How Your Chair Affects Your Productivity

If you’ve taken time to create your goal list for this year and have begun working on your projects, then you’ve made a lot of progress. However, if you’re having difficulty staying focused, then you should consider changing your desk or sitting chair. You may not be experiencing issues with your back or neck, but any discomfort could be a sign that you’re sitting in the wrong chair.

Signs Your Chair is Altering Your Performance

You may be used to making adjustments when it comes to sitting in a chair because your mind is focused on the information on your computer, the conversation you’re having with a co-worker, or the paperwork in front of you.

Ergonomics is very important to your work production. It doesn’t matter if you work at a brick-and-mortar office or a home, your desk chair will play a major role in your performance level. If you have a hard time getting up from your chair, or your rear end hurts while sitting, you need to make a change. Additional signs your chair may be reducing your performance level includes:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Drowsiness

• Memory problems

• Decreased circulation in lower extremities

You may be wondering why these symptoms occur when sitting in an average chair. This is because your spine is the central support area for your entire body. Your spine connects major parts of your skeletal system including your brain. When impaired or misaligned, the symptoms mentioned above can quickly emerge. An ergonomic chair provides numerous benefits such as back pain relief, increased mental alertness, and supports proper sitting posture. If you have back problems, purchasing a chair that is ergonomically designed will help you significantly. Sitting in the wrong chair can wreak havoc on your lumbar and nerves. So, you must be mindful of your posture, the seat padding, and the chair’s back.

If you sit in front of a computer for several hours, you should look for a chair that can support your physical needs. You may be interested in the design of a chair particularly if it matches your office décor, but the structure should be the main priority when it comes to your supporting your spine. When you find a chair that provides all of the features that you need, select the color you prefer to accommodate your décor interests.

Change Your Chair, Change Your Perception

It’s easy to fall into a slump while working and lose interest in the projects you once esteemed. You may have also thought about changing your field of work because you’re not focusing like you used to. One reason may be due to mundane tasks that you have honed over the years, but another reason could be your chair. I recommend purchasing an ergonomic desk chair for your home office or ask your manager if you could order one that is budget friendly.

Prior to your chair’s arrival, make a list of the symptoms you’re feeling while sitting in your current chair, and document how you feel after sitting in your chair for a few weeks. You may also want to journal your current workload and progress so that you can compare your performance reports at the end of your trial period. If you see a significant difference particularly in your work interest, make a commitment to sitting in chairs that improve your productivity. Lumbar pillows are also helpful when you have to sit in meetings or other places that don’t have ergonomic chairs.

Streamlining your work processes in an effort to save time can be difficult if your chair is slowing you down. If you want to meet those project deadlines on time, switch chairs, and anticipate a performance reward.

Happy Sitting!

Reference

Lefler, Rodney, DC. (2004). Office Chair: Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Chair. Spine Health.

Wayfair. Ergonomic Office Chairs.