The Impact of Chair Height on Workplace Productivity

A significant portion of our lives is spent sitting at desks, which is why the importance of ergonomics cannot be overlooked. For optimal comfort and ergonomics, adjusting your office chair to the correct height is crucial. Having the wrong seat height can have physical consequences, affecting our productivity and overall health. It can lead to circulation problems, poor posture, lack of concentration and discomfort. This article will guide you through the impact of your chair height on your workplace productivity. 

The Consequences of Your Office Chair Height

Posture

One of the main issues associated with a chair set too high is poor posture. If your chair is not adjusted to the proper height, it can cause you to slouch or lean forward. This puts more strain on your spine. Over time, this can lead to chronic back pain, muscle tension and even more severe conditions such as spinal misalignment. 

A seat that is too low will also put undue pressure on your gluteal sit bones as your hip joints will be forced into an extreme flex angle. Maintaining good posture is important to prevent long-term musculoskeletal problems.

Back, Neck and Shoulder Strain

If your chair is too high, it can cause neck and shoulder strain. Misalignment with your desk and equipment can lead to overstretching your neck or overreaching for your keyboard and mouse. This prolonged strain can be contributing to any discomfort and headaches you may be feeling. In extreme cases it can cause conditions such as cervical spondylosis. This affects the spinal discs in your neck. The height of your chair is essential for maintaining a neutral and comfortable position for your neck and shoulders.

If your chair seat height is too low, you’ll end up sitting with your knees above the level of your hips. This will increase the pressure on your lumbar discs and quickly result in lower back pain. You will automatically ‘hunch’ your back, which is likely to result in shoulder and neck pain.

Circulation Issues

Improperly adjusted chairs can have negative effects on blood circulation. A chair set too high can compress blood vessels behind your knees. This reduces your blood flow, leading to pain, numbness and tingling in your legs. 

Remaining seated for extended periods or a chair height too low places excessive pressure on your sit bones and bottom. This can impede blood circulation in your legs which over time can cause blood to pool in the lower extremities. This can lead to discomfort and even contribute to more serious health issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

Correct chair height is crucial for ensuring optimal blood flow throughout your body, reducing the risk of circulation-related problems.

Impact on Workplace Productivity

Beyond the physical repercussions, an uncomfortable chair can significantly impact your productivity and overall well-being. Discomfort and pain caused by an improperly adjusted chair can be distracting. The pain shifts our focus from work and increases stress levels. A comfortable ergonomic chair promotes a comfortable work environment, allowing you to concentrate efficiently.

Does the Ideal Office Chair Height Exist?

Office chair manufacturers design chairs with adjustable seat height to ease negative health effects on your thighs, shoulders, lower back, neck and even arms. This allows you to work comfortably and safely, ultimately improving your productivity. With the potential consequences of a chair set too high or too low explained, here are strategies for proper chair adjustment.

How to Adjust Office Chair Height With a Gas Lift

The seat height of an office chair is adjusted using a gas cylinder. This is also known as a pneumatic cylinder or gas lift, which is located under the seat. The lever or paddle is activated by pressing down on it. This causes the gas cylinder to release or trap compressed air. This moves a piston, which adjusts the seat height of the chair. 

Gas cylinders come in various sizes. Standard cylinders are fitted on most chairs as the majority of users work at standard height desks. Cylinders often vary between chair styles and sizes. For example, a chair for a tall user may require a longer gas cylinder. For users who require additional height, an office chair height extender can be used to create a more customised seat height. 

For a selection of ergonomic chairs featuring adjustable gas lifts, consider exploring the Ergo Custom range. These chairs are designed to provide personalised comfort and support, ensuring an optimal seating experience.

Strategies on Sitting Correctly

First of all, you need to know how to sit correctly: 

1. Sit with your bottom to the back of the seat and your back fully engaged with the chair backrest. 
2. A 2-3 finger gap from the front of the seat to the knee crease is ideal for circulation.
3. When you are seated, your seat height should have enough adjustment for you to increase or decrease the height.

Setting your Seat Height

Adjust your chair height so that your feet rest flat on the floor. This is best to allow unrestricted movement. If you are resting on your toes or barely touching the ground, your chair is too high. You will need to use a footrest. 

Your knees should be at a 90–125° angle parallel to your hips (ideally slightly lower than your thighs). If your knees are above your hips, your chair is too low. Your seat should be tilted slightly forwards. This ‘opens’ your pelvis and restores the natural curves in your spine to reduce strain on the lower back and promote good circulation. 

A seat tilt is a standard feature on any ergonomic office chair as slouching can cause the reversal of your normal spinal curves.

Arms and Armrests

If your chair has armrests, you should position your arms so your elbows are close to your body and your shoulders are relaxed. Adjust the armrests to a height where your arms can rest comfortably, forming a 90-110 degree angle at the elbows. This minimises strain on your shoulders and neck. 

Desk and Monitor Alignment

Your eyes level should be in the centre of your monitor screen. To achieve this you may need to raise or lower your seat height or computer screen with a monitor stand. If raising your chair to accommodate this causes your feet to dangle, it’s important to use a footrest. 

Backrest

The backrest should support your upper and lower back’s natural curve. A chair that’s too high can cause you to lean forward, which can disrupt your posture. 

Once You’ve Found the Ideal Seat Height

After you find the ideal seat height, roll back and unhunch your shoulders to settle into a natural position. Your wrists will be in a more natural, comfortable resting place. This helps to reduce and avoid arm tiredness, wrist fatigue and RSIs such as carpal tunnel. 

Regardless of your chair’s height, taking regular breaks and incorporating movement into your routine is crucial. Stand up, stretch and walk around every 30 minutes to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. These breaks not only benefit your physical health but also contribute to increased mental alertness.

Improve Health and Productivity with Ergonomic Chairs Direct

Don’t underestimate the impact of your chair’s height. A small adjustment can make a significant difference in your health and workplace productivity. The consequences of a chair set too high extend beyond mere discomfort. It impacts our musculoskeletal health, circulation and overall productivity.

At Ergonomic Chairs Direct, we produce the highest quality ergonomic chairs designed to enhance both your physical well-being and work performance. By understanding the right adjustments your chair needs, you can create a workspace that is both comfortable and productive. Explore our range of office chairs and If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Use our buying guide to help you find the best chair for you.