What should I consider when selecting an office chair?

A basic rule of ergonomics is that there is no such thing as an "average" person. However, providing seating specifically designed for each individual is not practical. The only solution is to provide workers with fully adjustable seating that can accommodate a maximum range of people (typically around 90 percent of the population; workers falling in the ranges of 5% of the shortest and the tallest will need custom-made chairs).

The culture of the workplace also demanded that a distinct difference exist between the seating that the employees used and that of the chief executive. When swivel chairs were widely used, the executive sat in a straight-backed chair with no mobility to demonstrate his status. As design of the office chair eliminated the arms and added cushioned seats, the executive chair became a large, upholstered seating with closed arms and wide, luxurious seats.

Look for the following features:

• controls that are easy to operate from sitting position
• a seat that adjusts for both height and tilt
• a seat that does not put pressure the back of thighs or knees
• a seat with a front edge that curves towards the floor
• breathable, non-slippery fabric on the seat
• a backrest shaped to support the lower back
• a stable five-point base
• wheels or casters suitable for the type of flooring
• a swivel mechanism
• armrests that can be adjusted to the elbow height when your upper arms are hanging down and your forearms are at about a 90 degree angle to the upper arms
• armrests that do not interfere with free movements within the workstation