5 Office Chair Operating Tips for Improved Comfort

We're all well aware of the importance of good posture in the workplace. That being said, applying posture tips to your sit during busy days is easier said than done. But have no fear! We're here to help. Today on the OFD Blog, we'll highlight 5 office chair operating tips that are easy to remember and incredibly effective. Enjoy!

1.) Let Your Chair Get Your Back

Each time you lean away from your office chair to work, you're missing out on the essential support needed to operate effectively. You need to let you chair get your back! After all, that's what it's there for. Make it a point to keep your back in contact with your chair at all times. If you need to lean forward, grab the correct lever on the side of your chair to lean it with you. Before you know it, this simple operating technique will become a thoughtless habit.

2.) Keep Your Head Up

When operating in your office chair, it's important to keep your head up. If you're looking down at your computer screens when sitting in your chair, raise them up. The professional solution is an attachable computer screen mount from a bran like ESI or Symmetry Office. If funds are tight, you can quickly solve the problem for free with a cardboard box or stack of magazines. Looking down when operating will cause neck pain, cramping, and strain over the course of your work day. The longer you allow the problem to run it's course, the worse the long term effects will be.

3.) The Chair Is Not A Foot Rest

All too often chair operators find themselves working with their feet perched up on the base of the office chair. This bad habit results in poor blood flow. Poor blood flow leads to fatigue, and the list goes on! When sitting, be sure to keep your feet placed flat on the ground and facing forward as much as possible. This "ergonomically correct" sitting position helps to ensure proper spine alignment. It also helps you get the most out of that fancy ergonomic office chair you invested all that money into!

4.) Get Out of Your Office Chair

Sometimes the best way to achieve an improved sit is to get up, and walk away. Did you know that extended sits can actually shorten your life span? Once every hour, you need to get up and take a short break. Walk around, grab a drink of water, and stretch out those muscles. If you sit for long periods of time, your body well become fatigued. When fatigue sets in, posture suffers. In truth, fatigue is posture's worst enemy! To operate your chair effectively, get out of it every once in awhile. You'll return refreshed and ready to tackle this important tasks.

5.) Read The Manual

Last but not least, you need to familiarize yourself with ALL of your chairs essential features. If you can, commit them to memory. Believe it or not, most people avoid adjusting their chair throughout the day and settle for a sub par sit because they haven't taken the time to understand the features available on their chair. Then they complain about discomfort, when the support they're lacking is only an adjustment away. It's really silly! Don't allow yourself to fall into the "set it and forget it category". Learn to be confident in your office chair and your ability to adjust it at a moments notice to operate effectively. Once you've read your chair manual, put it in a safe place. Browse through it once in awhile. At least, until you have the levers located on your chair mechanism memorized. In the long run, you'll be glad you did!