So why should it be any different for office chairs?

Why try before you buy isn’t as simple as it seems
Lots of people will happily sit in an desk chair at an office equipment retailer for less than a minute and make a snap decision to buy.

It’s likely they’re looking for a new chair because their old one is worn out and uncomfortable. So it’s only natural that whatever you sit in will feel great by comparison.

There is no way such an arbitrary test can possibly indicate whether a chair is right for you or not. Even if you sat in it for half an hour you still wouldn’t know if it was suitable.

In reality you need to sit in an office chair for several days before you know whether it’s right for you or not. The reason it takes this length of time to be completely sure is because your body needs to be comfortable with the way the chair feels. And the only way to be certain is to use it for many hours at a time.

It’s unlikely you will get the chance to test a chair thoroughly without first buying it. So buying online makes as much sense as buying offline and it’s a lot simpler too.

Why buying offline is a lot of hassle
At first it seems that buying offline makes sense. However as we’ve already seen a few quick minutes sitting in the display chair is meaningless in terms of knowing whether it’s suitable for you. So you won’t know if it’s right until you tested it properly at work over several days.

Also you have to drive to go and buy the chair. Then you have the hassle of loading it into your vehicle and handling the delivery yourself.

And if the chair has to be returned then you have to box it back up, load it back in your car and use more gas to return it for a refund.

Buying online avoids a lot of these hassles

Why buying online makes sense
When you buy online it’s far more convenient. For a start you don’t need to be the delivery driver. Instead your chair gets delivered to your door by a service like FedEx or UPS. The only lifting you need to do is taking it out of the box and into your office.

Provided you approach your chair purchase online thoroughly it makes a great deal of sense to buy this way.

You will also have a far greater choice of chairs online than you will find at the typical office furniture store.

To begin with do some online research for suitable chairs to shortlist. Read reviews of chairs on sites such as this. Read customer feedback to see if there are any comments pointing out potential problems.

Once you’ve narrowed down to the chair you want the only other thing to check before ordering is what the return policy is.

Why a 30 day return period is vital
A good online store will allow you 30 days in which to return a chair if you find it’s not suitable.

It’s essential to have this sort of time to be really sure the chair is right for you. Depending on the type of chair you will likely want to fine tune the adjustments over the first few days. Then when you feel you have everything set properly it will give you the chance to try it under all sorts of conditions.

Does it still feel as comfortable when you’ve been sitting in it for 6 hours or more? Does it support you properly when carrying out different tasks such as typing, surfing the net, reading etc?

Also, think about the color of the fabric. Black or grey make a good choice as they will go with most color schemes. If you are looking to match the seat covering with your interior contact the supplier and ask them to send you samples of fabric. You don’t want to find the color clashes with your surroundings.

If you do decide to return it you’ll probably have to pay the return carriage typically about $75. Although this seems to make online purchase more costly should you need to return you chair. When you weigh up all the hassle of driving to a store and lugging the chair into your car twice. The true cost of an offline return is likely just as much if not more.

Some stores also charge a re-stocking fee so make sure you check thoroughly to avoid any nasty surprises.

Summary
Let’s quickly summarize the key points we’ve covered here:

• Sitting in a sample chair for 5 minutes is no way to know if it’s suitable
• Buying offline has hidden costs that aren’t immediately apparent
• The choice of chairs online is far more comprehensive
• Insist on a 30 day return period so you can test the chair properly

Here’s where you can find a quick summary of some of the best office chairs to place on your shortlist of potential chairs.

Got A "Mike Tyson" Chair?

Do you ever feel like sitting in your office chair all day is like climbing into a boxing ring with Mike Tyson?

It buffets you from pillar to post, inflicting pain on your body. No matter what you do, the longer you’re in it the more it hurts.

Until by the end of the day your dying for the bell to end the final round so you can get out of it and head off home.

Maybe it’s time you went out and got an ergonomic office chair.

What exactly is an ergonomic office chair?
This is actually quite a difficult question to answer. Truthfully an ergonomic office chair has no proper definition and so is actually meaningless when describing any chair. If this wasn’t bad enough, there is no government or industry standard to describe such a chair.

Consequently you have to be very careful when attempting to buy one to make sure you don’t get stitched up.

How can you be misled when buying a chair described as ergonomic?
All too easily I’m afraid. Because there is no proper definition it means that suppliers can use the term to describe just about anything that has a seat, back and swivel base.

You see this all the time in discount warehouses, cheap shoddy chairs with little more than bamboo springs bearing the epithet ‘ergonomic’ which magically transforms a piece of junk into something apparently worth owning.

I don’t think so. So, just because it says ergonomic on the wrapper guarantees nothing. Great! How do I sift the wheat from the chaff?

Solving the ergonomic chair dilemma
Let’s begin by giving the term ergonomic office chair some kind of definition. Here’s how I would describe such a seat.

“An ergonomic office chair is an office chair that has been carefully designed for the user to be able to work productively, efficiently and safely as well as minimizing any feeling of fatigue or discomfort.”

OK why don’t we take things a stage further and consider the actual functions such a chair needs. I believe there are 5 essential functions our chair needs to be truly worthy of the title ergonomic. Here they are:

• Adjustable seat depth for optimal leg comfort
• Adjustable back height to allow the lower back to be correctly supported
• Adjustable Arm Height for ease of movement and minimize the risk of RSI
• Pneumatic height adjustment to suit your body height and weight
• Adjustable tilt tension allowing each individual user to set the correct pressure

Some high-end chairs actually automate back and tension adjustments, making it even easier to set up to your personal needs. And bear in, you are going to need to invest $300+ if you want of get all the advantages that an ergonomic office chair offers.

What benefits will you gain by selecting the right chair?
You will find is very easy to adjust the settings for the way you like to work. Once correctly configured you’ll notice as you move, the chair moves with you to safely and comfortably support you at all times.

You will be less aware of the chair due to its superior comfort and so find you can concentrate throughout your day’s work. This results in much better productivity and focus on your work.

Because the chair is designed to give you proper support, muscles don’t tire nearly as quickly. This also improves blood flow helping to keep you feeling much more alert and fresh even when tackling complex problems.

You’ll know when you have everything set up to match with your body because the chair will feel like it fits like a glove. And insisting on the 5 essential functions will greatly increase your chances of doing so and avoiding the wrong chair.

Making sure you don’t end up with the wrong product
Let’s quickly summarize the points I’ve covered so you don’t get landed with a liability but instead find a chair that will serve you for many years to come.

Remember there is no official description of an ergonomic office chair, so maintain a healthy skepticism about any products labeled ergonomic, especially cheap chairs.

Use my definition to point you in the right direction.

Insist on getting the 5 essential functions on any chair you buy.

Remember the benefits you will gain by picking a proper ergonomic office seat and realize you need to make an investment to get the right product.

By applying these guidelines you will give yourself a great chance of finding the right chair. After all, you surely don’t want another of those Mike Tyson chairs do you?

Here’s a summary of some excellent ergonomic office chairs which have been carefully designed to give you great working comfort for those long hours in the office.

So, what is this unusual seat all about?

What is the Bambach and why is it different?
The Bambach saddle seat takes a radically different approach to work seating and is based on the principal of riding a horse. The seat design is built around the shape of a western style horse saddle.

Bambach Saddle Seat

If you’ve ever ridden a horse or observed someone riding one you’ll soon discover it places your legs much wider than they normally are when sitting in a conventional office chair.

This posture has two distinct benefits. First by placing your legs wider apart with your feet resting on the floor you feel far more stable and in control of your seat.

Second, by placing your legs in this position it actually makes it very easy and natural for your body to adapt a good healthy posture. It opens up the angle between your legs and torso helping to improve circulation, muscle tone and breathing.

Nonetheless it does take some getting used to as you will be using muscles which haven’t had a lot of use if you normally sit in an office chair. So you’ll need to persevere with it as you retrain these underused muscles.

It’s worth the effort for those who are well suited to the way the Bambach works.

Who is it best for?
The Bambach is very popular with medical users like dentists, surgeons and podiatrists. Anyone who needs a stable working position where their hands can be freely used in their work.

Architects and designers also find it great too. It’s very easy to move about your workspace and office quickly. And for height adjustable desk users it’s an ideal seat.

It also works well in the home too, either in the office, kitchen or watching TV.

Many office workers will also find the seat comfortable to work in too.

Where can you find out more about the Bambach?
We’ve just added a full review of the Bambach saddle seat explaining in more detail what makes it such a healthy alternative to conventional office seating.

What is reception seating and why does it matter?
The seating you use in your reception area is very important, because it’s the first impression that new visitors get of your company. The last thing you want is to give an important visitor the wrong idea about your company and this is all too easy to do with inappropriate seats.

How you can send out the wrong message with your choice of seating
Giving out bad vibes with your seating is not hard to do at all, so it’s important you get things right. How can you give a bad impression?

The first way you can do so is by spending loads of money on really opulent seating. Remember, the visitor sitting in your seating may very well be a top client. If they feel you’ve overspent on your furniture, subconsciously they could be thinking you are making too much money out of them. You may find them turning the screws on you about your prices later on.

At the other end of the spectrum, really cheap crappy furniture can have a different effect. They could be sitting there thinking what a bunch of cheapskates, fancy expecting me to sit on this junky seating.

You could always buy some Chinese imported furniture that’s a copycat design costing loads less than the real thing. It looks really great and no one will know the difference. This isn’t a good idea. In all probability it will not look great at all after 6 month’s use.

Another mistake is to go for some really wacky design in bright colors that just looks out of place. This might be ok if you’re in cutting edge design or high-end marketing, but it’s a mistake for most businesses. Instead let client interaction be your guide

How you receive visitors will influence your choice of seating
Depending on how you use your reception area in receiving visitors will affect you seating selection. If you just use reception as a brief holding point before taking visitors to meet elsewhere then you may only need a couple of 4 legged chairs. If it’s likely visitors may have to wait to be seen for 15 minutes or so, then you will need to at least provide them with comfortable seating while they wait.

If you typically meet and interview them in the reception area itself, something less formal and more friendly may be called for. So, decide on how you normally handle your visitors, as it will help you to get your style of seating right.

What are the different types of reception seating and when would you use them?
Visitor seating comes in many different formats, so let’s take a look at the various types and when you would select them.

One of the commonest sorts of seating are simple 4-legged chairs with or without arms. These chairs are very practical and are best finished in a quality fabric or maybe black leather. It’s not a bad idea to buy a stacking version, as it is then quick and easy to clear them when cleaning. These sorts of chairs come in wood and metal frames and either is fine.

Another popular form is modular seating. This comes in various wedge type shapes and allows you to create curved and shaped seating layouts which can look quite effective. They are usually fairly light in weight and so can be moved quickly if necessary.

Sofas and easy seating are a very popular choice for reception areas. They are less formal and are great when you want to meet with your visitor in the reception itself. They let you interact in a friendly way with your clients and put them at ease. Individual club chairs are also very good for this sort of use and both these and sofas are very practical when upholstered in good quality leather.

Summary
Let’s just remind ourselves of the key points for getting reception area seating right.

Remember reception is the first point of call for a visitor so needs to send out the right message.
Avoid very expensive or very cheap or brash wacky designs they often give the wrong impression.
Consider how you interact with visitors so you select appropriate seats.
Once you know how you work with visitors use the information to pick the right form of seating.

Following these simple rules will ensure you don’t alienate important customers by sending out the wrong message.

You can find more about guest and visitor seating suitable for reception areas.

You almost sense he’d forgotten you were starting today. Hurriedly, he takes you into an office full of people and quickly introduces you to someone in the department you’re going to be working in and asks them to ‘take care’ of you while he sorts out some pressing issues.

And then you don’t see your new boss until it’s time to go home. In the meantime the poor unfortunate saddled with taking care of you ran out of ideas long ago and leaves you reading through company training manuals.

Sound familiar? I know it’s happened to me and I’m certain it’s the same for a lot of others too. You end up feeling unsure and wondering if you made the right decision after all.

It’s very similar to how many companies receive visitors and end up creating completely the wrong image.

How do you handle visitors arriving in your reception area?
This may seem like an obvious question and yet it’s worth spending a few minutes examining it carefully.

• What you do with them?
• Do you seat them in reception, if so how long for?
• Do you hold discussions with them here or elsewhere?
• How important is confidentiality, have you somewhere private you can use when necessary?
• Are you receiving important executives needing VIP treatment?
• Is your reception area mainly for receiving salesman and small deliveries?
• Is your reception area manned?
• Do you ask them to sign in?
• Will you meet with them here?

So, you need to start by asking yourself these questions because it will determine how your reception area should function. Also, bear in mind how you receive people presently may be sending out the wrong sort of message to valuable clients or potential clients.

Are you projecting the right image in your reception area?
Projecting a poor image to important visitors is not a good idea. It is all too easy to do and can end up costing you valuable business if you upset them? How can this happen?

When an important potential client arrives at your company for the first time they will likely have a mental picture of what they are expecting. Chances are it will be positive and it’s vital that you help to maintain and build on this so their experience is a good one.

And yet many companies make really silly mistakes and seriously damage their business prospects by getting things wrong. Here are some examples:

• Expecting someone to sit in uncomfortable seating for an extended period
• Putting an important visitor in a filthy or badly worn seat
• Leaving them hanging around for 20 minutes or more
• Not offering them any kind of refreshments
• Discussing sensitive or confidential information in the earshot of others
• Employees stopping off for a chat with the receptionist and telling risqué jokes
• The receptionist is on the phone making small talk with a friend and keeps the visitor waiting

Any or all of these can have an instant and lasting negative effect on your visitor’s perception of your business. It’s a bit like starting that new job and once this happens it can be very difficult to win back a client’s affection.

How to get things right when receiving visitors to your company
Let’s consider how you should be making your reception area a warm and welcoming place for your visitors.

Everyone in the company who may meet with visitors from the tea lady to the chief executive must be expected to know that a visitor to your company is a very important person. They need to be properly trained to be polite, welcoming and helpful to them.

On arrival where at all possible, visitors should be seen promptly, at least those with appointments. If there is likely to be a delay of more then 10 minutes this should be made clear to the visitor with an appropriate apology.

As soon as this time has passed and further delay may be likely the receptionist should contact the person the visitor is due to see to remind them their visitor is still waiting and update things as necessary.

It’s not a bad idea to let the visitor chat briefly with the contact on the phone if further delay is likely. Remember, your visitor may have other commitments and need to either re-arrange your appointment or ring ahead to delay their later meetings.

Putting it all together
Let’s quickly summarize the key points covered:

• Begin by looking at how you receive visitors and whether it is appropriate
• Be mindful of the image being sent out by your reception area, can you improve things
• Remember your visitor could be vitally important to your company so treat them properly

Once you have done this audit on your reception area it may be necessary to make some changes, and assure that visitors don’t end up feeling like the first day on the job.

In our next article we’ll take a look at the importance of picking the right kind of reception seating.

With that said some of the actions we perform daily are a lot more harmful than others. It’s important to recognize this and take steps to avoid the worst of them if at all possible.

One of the biggest culprits is also one of the most useful. The humble mouse.

How can a mouse increase the chance of RSI?
Although it’s an incredibly useful device your mouse also places a lot of strain on your body and this isn’t always apparent. It’s the way we use it that causes the problem.

Often we keep our hand on the mouse even when we don’t need to. This creates two problems.

First it puts pressure on the tendons and ligaments in your hand and wrist as they are held in a strained position.

Second it also places your shoulder and arm muscles in an awkward posture and this can strain them when done repeatedly.

So it’s important to be aware of this and release your mouse whenever it’s not in active use. By doing this it will help relieve unnecessary strain and stress on the limbs used when mousing.

In a perfect world not having to use a mouse at all would be ideal, however that’s not realistic. A viable alternative however is to transfer the load to your keyboard. It’s a lot more useful than many people realize when you become a Keyboard Commando.

Why your keyboard is your friend
The most obvious use of a keyboard is of course for typing and inputting data. And for a lot of computer users this is all they use it for which is a pity because it can help take away a lot of mouse activity.

Many software programs have universal keyboard actions especially for repetitive task like copying and pasting data. Very often it’s possible to copy and paste items without going near a mouse. You can use the arrow keys to select the content then the Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V combinations to manipulate it. And if you need to switch between different programs then Ctrl+Tab makes it easy to do.

For Mac users substituting the Cmd key for Ctrl is all that’s needed.

And if you have to perform a lot of repeat actions that don’t have keyboard shortcuts, before you reach for the mouse check to see if the software allows you to create custom shortcuts.

Another area where you can save a lot of mouse use is when you make a typo. Even the best of us hit the wrong keys occasionally. The problem is we often don’t see the error until later, so we reach for the mouse and start highlighting and correcting our mistakes. This can place a lot of stress on your limbs.

If you are using Microsoft Word there is a neat solution for typos in its Autocorrect function. Chances are you make the same typing error over and over so why not let Autocorrect handle things for you? Any time you make a mistake just add it to the Autocorrect database. Then next time you get it wrong it fixes it on the fly, so no need for that mouse.

Not only does it cut back mouse use it also saves a ton of time too. It lets you create keyboard shortcuts for commonly used things, for example assigning a couple of keystrokes could have it enter your address. These useful functions can be greatly enhanced.

Simple ideas for supercharging your keyboard
It’s easy to take your keyboard functionality to another level and eliminate a lot of mouse activity in the process.

There are several great programs for both Windows and Mac users that can be set up to do repetitive tasks automatically at the press of a couple of key combinations.

Here are some of the things you can do using theses sorts of programs:

• Launch applications
• Open websites
• Control functions in applications
• Position the cursor where you want it when inserting a phrase
• Pre-populate online web forms
• Store and retrieve clipboard history for repeat use

Using these functions will not only relieve stress and strain by not having to use your mouse, it will also save you a ton of time as well.

Let’s recap on what we’ve covered here:

• Repeated use of your mouse can add to potential RSI issues
• Keyboard shortcuts can easily replace many mouse activities
• Built in auto correction functions reduce the need to mouse
• Installing specialist software will eliminate a swathe of mouse actions

Resources
By minimizing your mouse use and becoming a Keyboard Commando you will significantly reduce the risk of RSI.

Windows users will find the following programs worth looking into:

• Breevy
• PhraseExpander
• WinAutomation

And Mac users should look into:

• TextExpander
• KeyboardMaestro
• TypeIt4Me

Use these ideas to cut back your mouse use, your body will thank you for it.

Two weeks later I went to visit the supplier’s factory to see the product being made and I was shocked. You see, I saw my chair being made and it wasn’t pretty. It largely consisted of a framework of cheap plywood which was held together with staples. Then soft spongy foam was stuck to the plywood and the whole mess was covered in fabric to hide its crude construction.

It was then I realized I needed to get serious and look a lot deeper into the whole issue of quality. There was no way I could supply junky chairs like this to my clients.

Why are cheap chairs so commonplace and why do people buy them?
No matter where you look these days low cost office chairs are never far away. Consequently it’s easy to think that this what an office chair should cost.

I also think it has a lot to do with what’s under the hood. By that I mean it’s easy to be fooled by the looks of the chair. All those fancy trims and bits of chrome are little more than a distraction.

And if you stripped them away underneath it all you would find a lot of really cheap components that are so easy to conceal. Things like the foam which feels great at first but soon goes as flat as pancake after a couple of months. Or the low quality fixings holding the chair back onto to its central support, which frequently pull out.

Much like that big brash office chair I bought when I saw what was really in it, I realized you get what you pay for.

How much should you budget for an office chair?
To find a chair which has the right functions and is properly built and designed to last for many years you really need to be making an investment of at least $300 or more. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but with this kind of budget will get you the 5 essential features an office chair needs. Cheaper chairs often have limited functionality and may only have 1 year or even no warranty.

Why do you need to spend this kind of money?
Something you will notice with chairs at this pricing level and above is that they have good warranty periods. Usually at least 5 years, sometimes twice as long. This is the manufacture’s vote of confidence in its product, after all its not going to offer such a guarantee if it doesn’t believe its chair will last for at least this period.

The foams in these chairs won’t flatten even with prolonged use because they been properly designed and made from quality materials which keep springing back into shape no matter how often and how long you sit on them.

Bits don’t work loose or drop off, because they are well engineered and tested to withstand the hammer of prolonged use. These things cost money and their advantages will quickly become apparent in use.

What other benefits will you get when you buy a quality office chair?
As a good deal of thought will have gone into the chair’s design you gain other subtle benefits. Things like the seat and pad being properly shaped to give good support. Consequently they offer great comfort as the bits that matter align with the parts of your body most needing support.

The additional adjustments you are able to make means it’s really easy to set up your seat so it’s precisely tailored to suit your own body. You won’t find yourself shuffling from cheek to cheek as you try to get comfortable.

Summary
So let’s end with a quick summary of the points we’ve covered.
All that glisters is not gold, that cheap chair may look great but what’s under the hood?
Beware of being brainwashed by bargain chair offerings
Set a realistic budget at least $300 or more
Quality chairs come with proper warranty and components
You get great comfort and support from top quality chairs

Yes, we all like a bargain. However you need to be realistic and realize that any cheap chair will quickly show its limitations as soon as you sit in it for any length of time. Here’s a summary of some excellent ergonomic office chairs designed to support you properly and give many years of great service.

Did you ever have one of those bouncy balls as a kid? I know I did and yet I never imagined exercise balls might be used one day by people as office chairs.

What is an exercise ball chair?

Evolution Ball Chair

Exercise balls have been around for many years now and they are popular with people who want to keep fit and toned.

They are very resilient and extremely easy to use, you just need to inflate them and then you’re all set.

Some people just use the ball on its own as a chair, however I don’t think that’s a good idea.

If you plan to use one, it’s best go for a proper exercise ball chair and these days they are very popular with office workers.

Why have they taken off and what persuades people to use them
I think the biggest reason they are so popular as office seats is mainly down to the fact that some people are heartily fed up with the discomfort of their office chair. This is almost always due to the fact that they have only ever used cheap crappy chairs and so assume that all chairs are uncomfortable. They read about how wonderful ball chairs are and all the healthy benefits and decide to take the plunge.

Is an exercise ball a healthy office seat alternative?
Many people switching to a ball chair do so because they believe it is a healthier way to sit. However, the benefits of sitting on one and the health advantages of using it as a means of exercise, tend to become blurred.
Sitting on an exercise ball alone is not advisable because it requires you full attention in keeping balanced. As soon as your concentration lapses you may very well find yourself on the deck. This is particularly true when first getting used to one.

If you really like the idea of an exercise ball chair, much better to choose one that includes a frame as it has a number of benefits.

Advantages of a ball chair

• They are very simple to use you only need inflate it to suit your body size
• Cost effective and generally much cheaper than a good office chair
• Very resilient and can take heavy users who may weigh 350lbs or more
• Safe as an office chair provided it is the sort made for use as a chair
• The ball can be removed and used as a means of exercise

Disadvantages of a ball chair

• Some users have stability problems with them especially at first
• Need to build up your core muscles for prolonged use
• It can be difficult to maintain good back posture on models without back supports
• Maneuverability can be more difficult than a conventional office chair
• Many ergonomists are deeply skeptical about their benefits

Is an exercise ball a good choice as an office chair?
As you have seen there are advantages and disadvantages in using an exercise ball as your office chair. A ball on its own is not a good idea, it just isn’t stable enough or practical in use. However, when you go for a proper ball chair with its own frame they can make good office seats. Best to go for one with castors, arms and a back because you’ll find it a lot of easier to use.

And bear in mind, it may well take some time for your core muscles to build up. So be patient and get used to it gradually by sitting in it for short periods to begin with. After all, you don’t want one of those boing, boing, bang moments from childhood, office floors and desk edges can be quite unforgiving.

Further reading
Many ergonomists don’t recommend using ball chairs, you can read about their reasons here. And if you want to know more about what’s available here’s where you can find some reviews of ball chairs.

Imagine you had a large lawn that needed to be mowed every week in summer, it’s unlikely you would use a push mower. Its lack of flexibility would make your task unbearable as you huffed and puffed cutting it.

Well the wrong mechanism can easily land you in a similar situation and make your working day intolerable.

In this article we’re going to take a look at what controls every office chair – the chair mechanism.

Here are the 3 areas we’re focusing on:

• What exactly is an office chair mechanism?
• What functions on an office chair mechanism are vital?
• What types of office chair mechanisms should you avoid?

Let’s begin with the mechanism itself, the chair’s gearbox.

What exactly is an office chair mechanism?

Office Chair Mechanism On Underside Of HÅG Chair

The mechanism is the heart of any office chair, quite simply it is the means by which the core functions of your chair are controlled.

It’s mounted underneath the chair seat and because it’s hidden from view most people never give it a second thought.

Which is just as well because they can look pretty strange.

Seating manufacturers generally do a pretty poor job in explaining what the different functions of a mechanism are for. They assume that because they know what the various types do that there is no need to explain things to the end user. So let’s cut through the different types of mechanism and look at what matters.

What chair mechanism functions must you insist on?
Mechanisms come with all sorts of features, some are essential and some are useless. Very often the things you need for flexible working are the functions most often missing.

Which ones do you really need? It’s safe to say all mechanisms will let you adjust the height of your chair, that’s a given. Aside of this there are 3 essential functions you need to insist on.

First, you need to make sure that the chair reclines properly meaning that when you lean back in it the back reclines too. Often chairs have a lever that locks the back in different preset positions. If you are using your chair for working actively at your computer this is not a good idea because you will soon feel seized up and stuck in a fixed position.

Next, and hugely important the chair needs to include a tilt tension control so it can adapt properly to your posture as you move. What this does is to allow you to set the pressure applied when you lean back and forwards in your chair. Quite simply it lets you set up the chair for your own weight so that reclining is natural and not forced.

Lastly, and most important of all the chair’s controller needs to include a seat slide mechanism to take account of your leg length. Without it short built users can find themselves perched on the edge of the seat unable to rest their back on the seat’s back.

Taller people have the opposite problem. Their legs overhang the seat edge by miles even though their back is hard up against the chair’s back. And even when you are average built things like upper and lower leg length variation still mean you shouldn’t skip this key adjustment.

What types of office chair mechanisms should you avoid?
Steer clear of any mechanism which only has a single lever control. It’s lack of flexibility will quickly drive you nuts, because all you will be able to do is raise and lower your seat and if you’re lucky lean back to a limited degree.

And don’t fall for chairs that come with more levers and knobs than you might find on an airliner. Lots of controls don’t automatically lead to flexibility and comfort, the right controls are what matter.

So, make sure it does what you need. Don’t assume because it has loads of paddles and buttons it must be OK, always check.

Here are the key points we’ve covering in this article:

• What exactly is an office chair mechanism?
• Why certain functions on an office chair mechanism are key
• Why some types of office chair mechanisms are a mistake and should be avoided

Here’s where you can find a quick summary of great office chairs that include the vital functions you need so you don’t end up with a push mower model.

This is a great chance to get a top deal on a wide range of high quality ergonomic office chairs

How long do they last?
Each manufacturer’s sale has slightly different dates.

Herman Miller starts their sale today finishing on Monday 12 December 2011
Steelcase starts Thursday 24 November and runs for 1 week until Wednesday 30 November 2011.
Humanscale’s sale starts on Friday 25 November and ends on Monday 12 December 2011

Where can I find the details?
You can find a quick summary of the key points about some of the best chairs on offer using the links below:

Herman Miller Chairs
Aeron chair
Embody chair
Sayl chair
Mirra chair

Steelcase Chairs
Think chair
Amia chair
Leap chair

Humanscale Chairs
Freedom chair
Liberty Chair
Freedom Saddle Seat

So, if you are ready for a new chair this is an excellent opportunity to lock in a great price. Don’t leave it too long because the special pricing will soon be finished.