An Office Chair: How Much Should You Spend?

The debate over which is the best office chair has been raging for decades. Until relatively recently, specialist office chairs were only available through limited dealers at maximum prices but with a huge selection now available to everyone through simple online purchasing, what should you look for in an office chair?

Let's start with the basic descriptions: What is the difference between an Operator Chair and a Task Chair? I have asked this question to a number of manufacturer representatives and there is rarely a confident response given. Usual answers include claims of higher quality, higher specification and higher functionality with a Task Chair. In reality, there are Operator Chairs with exactly the same specification as Task Chairs and vice-versa. There is no difference other than the label!

Many ranges of office chair start with a basic model and are priced incrementally as each specification option is added. Are these options worth the extra cost? Seat height adjustment and a swivel base are a given. Aesthetic extras such as premium fabrics and polished aluminium trims are purely personal choice and offer no benefit in terms of functionality but there are several options which should be given serious consideration. Height adjustable arms support your limbs, taking strain off the upper body and shoulders, reducing the risk of pain in these areas. An adjustable back rest is essential as everyone is different and a lack of comfortable support in this area can lead to long-term health issues. Back rest adjustment can be offered in various ways - a height adjustable back rest, an adjustable lumbar support or often both. A sliding seat, to adjust the seat depth, provides adequate support for the thigh area and is particularly appropriate for the taller employee. One specification which is rarely seen in cheaper chairs, but for me, is an essential point, is a recline mechanism. Freedom of movement when seated is extremely beneficial for the wellbeing of the employee and the ability to lean back and stretch when taking a phone call or contemplating an idea is good for the mind as well as the body.

An Office Chair: How Much Should You Spend?

Clearly, there is a vast range, in terms of quality and price, available when selecting a chair for your office. Prices range from as little as £30 () to £1,500 (,500) or more for a top specification chair. There is no doubt, however, that you get what you pay for and choosing a chair for your office should be conducted as an investment exercise rather than a cost cutting exercise. You don't need to spend a fortune. Investing in a good quality office chair, such as the Orangebox Joy or the Liberty Chair by Humanscale, will prove a more cost-effective option in the long-term. Cheaper chairs are likely to be replaced after just a couple of years or less, whereas a good quality chair will last many, many years and is often covered by a five-year warranty or more. Investment in a quality office chair is an investment in your employees.