Imagine you’re in the middle of your workday. Your back feels like a freight-train has hit it. You shift around in your seat trying to find the perfect spot of comfort. Do you recognize this? It’s okay, my friend. You are not alone. In Singapore, a city where the office hours can last longer than a string, the best office chair is almost as essential as the morning kopi. Helpful resources?
Let’s begin by talking about lumbar back support. It’s the backbone of any office chair. The same as a car that doesn’t have shock absorbers, a chair without proper back support will make you feel every bump. If you’re looking for a chair that offers adjustable lumbar, it will allow you to adjust the support to suit your spine curve.
The second is adaptability. Each of us is unique – taller than giraffes or shorter than hobbits. A good office chair has adjustable armrests and height. It allows you to adjust the chair’s height so that your arms and feet form an “L” shape when typing.
Now let’s look at the materials. Mesh chair are very popular these days. They’re cool and breathable. Leather chairs look classy but can get sticky with Singapore’s humid climate.
You may have heard about seat depth adjustments. If not, let me enlighten you! It’s a feature that can make a significant difference. But it is often overlooked. Seat depth adjustment is used to ensure that there is just enough space between your seat’s edge and the rear of your knees for you to slip two fingers comfortably through.
Oh, and don’t start me on swivel legs! Imagine being stuck in the same spot for a whole day. Sounds tortureous, doesn’t? With a good swivel, you can move easily from one task or activity to the next without having to strain yourself.
A personal story: I bought a chair for my office because it looked stylish online. That was a mistake. After a mere week, my back was screaming more than a lunchtime rush at a hawker-center. Test chairs before buying if you can.
Let’s have a quick chat about budgets, since wallets don’t grow on the trees. Even though it’s tempting, an office seat is an investment that will improve your productivity and overall health. Spending more money today could save you thousands in chiropractor bills down the road.
Think about aesthetics, but don’t allow them to overshadow the functionality. It’s true that we all want a workspace that looks good enough to be admired by Marie Kondo. However, comfort always takes precedence.
If you want to summarize, look for a chair that has lumbar supports. Make sure the chair is well-adjusted. Choose breathable materials. Don’t underestimate swivels. Test before buying.
Here you go! Have fun searching for your dream chair, and may it bring you relief (and joy) on many of the days ahead.