO Aer – has a lever on the underside of the seat that can be used to change the seat height if necessary. When adjusting, you should pay attention to the following points:
- The feet should have a firm footing on the floor
- Pelvis and knee must be in a perpendicular relationship to each other
- The back should be in contact with the backrest at all times
- If the arms are placed on the desk, the lower and upper arms should form a right angle
- There should be some space between the back of the knees and the front edge of the office chair
Those who do not trust their own sense of proportion can use a formula to calculate the seat height: Dividing the height in centimeters by the factor 3.72.
Seat
Anyone who can stand sitting on a chair for a long time is popularly said to have "seat meat". In fact, sitting for hours is no art if the seat is well equipped. Seat cushions with foam geometry prevent painful pressure points and ensure maximum comfort. Dimensionally stable multi-zone foam ensures optimum distribution of weight on the chair. In addition, the seat should provide sufficient space for the buttocks and thighs of the sitter.
Backrest
The right backrest can promote physical and mental well-being, increase concentration and lift the worker's good mood. Dynamic models mimic the body's movements to support the seated posture in any position. The sitter is pleasantly encouraged to maintain an upright and straight posture. Mobility is advanced and static, fatiguing sitting is prevented.
In addition, it is essential to choose an office chair with a backrest that matches your own measurements. If the length is not sufficient, comfortable sitting is not possible. The shoulders are located in the neck area, which automatically causes the worker to form a hump. In contrast, very small people on a standard size office chair is not possible to rest the head on the soft head cushion.
Lumbar support
The lumbar support picks up on the natural S-shape of the spine and pushes the upper body into an ergonomically correct sitting position. The correct position of this component relieves the lumbar spine and protects the intervertebral discs. To achieve this goal, the backrest must be adjusted so that the lumbar support is directly level with the iliac crest. This is the case when the waistline is reached.
A large number of office workers tend to set the backrest too high, as this is perceived as comfortable. However, with a little patience, one very quickly gets used to the lowering of the lumbar support.
Synchronous mechanism
The synchronous mechanism is the epitome of dynamic sitting. In contrast to the static office chair, the backrest and seat follow the movements and thus guarantee a natural posture. The body is nourished by the lively alternation of tension and relaxation, pushing and pulling movements, loading and unloading. These dynamic processes are underlined by a modern synchronous mechanism.
Like the other components, the mechanism must be adjusted to the weight and length of the upper body. Correct parameters are achieved when you can lean without almost toppling over and straighten up without using your abdominal muscles.
Armrest
In outdated models, the height of the arm lengths is predefined. Modern versions allow individual adaptations. Proper adjustment of the armrest ensures that the shoulder girdle is freed from the weight of the arms. It is recommended to rely on a 90-degree angle between the upper and lower arms.
The desk - the ideal height for working
The desk also plays an important role in ergonomics at the workplace. Comfortable work is only possible if the arms can be placed at the famous right angle. This can be achieved with a height-adjustable desk. Furthermore, the height of the monitor must be adjusted to one's own sitting height. With the help of a monitor elevator, the screen can be aligned so that the eyes are at the same height as the upper edge of the display. This quickly puts an end to neck pain and shoulder tension.
The work surface - enough space for the equipment
A desk has not earned the name "workstation" until it has a minimum depth of 80 centimeters and width of 160 centimeters. Screens should be positioned so that they are an arm's length away from the face. A minimum distance of 10 centimeters between the keyboard and the edge of the work surface should be maintained.
The environment - pleasant room temperature and lighting
In the UAE, sunlight is a powerful resource that requires professional management. In alignment with regional sustainability and the WELL Building Standard, natural light is essential for maintaining employee health and circadian rhythms.
- Solar Protection: Windows should be equipped with high-efficiency UV filters or "smart" tinting. This allows the office to benefit from natural daylight while eliminating excessive heat gain and blinding glare on monitors.
- Artificial Lighting: We recommend utilizing indirect, diffused lighting to minimize eye strain. Modern offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi increasingly favor tunable lighting systems that mimic the natural daylight cycle to keep energy levels high throughout the day.
Climate control in the UAE is governed by Occupational Health and Safety standards (OSHAD) and guidelines from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The primary goal is to create a stable environment that avoids "thermal shock."
- Optimal Temperature: Research confirms that peak productivity is achieved when temperatures are maintained between 23°C and 25°C. This "golden mean" prevents both overheating and the common issue of "office freeze" caused by excessive air conditioning.
- Humidity Control: Constant air conditioning often causes humidity to drop to a critical 20%. According to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standards, humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60%. This range protects respiratory health, reduces eye fatigue for screen users, and supports the overall immune system.
The soundscape - quiet for more concentration
The UAE’s business culture is built on active communication and social networking. However, high background noise in open-plan offices remains a leading source of workplace stress.
- Acoustic Thresholds: For offices requiring high levels of cognitive concentration, the recommended noise limit is 55 dB.
- Silence Solutions: The integration of sound-absorbing panels, acoustic partitions, and designated "quiet zones" allows for seamless communication without disrupting the focus of others. This is critical for meeting local workplace wellness and health requirements.
Why is ergonomics important in the workplace?
Ergonomics in the workplace has become a quality feature of employers. Measures such as the ergonomic office chair, a height-adjustable desk and a pleasant working environment allow office employees to realize their full potential and help their own company grow. In addition, the ergonomic workplace functions not only as a means of health promotion, but also as a preventive measure.
Feature text for the ergonomic office chair: nowadays, the ergonomic office chair is considered the secret weapon in the workplace. Designed with ergonomics in mind and adapted to the individual requirements of the employee, the office chair supports a natural sitting posture and promotes the productivity of office workers.
The optimal setting of your office chair
Stiff shoulder muscles, a tense neck and chronic back pain clearly demonstrate the importance of an ergonomic workplace. If the office furniture is not adapted to the needs of the employees, there is not only an increase in absenteeism due to illness, but the productivity of the company also decreases.
The ergonomic office chair in combination with a height-adjustable desk and monitor is the be-all and end-all of office equipment. With these aids at your side, back support and comfort are writ large. The only important thing is that you adjust the padded seat to your size and proportions.
How to adjust your office chair - step by step to an ergonomic workplace
It's not enough to have an ergonomic office chair. The seating must be adjusted to the physical conditions in order to reach its full potential. Adjustments should be made from the bottom up.
Sit on the chair and make sure you are centered and upright. Your heels and knee joints should form a line so that your lower legs meet the floor as perpendicularly as possible.
Adjust seat height
If the back rests against the backrest, you should still be able to place your feet firmly on the floor. It is important that the upper and lower legs form a right angle so that the hip angle is opened. In this position, the pelvis has more freedom of movement, which has a positive effect on the spine.
Adjust armrests to fit body and desk
Just a few years ago, armrests could only be adjusted in height. Manufacturers of modern office chairs know that the position of the arms plays a decisive role in ergonomics. For this reason, armrests can be adjusted in height and width. They should be lowered so much that the forearms form a 90 degree angle to the upper body. The shoulder and neck muscles are in a horizontal position. The distance between the armrests and the body depends on the individual width of the shoulder girdle. The arms are placed in close proximity to the torso and must be able to perform slight forward and backward movements without difficulty.
The suitable height and position of the backrest or lumbar support
Many office workers put themselves in a relieving posture because the backrest is not adapted to their own needs. The so-called lordosis support is important. This term refers to the strongest curvature of the spine. If it is found at the level of the iliac crest, the office chair is perfectly adjusted. This is the only place where there is enough surface area to adopt a comfortable sitting posture.
Adjust headrest correctly
The headrest can relieve the head, neck and back when it is optimally adjusted to the cervical vertebrae. Our RECARO Exo has two neck supports of different heights that relieve the cervical spine
Adjust office chair mechanism
Dynamic mechanism prevents the body from adopting a static posture and stiffening during the working day. When setting parameters, care should be taken to ensure that the chair follows the movements without falling backwards or tipping forward.
Optimal adjustment of the desk height
The height of the desk should not be underestimated. It should be in harmony with the office chair to promote mental and physical well-being. When working at the desk, it must be possible to place the arms at right angles on the table. This prevents chronic back pain and motivation problems.
Gaming chair or office chair - what are the differences?
According to studies, people sit for around 8.5 hours a day - on workdays. Sedentary work is becoming more and more prevalent in the working world. Unfortunately, our bodies are not designed to remain in a chair for hours on end. Although an upright position puts an even strain on the muscles, the constant stance ensures that the muscles tire quickly. In contrast, relaxing sitting postures often affect the intervertebral discs and spine and can cause painful long-term consequences.
While the majority of the working population is unwilling to change jobs, there are simple ways to make sedentary work more comfortable. With the help of an ergonomic chair, the muscular supporting apparatus is supported and overused, forced postures and overuse are avoided.
How does a gaming chair differ from an office chair?
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the home office established itself as the standard for many companies. With remote work, employees have the opportunity to complete professional tasks from home. However, without the right desk chair, countless employees lack the ability to sit.
It turns out that both the conventional office chair and a gaming chair are suitable for working. But what is the difference between the two?
- Structure: Gaming chairs are often racer-style, have a winged back, pronounced padding, and raised seat edges. Armrests, lumbar and headrests make gaming more comfortable. The office chair features a minimalist design: flat cushion, wingless backrest, fixed lumbar support and the armrests can only be moved up and down. A tilt lock prevents tilt adjustment.
- Settings: Our RECARO Exo and RECARO Nxt is characterized by four seating positions: Attack, Core Focus, Core Relax, and Recharge. The RECARO Aer offers Core Focus, Core Relax and Recharge. All RECARO Seats have a synchronous mechanism that lets you choose from the predefined seating positions – or you can enjoy the dynamic sequence of movements. This causes a sequence of backrest and seat in a ratio of 2:1 that follows the movement of the body. This automatically promotes dynamic, ergonomic and healthy sitting.
- Size:The wide range of body shapes is covered by the gaming chair. Namely, this type of chairs are characterized by a pronounced size and width. Office chairs usually come only in the standard size.
- Comfort:both types of chairs are designed for long sitting.
- Purpose:Gaming chairs focus on comfort and office chairs focus on productivity.
- Equipment: Office chairs are reduced to the minimum – this is all about comfortable sitting. Gaming chairs turn sitting into an experience. The iconic design, the multifunctional armrest with the soft touch pads and the eye-catching headrest evoke memories of motorsport.
- Design:The gaming chair wants to stand out and convinces with extravagant colors and unusual patterns. The models are more expansively designed and take up more space. The office chair, on the other hand, blends in perfectly with its surroundings thanks to neutral colors.
Can I use an ergonomic office chair as a gaming chair?
You should adapt the choice of chair to your preferences and habits. Whether an office chair or a gaming chair is suitable for you cannot be answered in general. If you mainly use the home office to work from home, then we will provide you with the RECARO Aer to the heart. The synchronous mechanism and the 5D multifunctional armrests promote comfort. On the comfortable seat, you can get through an entire working day without any problems.
If you're craving an unusual design and that classic gaming feel, you can turn to the RECARO Exo. The seat is inspired by motorsports and has an exceptionally comfortable bucket seat. Thanks to the four seating positions, the chair can be individually adjusted and ensures variety while gaming.
In general, both office chairs and gaming chairs are designed to help your back health. With an ergonomic chair, you can perform at your best at work and break new records while gaming.
Which is better - gaming chair vs office chair
There is no winner in the comparison. Both types are distinguished by positive characteristics and individual features. Besides the already mentioned differences between gaming chair and office chair, it turns out that the two seats agree on one point: ergonomics.
The chairs focus on good posture, which excludes one-sided loads, muscle weaknesses and aching bones. Thus, the neck cushion nestles perfectly in the transition between the head and back, while the lumbar support of the chairs supports the lower back. Luxurious padding promotes the seat flesh and prevents pressure points on the buttocks.
What should I look for when buying?
The market for gaming chairs and office chairs is wide-ranging - when looking for the right seat, consumers often don't know what criteria use. Here are some features that separate the wheat from the chaff:
- Settings: The chair should be designed so that both short and tall people can assume a comfortable and ergonomic sitting position. The upholstery, lumbar support, backrest and armrests must be aligned in such a way that the natural sitting posture is promoted and the back muscles are protected.
- Mechanics: Flexible coupling of the seat and backrest allows the components to move in fixed relation to each other. The synchronous mechanism provides support for the back and keeps the bone and muscle apparatus in motion.
- Assembly: The components must assemble smoothly and quickly.
- Care:materials should be easy to clean.
- Quality: High-quality processing of materials and individual components guarantees the stability and durability of the chair.
Conclusion: gaming chair or office chair?
Both the office chair and the gaming chair are suitable for long sitting sessions. If the seat was built with ergonomics in mind, it promotes back health and contributes to the well-being of the muscular and bone apparatus.
RECARO has a wide range of office chairs and gaming chairs. Thanks to decades of experience, we know exactly which aspects can support the sitting posture. Come by our webshop and convince yourself of our high-quality products and trendy designs!