Of the 10,000 workers surveyed in Stanford University’s recent study on remote work, 12% reported they are fully remote and 27% said their company is using a hybrid schedule. Working from home any day of the week has its perks — like a short commute from the bedroom to your desk — but it’s also caused us to become more sedentary, according to experts.
“We’re seeing a spike in musculoskeletal conditions related to poor posture [ever since the pandemic],” says Scott Bautch, chiropractor at Bautch Chiropractic. Sitting hunched forward or leaning too far backward can cause headaches, stiffness in the upper back and neck and lethargy due to decreased blood flow to the brain, he says. Beyond discomfort or pain, an uncomfortable workspace can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains and lower back injuries, says Shai Karpf, chiropractor and owner of North Broward Chiropractic & Wellness.
How we picked the best ergonomic office chairs
While compiling our list, experts advised us to keep the following in mind:
- Adjustability: Every ergonomic office chair on this list has an adjustable seat, back and armrests and is designed to accommodate your body’s natural shape and weight.
- Warranty: Every chair on our list comes with at least a five-year warranty.
- Weight limit: Every option has a maximum weight capacity of at least 275 pounds.
The Steelcase Leap is the chair we use in the NBC Select office. It’s adjustable at every angle, a feature that Loesing says can help prevent slumping and reduce stress on the spine and the pelvis. It comes with height-adjustable arms to reduce tension in the upper body, recline adjustment to support your spine position, and a height-adjustable seat so your feet can be firmly placed on the floor, according to the brand. For an added fee, you can select arms with four-way adjustment (for height, width, depth and pivot), additional lumbar support and more. I can sit for hours in this chair without any discomfort — my lower back and shoulders feel supported, and the shape of the backing helps me to sit up straight, rather than hunching over my computer.
The Herman Miller Aeron Chair is a great overall ergonomic option, according to Loesing. It’s available in three sizes — small, medium and large — depending on your height and weight, which is great since one size does not fit all, according to Loesing. The basic Aeron model includes adjustable arms, tilt and back support, but for an additional fee, you can add seat-angle adjustment and adjustable lumbar support to stabilize the base of the spine. Its mesh fabric allows airflow, body heat and water vapor to pass through the seat and backrest to help maintain an even skin temperature, according to the brand. You can also choose different wheel options depending if the chair will be on hardwood or carpeting.
This ergonomic chair is designed with both work and play in mind — it has a contoured backrest that aligns with your spine’s natural curve and offers continuous support whether you’re sitting up or reclining, according to the brand. It also has a flexible seat edge to relieve pressure points under your thighs, which is ideal for intensive gaming moments that may have you on the edge of your seat. It also comes with fully adjustable 360-degree armrests so as you move, the armrests swivel along with you, according to the brand. The seat can also be adjusted for both height and depth to conform to your sitting style. It comes in several colors, in both leather and fabric designs.
Branch’s Ergonomic Chair has several points of adjustment for a customized fit: the armrests, the height, the tilt and tilt tension, the seat depth and the removable lumbar rest. The contoured backrest is made of a breathable double-woven nylon mesh and shoppers can also opt to buy the mesh headrest. This chair is particularly good for people who need an adjustable lower backrest and for those who constantly switch their spinal position, according to the brand.
Best ergonomic accessories for your work-from-home setup
To determine which accessories you need to make your chair more suitable to your body, try sitting in the ideal posture: “[With your] feet flat and thighs parallel to the ground, relax your shoulders and position your elbows at approximately 90 degrees, says Patten. “If you cannot do this with your current office chair, there may be some accessories you can purchase to accomplish this.”
Seat cushions
A seat cushion can help to decrease pressure on your lower back, improve posture, and distribute your weight evenly across the seat. Here are some seat cushions recommended by experts and tested by NBC Select staff (check out our roundup of best seat cushions for more on each option):
How to shop for an ergonomic office chair
Some companies label their chairs as “ergonomic” when they don’t actually have ergonomic features, according to Loesing. The main difference between ergonomic desk chairs and regular chairs is adjustability, she says. A regular office chair will likely have fixed armrests or seat heights, while you can adjust an ergonomic chair based on your needs.
According to Loesing, every ergonomic office chair should have at least these four points of adjustability:
- Seat height, so your knees maintain a 90-degree angle when seated to maintain the natural S curve of your spine.
- Lumbar support, which can be adjusted vertically or for depth. This is especially important if you experience lower back pain or if multiple people will be using the chair.
- Armrest height, so your arms sit comfortably. A pivoting arm is beneficial so you can be supported as you swivel to do different tasks.
- Tilt controls, so your chair will tilt forward or recline gently according to your sitting style and tasks.
Apart from adjustability, Don Patten, a certified professional ergonomist, says the following are the main features to look for when shopping for an ergonomic office chair:
- A chair that accommodates your body’s shape and size.
- A chair that has a base with at least five legs to prevent tipping.
- The right wheels, also referred to as casters, to accommodate your workspace. For example, if your chair is on carpeting, look for wheels that are made of steel or cast iron; for hardwood floors you will want a softer wheel made of polyurethane or rubber, so they don’t damage the floors,
- A chair that supports the natural curve of your spine
- Breathable fabric that allows for airflow, such as mesh and polyester. (Note: While leather is not breathable, it is still considered an excellent choice for durability and comfort).
Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the natural S curve of your spine by keeping you in a neutral position, where your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are at a 90-degree angle and your arms are comfortably at rest on the armrests, according to experts. This reduces stress and tension on the pelvis.
You can check our best chair collections here