Choosing the right ergonomic chair isn't always easy. With so many features and options available, it can be difficult to know what really matters.
To help make the decision simpler, we spoke with Simona, Portfolio Manager at Steelcase. In this interview, she shares expert advice on choosing an ergonomic chair, understanding key features, and creating a more comfortable and productive workspace.
Meet Simona: The expert behind ergonomic seating
Before we dive into chair features and purchasing advice, let's get to know Simona and learn more about her experience helping people create healthier and more comfortable workspaces.
Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Steelcase?
A: I am a Portfolio Manager for ergonomic chairs. My role is to manage seating solutions that support people's wellbeing, comfort, and productivity throughout the workday. And I help to ensure our chairs meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s workers, whether they are in the office, at home or work somewhere else.
Q: How long have you been working with ergonomic seating, and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: I have been working with ergonomic chairs for more than five years. What I enjoy most is that a chair is such a personal object. It is something we use every day, often for many hours, and the right chair can make a real difference in how comfortable, focused, and energized we feel at work.
Understanding ergonomics: What makes a chair truly comfortable?
Many people assume comfort is simply about having a soft seat, but ergonomics goes much deeper than that. In this section, Simona explains how to recognize whether your chair is truly supporting you and breaks down some of the most common ergonomic features found in today's office chairs.
Q: How do you know if your current chair is supporting you properly?
A: A good chair should feel like it is working with you, not against you. It should support you naturally as you move throughout the day, without constantly reminding you that you are sitting in it. The key is not simply comfort when you first sit down, but comfort after several hours of work.
I always say that the best posture is the next one. A good ergonomic chair encourages movement and adapts to you as you change positions throughout the day while sitting. At the end of a working day, you should not notice pressure points, fatigue, or lower back discomfort.
Q: Many people see terms like lumbar support, seat depth, 4D armrests, or recline tension. What do these actually mean in everyday use?
A: These features are adjustments that help you personalize the chair to your body and the way you work.
- Lumbar support helps follow the natural curve of your lower back and can reduce fatigue during long periods of sitting.
- Seat depth allows you to adjust how far you sit from the backrest, helping ensure proper support behind your legs without putting pressure on the back of your knees.
- 4D armrests move up/down, in, out, forward, and backward so your arms and shoulders can stay relaxed while working.
- Recline tension controls how easily you can lean back in the chair, allowing you to find a balance between support and freedom of movement.
Choosing the right ergonomic chair: What to look for before you buy
There are many misconceptions about ergonomic seating. Here, Simona shares some of the most common myths she encounters and explains why movement is just as important as the chair you choose.
Q: What's the biggest myth about ergonomic chairs?
A: Even the best chair cannot compensate for sitting still all day. Research shows that movement is essential because our bodies are designed to move, not to remain in one position for hours. That's why modern ergonomic chairs are designed to encourage posture changes and support movement, rather than keeping us locked into a single position.
Q: What's one piece of ergonomics advice that everyone should know, regardless of their job?
A: Take a few minutes to adjust your chair before you start working.
I often compare it to renting a car on vacation. Before driving away, you would naturally adjust the seat and mirrors to fit you. Your office chair should be no different.
A properly adjusted chair helps maintain healthy posture, supports movement, and allows your body to stay comfortable throughout the day.
The one ergonomic tip everyone should follow
Q: If you could give every remote worker just one ergonomic tip, what would it be?
A: Move more than you think you need to. Even the best ergonomic chair cannot replace regular movement. Stand up regularly, stretch, walk while taking a phone call, or simply change your sitting position. Small movements throughout the day can make a big difference to your comfort and energy levels.
And remember, ergonomics is not just about the chair. Your desk, monitor setup, lighting, and overall workspace all contribute to creating a healthy and comfortable place.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ergonomic chair is an investment in your comfort, wellbeing, and productivity. The best chair is one that fits your body, supports movement, and adapts to the way you work.
As Simona reminds us, ergonomics is not about sitting perfectly still, it's about staying comfortable while moving throughout the day. Pair the right chair with a well-adjusted workspace and regular movement, and you'll create a healthier, more comfortable way to work.
