How to Adjust Your Office Chair

Increased productivity, boosted motivation, happiness at work — we all know the value of a well-furnished and stylish home or commercial office. It’s easier to tackle a day’s work while sitting in a space that’s best suited to you. Getting it right lies in every detail, like choosing the best office chair for yourself or your employees That’s why Bush Business Furniture offers seating solutions that work for an office of one or dozens – always with an eye on affordability.

Working from the wrong office chair all day can lead to poor posture, sore wrists, neck pain, and a generally bad day at the office. That’s why we suggest an ergonomic office chair that can be adjusted for your body. 

Why Adjusting Your Office Chair Matters

Before leaning back and getting comfy in your new office chair, you’ll need to figure out the correct configuration.

Properly adjusting your work or home office chair is essential for a comfortable day at work. It can impact your posture, spinal alignment, and overall health and well-being. It’s hard to maintain focus on your tasks when you’re feeling physically unwell, be it from pain or discomfort. A comfortable office chair offers ergonomic features designed to reduce physical strain or discomfort. 

Unsure if you’re all set up as you should be? We’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to make sure you’re sitting up the right way and ready for the day ahead.

How to Adjust Your Office Chair: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Adjust the height

Start by sitting down and adjusting the height of your ergo office chair until your feet are flat on the floor. Your legs should shape a 90-degree angle with your knees aligning with your hips — or slightly lower. This should be a good starting point for seat height. If, over time, your lower body feels uncomfortable, try raising it a little. Alternately, lower the chair if you feel pain around the front of your legs. 

2. Configure seat depth

With your feet still flat on the ground, settle back in the seat until your hips reach the back of your seat and your lower back feels supported. There should be two to three inches between your knees and the seat’s edge — adjust seat depth until you achieve the right distance. The front of the seat shouldn’t be digging into your knees, nor should you have too much space between your knees and seat (that’ll lead to slouching!). 

3. Adjust the lumbar support

While not all office chairs come with lumbar support, the best ergonomic chairs, like the Align High Back Ergonomic Office Chair with Lumbar Support, usually do. A lumbar support can be found at the back of your office chair and should slide up or down until it reaches the natural curve of your back. Test out the right placement until your back feels completely supported when you sit.

4. Adjust armrests

Next step? Pull your office chair’s armrests until your elbows are resting comfortably at a 90-degree angle. Your shoulders should be relaxed; you’ll sense a tension immediately if the armrests are too high or too low. It should be easy for you to reach what you need on your desk without exerting yourself. Your arms should rest lightly on the armrests without any added pressure. 

5. Find the right angle to recline

Some might equate good posture with sitting or standing as straight as possible. But it’s really about embracing the natural curve of your back. Adjust your office chair’s tilt to enjoy a comfortable recline through your day. You can lock in a recline that feels comfortable to maintain the position that’s best for your long-term health.

Buying the Best Modern Office Chair

For all-day comfort and support, Bush Business Furniture offers a range of stylish and functional office chairs that fit your needs. 

For the full ergonomic experience, try the aforementioned Align High Back Ergonomic Office Chair. This office chair is the total package, complete with all the adjustment and mobility features you need to ensure complete comfort during a long day at work. You’ll love that it includes:
•    Built-in lumbar support
•    Four-way adjustable armrests (height, width, depth, and angle) 
•    Multifunction tilt mechanism with seat slider 
•    Black fabric upholstery with StainGard(TM) to protect against spills, blemishes and other oopsies
•    5 Year Manufacturer's Warranty

For office seating on a larger scale, the Accord Mesh Back Office Chair provides a unique workplace seating solution. Featuring a cushioned seat, ergonomic mid-back design, adjustable seat and armrests, this mesh office chair is a versatile and comfortable addition to any office. 

Complete your ergonomic office set-up

Now that you or your employee can enjoy a well-adjusted and comfy office chair, it’s time to think of other adjustments you can make to guarantee a completely ergonomic workplace experience. 

Ensure that the computer screen is at eye level and the keyboard and mouse should be within reach. Remember that even if you’ve found the best office chair for long hours, that breaks throughout the day are recommended — stand from your work desk (or just get a standing desk, like the Move 60 Series 60-inch Height Adjustable Standing Desk), stretch your legs, make time for regular exercise, and return to a productive day ahead. 

For even more inspiration to help you find the right commercial office furniture solutions for your business, sign up for our newsletter or contact one of our space planning professionals.