Don't Replace Your Chair Without Trying These 5 Adjustments

Just to be clear, we're an office furniture and seating company. We love to sell new ergonomic chairs. That being said, you might not need one just yet. With a few proper adjustments you'll likely be able to get more out of your current seating situation. From adjusting the height of your chair to tweaking the angle at which you work, the 6 adjustments show here might just prolong your need for a new chair and save you a little money in the process.

1.) Adjust Chair Height

First things first, you've got to analyze your chair height. Even if you've got the best new office chair on the market, if it's set too low you'll be restricting blood flow in your legs. Restricted blood flow can lead to cramping and fatigue. If your chair is set too high you'll be straining to compute. The perfect chair height is slightly different for everyone as we are all different for everyone. You want your chair set to a height that allows your thighs to rest flat across the seat with your feet flat on the ground, thus creating a 45 degree angle. This creates stability, optimal blood flow, and support.

2.) Adjust Chair Arms

Even many of the basic ergonomic office chairs manufactured in the last 5 years come standard with height adjustable arms. Your chair might even have width adjustable arms with swiveling arm caps. Setting up your arms for healthy computing is essential. Your forearms should be flush with the arm pads and level with your keyboard. Proper arm height will reduce muscular effort in the neck and shoulders to minimize risk of pain throughout long work days.

3.) Adjust Tilt Tension

Your chair tilts from a pivot point underneath the seat. The tilt tension knob (typically located underneath the front edge of your seat) controls the rate of recline. You don't want your chair set so loose that it creates a falling feeling every time you lean back. Alternatively, you don't want your tilt tension so tight that straining is required to rock gently throughout the work day. A little rocking motion in your personal task chair is a good thing. When you lean back and forth on your chair back, your muscles are active, working, and effective. It's when you sit stagnant for long periods of time that fatigue strikes!

4.) Adjust Seat Depth

If your chair has an adjustable seat, you definitely need to use it. It's an awesome weapon in your ergonomic arsenal against discomfort. The seat depth feature allows you to slide your chair up behind your thighs for additional knee support. If there's a wide gap between the back of your knee and the office chair when sitting naturally, it's a problem!

5.) Adjust Lumbar Support

Shoppers always want a chair with an adjustable lumbar support. The problem is, they seldom use the adjustment feature to improve comfort. The "set it and forget it" approach to office chair comfort isn't going to work regardless of what chair you use. Like all chair features, the lumbar support needs to be adjusted to your specific body type to provide optimal support. Adjusting the lumbar area of your chair will increase or decrease the curvature of the chair to fit the profile of your lower back. If you perform all of the adjustments above, your lumbar will need to be tweaked as well. If you don't have an ergonomic computer chair with an adjustable lumbar support feature, lower back pads are available at a fraction of the cost of an all new chair.

Bonus Tip: Take Short Breaks

Lat but not least, you need to take short breaks. Even the most advanced office seating solutions are not intended to be used around the clock without short breaks. As you sit for hours on end, even the best posture habits suffer. Take a 5 to 10 minute break once an hour to stay refreshed. Walk away from your desk, get a drink of water to stay hydrated, and stretch out your muscles to get the blood flowing!

Practical Ergonomic Products Are Always The Best

You don't have to spend a small fortune on luxurious ergonomic products. In truth, practical products are always the best and they've become surprisingly affordable. Today on 'The Office Anything Blog' we'll highlight user friendly desktop attachments, sit to stand stools, monitor mounts and more that will encourage healthy operating habits without being too over the top.

These days height adjustable desktop attachments are becoming as common as office chairs. Why you ask? Because they work! With a desktop attachment you'll be able to quickly and efficiently transition between sit-down and stand-up operating positions to reduce fatigue, improve blood flow, and stay working healthy. We recommend practical desktop risers like the Volante from Systematix. It's just $299.99 and includes free nationwide shipping direct from the manufacturer.

Get the support you need on the go with the Vivo perch stool from OFM. This handy little ergonomic tool is great for just about any application you can think of. The Vivo was designed to be practical and efficient. It's built with an integrated rear handle that makes for easy transport and available in an array of cool colors for $156.99.

Moving right along, allow us to introduce the EZKE1 single screen monitor arm from Mayline. At just $207.99, the EZKE1 provides an exceptional combination of value and health benefits. First and foremost this unit will clamp to just about any desk surface to create more space. The ability to easily adjust your screen height and depth will also help to reduce visual strain throughout your task filled work days.

A good ergonomic keyboard tray is a must. They've really become a standard in the workplace as they reduce wrist pain and provide operators with the ability to quickly personalize their computing. Practical keyboard trays like the AA260 from ESI Ergonomic Solutions are defiantly the way to go as they won't break the bank and they're built for the demands of the modern workplace.

As office comfort starts with the chair, you'll need a good one to ensure you're able to sit posture perfect. We recommend going with practical office chair that is user friendly and not overly expensive. In all honesty, expensive ergo chairs can be a bit confusing to operate. Alternatively, sating solutions like the Vion from Global are the way to go. Global Vion chairs are made to order and completely customizable. You can pick your chair controls, back height, arms, and upholstery to develop a sit that's just for you. Vion chairs aren't overly modern in style, but they are in technology. They're affordable by industry standards and a breeze to operate. With new weight sensing Vion chairs on the market you'll be able to reduce the need for constant adjusting and spend more time computing healthy.

Are You Getting The Most Out of Your Drafting Chair?

The proper use of your drafting chair will make you a more effective designer, artist, or architect. That being said, drafting chairs are commonly left unadjusted and full potential in the workplace is never reached. In today's post we'll highlight 5 of the various ways you can improve your sitting experience and achieve higher comfort while operating from your drafting chair.

1.) Adjust Height

If you find yourself hunched over while working or reaching up regularly from your chair, there's a good chance a simple height adjustment will help you operate more effectively. Most drafting chairs adjust easily via simple lever underneath the chairs seat. Those who use ergonomic seating properly often adjust chair height numerous times per day to minimize body movements and improve posture. Try adjusting your chair height to find a comfortable position that works best for you and your body and don't be afraid to adjust multiple times for a variety of applications!

2.) Practice Good Posture

Practicing good posture is just plain smart. Sitting upright and ergonomically correct will ensure good blood flow and more comfortable days at work. Various studies have shown that those who operate from a slouched or hunched position reach high levels of fatigue much quicker and thus operate at lower levels of productivity. Meeting with your physician to discuss your sitting position will provide valuable insight as to where you can improve posture at work. You can also visit several excellent ergo friendly sites online with posture tips for improved performance while working from your drafting chair.

3.) Lumbar Support

Lumbar support has become a standard feature on most drafting stools in 2014. The industries top brands have added this feature in both adjustable and integrated styles to help users operate more comfortably. If your chair has an integrated lumbar support, you are already reaping some very helpful benefits. However, those using a drafting chair with adjustable lumbar support will have a distinct advantage... if they take advantage of the feature! Be sure to test your chairs lumbar support feature while working. Try a few different settings and determine which ones work best for your specific work style. Low back pain is a major concern when working and the proper use of your chairs adjustable lumbar support will have you ready to defeat this common issue.

4.) Adjust Arms

If your chair is outfitted with fixed arms it may be time for an upgrade! Adjustable arms are a must for those long days at the office. Interior designers, architects, and artists will all benefit greatly by using a drafting chair with height and width adjustable arms. Brands like Mayline, Global Total Office, and Eurotech offer a variety of affordable models to consider. If your chair already has adjustable arms it's time to put those bad boys to use! Throughout the day, try adjusting to various heights and widths while working. You'll find more support and comfort in no time at all! It's sad to say that most opt to add all the bells and whistles possible on their chair but commonly fail to use the features properly. Don't be afraid to test your chairs limits and reach your full potential.

5.) Adjust Back Angle

Most well made drafting chairs offer a tilt feature that will allow you to adjust the chairs back angle with the pull of a lever. Do you ever find yourself working from an angle that your back has no contact with the chair back? If so you're not alone! Many of us are so used to accepting this common practice that regularly leads to back problems. Adjust your chairs back angle while working throughout the day. When computing, drafting, and drawing we typically lean forward to engage in our works. Tilting the back of your chair to meet the curve of your body will provide better support while simultaneously improving your workplace functionality.

8 Helpful Office Tips for Ergo Newbies

 New to the world of office ergonomics?  No problem! In today's article we'll be sharing helpful tips and tricks to help any ergo newbie achieve improved comfort, versatility, and efficiency in the workplace. Enjoy!

1.) Assess Your Needs

Take the necessary time to determine your primary areas of discomfort in the workplace. This will help you attain a better understanding of your specific ergonomic needs.

2.) Talk with Professionals

Physicians and ergo specialists alike will provide helpful insight as to what products will work best for you.

3.) Not All Products Are Necessary

Adding all the best selling ergonomic office products you can find will not necessarily improve your day to day productivity. However, selecting the right few products to address your discomfort effectively will set you up for office success.

4.) Know The Essentials

When first attempting to create an ergonomic work environment, it's helpful to know the basic products needed for the job. An ergonomic chair, monitor mount, and keyboard tray are the best 3 items to start with.

5.) Adjust Regularly

Ergonomic products are made to adjust regularly. All too often, consumers purchase top of the line ergonomic chairs for a variety of office applications and never take the time to adjust them. Needless to say, this is not the best habit to form and will not help you reach your full potential.

6.) Bring Ergonomics Home

So you're forming good ergonomic habits at work, why not bring them home? If you rely on your new products for support and comfort during your day, consider adding those products to your home office. This will improve your personal comfort while helping to educate your family members on the importance of working comfortably.

7.) Reflect

Once you've assessed your needs, met with a professional and selected the necessary products for your office, it's time to reflect. Compare the difference in your workplace comfort, versatility, and productivity. Re-assess any lingering areas of discomfort and continue to improve. Further enhancing your office performance may require the addition of higher end products like ergonomic office desks that adjust or simple solutions like a foot rest.

8.) Do Your Research

Now that you've got the basics, don't be afraid to do a little research. Inquire with coworkers about what products they use for improved ergonomic support. Visit ergonomic forums online to check out the latest trends. Before you know it, you'll be an ergo genius!

The 4 Levels of Ergonomic Comfort

 

So you've purchased a new office chair and a few ergo accessories, but something's still missing! Not to worry. In today's article we'll highlight the 4 key levels of ergonomic comfort and the products you'll need to achieve each. Enjoy!

Level 1: Low

The lowest level of ergonomic comfort is typically achieved through a lack of product knowledge and your specific work style. While not every ergonomic product is a must have, some definitely are! If you're working with an office chair that doesn't fit your body type and specific needs effectively, you're probably stuck in the lowest phase of ergonomic comfort. For those dealing with discomfort in the workplace on a daily basis, it's time to make a change! Start by working with an office chair specialist to choose a cost effective seating solution that works for you.

Level 2: Medium

Once you've added a quality ergonomic chair to your space, be sure to educate yourself on it's features and adjustment capabilities. To fully achieve a healthy medium of ergonomic comfort in the workplace, mastering your office chair is a must. Once you've customized your sit, it's time to improve your space with a retractable keyboard tray. There's no doubt this product is the unsung hero of the workplace. Once considered a niche product, adjustable keyboard trays that retract have now become a must have for any individual who cares about reducing the risk of carpal tunnel and is in need of more useable desk space. That being said, mastering your chair and adding an ergo keyboard tray will help you achieve level 2.

Level 3: High

Those working at a high level of efficiency are no doubt utilizing the correct office chair and keyboard tray for their space. However, the must have item needed for this stage of ergonomic comfort is the dual screen monitor arm. Why you ask? The wide range of adjustment capabilities and versatility achieved from these products will no doubt improve the rate at which you compute while simultaneously freeing up ample desk space from where your monitor used to sit. With a quality monitor mounting system you'll be able to quickly adjust the computer screen angle in any direction. Those who wear glasses or contacts will enjoy the ability to move screens closer or further away when need. Any ergo specialist will tell you, visual comfort matters in a major way!

Level 4: Exceptional

If you're looking to take your workspace over the top to achieve exceptional ergonomic comfort, we'll tell you just how to do it! In 2014, innovative new products such as desks that adjust in height along with CPU holders and adjustable foot rests will have you optimized for the peak performance. Being exceptionally ergo minded doesn't mean adding every product we've mentioned today. It means using them effectively to meet your specific needs in the workplace. An ergonomic chair, keyboard tray, monitor arm, and height adjustable desk will have you ready to work in a whole new way, but only if you take the time to master them correctly!

5 Simple Ways To Test A New Office Chair

When shopping for new office chairs you'll be met with ample products designed for a variety of different applications. When shopping, it's important to know the key ways to test chairs to ensure they meet your individual needs while providing the support and comfort you need to get through the work day. Today's article highlights the 5 best ways to test office chair functionality to help you make an informed purchasing decision and smart chair investment.

1.) Lumbar

Once thought of as a luxury option, lumbar support mechanisms are now becoming a standard option on most office chairs priced over $300. While both lesser and far more expensive solutions are available, a lumbar support is a great way to relieve back pain regardless of the chair you choose to purchase. Models with built in lumbar supports will often not require adjusting. Simply sitting in the chair will give you a relatively good idea of how much support you'll be obtaining from the feature. Higher end products will often offer users the ability to adjust the lumbar action via a knob or lever typically located on the back of the chair. When testing, you'll want to rotate between both ends of the features spectrum to determine the full range of support obtainable. Brands like Global Total Office are a great source to consider for those shopping for computer chairs with lumbar support features.

2.) Mobility

The mobility of an office chair is an important feature to test. While we aren't suggesting a full on chair race around the showroom floor, simple leg assisted chair slides are a good indicator of just how well a chair moves. Heavier chairs are often a bit bulky to move on carpet while lighter models are often very touchy on hard surfaces. As a side tip, be sure to ask you dealer of choice if the chairs you're interested in can be purchased with a choice of hard floor or carpet casters. Specifying the wheel type based on the surface you plan to be working on is a great way to improve mobility and stability.

3.) Durability

Unfortunately most chair providers won't allow full on crash test dummy experiments with their showroom chairs. Needless to say this would be quite fun but also unnecessary. A chairs durability is often a direct reflection of the manufacturer and upholstery used on the product. Searching for reviews online will be a good indicator of just how well a chair is made. Inquire with your dealer about what grade of fabric or leather the chair is upholstered in. The grade indicates just how high of quality the seating material is and how many double rubs or approximately how many times you can sit in a chair without wearing down the fabric.

4.) Seat Height

Most of the new office chairs available this year are equipped with pneumatic cylinders for adjusting chair height. This feature is easily tested via a lever typically located underneath the right side of the chair seat. Pulling the lever up should provide a smooth releasing action that lowers the chair when under weight. lifting your rear from the seat and pulling the same lever should raise the seating surface via the cylinder. A quality chair should require minimal effort to raise and lower effectively. The movement should be smooth and gradual.

5.) Arms

Chairs with fixed arms don't provide much versatility in the workplace. When shopping for a new seating solution for your home or business, models with adjustable arms are definitely preferred. Most of the top executive chairs for home use offer a wide range of arm motion capabilities such as width, height, and angle adjustments. The various movements are designed to increase circulation, take pressure off the wrists, and provide support during those long computing sessions. Testing the chair arms should be simple. Most models offer a single button or lever located under the arm rest that allow for a full range of motions. Be sure to check if the arms are wobbly before attempting to adjust. This could be a good indicator of poor craftsmanship and a sign of future problems to come. The chair arms should be sturdy and firm once a desired setting is reached.

Essential Products For The Modern Office

Designing a modern office can be fun an exciting. Unfortunately, if you don't know where to look and what products to use it can be a real bummer! Luckily, this article highlights the essential products you'll need to create the modern workspace of your dreams. From desks to accessories, we've covered it all. Enjoy!

Any modern office is focused around the main desk configuration. As this will be your main purchase, it's where the majority of your budget should be directed to. The good news is, shopping for modern desk configurations online has never been easier. Brands like OFM, Mayline, and Cherryman Industries offer some of the coolest modern executive desks money can buy. No matter the size of your space and budget, these awesome brands will have your executive space looking tip top in no time. Models like the Cherryman VL-749N desk set boast the cutting edge good looks you'll need to start your office makeover project off on the right foot. Those looking for a blend of old and new will love the Mayline Napoli series and products like the NT4 Napoli desk with choice of 3 in stock finishes. Another bonus of Napoli line of Mayline furniture is that it features a wide variety of accenting products that allow you to utilize one cohesive line throughout your entire business.

Once you shopped a variety of modern desks for your home or business and settled on the perfect set, it's time to go ergo! Adding ergonomic office chairs for sale from brands like Flash Furniture, Eurotech, and RFM Preferred Seating will will provide an instant boost to your efficiency and overall effectiveness. Once of the coolest computer chairs on the market today, the Eurotech Bodyflex Chair is a great choice for those looking to save a buck. Priced at only $322.99, it's truly an excellent value. Looking for a more high end solution? No problem! The RFM Verte Chair is one of the most user friendly office seating for comfort on the market today. If you're truly looking to take your modern space to the next level, Verte will certainly do the trick!

Keeping your office organized will certainly keep you more productive throughout your work day. In 2013, a variety of modern storage cabinets are available for executive and home office environments. Products like the Venice series contemporary wall cabinet by OFM will definitely do the trick for any modern space. Those looking to maximize their filing potential will enjoy products like the metal lateral file cabinets from the Mayline CSII collection are great for adding an industrial element to your work area. The commercial look has been incredibly popular this year, and units like the C843H file cabinet definitely bode well for that highly desired look!

Once you've handled the modern office furniture and seating for your space, it's time to add some wow factor! Top selling ergonomic office accessories like dual screen monitor mount solutions from ESI will definitely add that extra element that takes your space over the top. Affordable articulating monitor arms can be purchased from reputable brands like ESI through a variety of online dealers. Priced starting around $150 for single screen monitor arm models, you'll definitely get your money worth out of this excellent office investment.

Last but certainly not least, any modern office should be equipped with a cool desk lamp and accenting office lighting that compliments your look. Products like the ESI Solstice Desk Lamp also provide a USB charging station. Priced at $197.99, this item makes a perfect gift idea that any high tech person will surely love. In addition to the Solstice, products like the Symmetry Poise Desk Lamp also provide valued office lighting solutions that will improve your decor and versatility. This adjustable unit can be moved and rotated to fit any specific task. Use this in conjunction with your ergonomic furniture and you'll be on your way to the perfect modern office!

In the long run, adding products like desks with ergonomic benefits, chairs, and storage products from brands like those mentioned above will help you get your office started on the right foot. Meeting with industry professionals and reading helpful office furniture review articles like this should provide the insight you need to get your makeover tackled successfully.

5 Tips To Help You Create The Perfect Office Space for Your Business

Creating an efficient and effective workspace is a must for any business professional. Luckily, a highly productive workspace can be easily achieved if you utilize the 5 simple tips in this article. Following these simple workspace principles will have you working comfortable and faster than ever before.

Tip 1: Set A Budget

The first step to any office interior design project should start by setting a budget. Understanding the cost of new furniture, seating, and installation will help prepare you for any workspace makeover. To create a realistic budget, first measure your space to determine the amount of furniture you'll need. Once completed, do some preliminary shopping online to find popular furniture for office in question. When assessing your needs, remember to include the desk, chair, and necessary accessories for your space.

Tip 2: Choose The Right Office Chair

All to often shoppers are in a hurry to outfit their space and don't realize the true benefits available in several of the top ergonomic office chairs for sale in 2013. Finding the perfect chair means you'll need to invest the necessary time to test and review the industries best models. Meeting with a healthcare professional or seating provider can be incredibly helpful for suggestions and tips on just what chair to use. Favorites include the Ride series office chair by Global, Mayline Commute Chair and the all new Avenger Big and Tall Chair by OFM for larger individuals.

Tip 3: Use Modular Furniture

The benefits of modular office furniture are simply incredible! Any business professional hopes to grow their company effectively and profitably. Using a modular workstation configuration for office spaces is the perfect way to start. The top modular office desks for sale in 2013 allow for simple reconfiguration to meet the needs of any growing business. Lines like the Zira casegoods furniture collection offer an extensive array of components that help prevent total area makeovers when your personnel needs increase. Collections like Zira allow companies to easily add on to existing furniture and re utilize workstations in inventive ways. This can save you a bundle and should be recommended by any industry professional. If you're on a mission to create the perfect office, modular products are a must!

Tip 4: Properly Accessorize

Adding ergonomic office accessories to your desk and workstation will greatly improve your day to day efficiency. Top products like ergonomic monitor arms and articulating keyboard trays are incredibly versatile and user friendly. These affordable products should be sourced from reputable brands like ESI Ergonomic Solutions that specialize in business productivity. The accessories of any office should be treated just as importantly as the desk and chair. The little details tend to make the biggest difference! In most cases, the ergonomic office products you add will be used more than any other item in your space. As a side tip to remember, if you're already purchasing ergonomic furniture for office applications, make sure to see what items are included first.

Tip 5: Don't Be Afraid of Installation

All too often consumers are quite intimidated by simple office installations. While office cubicle layouts and larger furniture is a different story, new office chairs and smaller items require minimal efforts and provide an excellent avenue for budget maximization. Believe it or not, manufacturers like OFM Furniture specialize in the provision of office reception desk configurations, tables, and workstations that require absolutely no tools for assembly! In your quest to create the perfect office, knowing how to assemble your products will definitely come in handy. In addition, saving money is always a plus and can be reapplied the other important business essentials.