These days, people easily overlook the importance of good posture. However, how we sit can significantly affect our productivity, comfort, and overall wellbeing. Whether spending hours at our desks or balancing between meetings, maintaining proper posture in an office chair is essential for both short and long-term health.
At Custom House Belfast, we prioritise not just aesthetics and function but also physical wellbeing. Our private office spaces come equipped with Herman Miller chairs and sit-stand desks, ensuring that our members have access to the very best ergonomic support.
In this guide, we’ll explore why good posture matters, offer practical tips on how to sit correctly in your office chair and explain how choosing the right office setup can make all the difference for you and your business.
Why Good Posture Matters
Poor posture doesn’t just lead to discomfort—it can also have more serious health consequences over time. Slouching, hunching over your desk, or sitting for extended periods without proper support can result in chronic back, neck or shoulder pain. It can also lead to decreased circulation, fatigue and reduced focus.
On the other hand, maintaining good posture helps improve your breathing, circulation, and energy levels, making you more alert and productive throughout the day.
How to Sit Right In An Office Chair
Achieving the ideal posture at work and in general, starts with understanding how to sit correctly. Here are some essential tips to follow:
Adjust Your Chair Height
The height of your office chair is critical to maintaining good posture. Your feet should be flat on the floor (or on a footrest) with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. This position helps distribute your weight evenly and supports your lower back.
Support Your Lower Back
Many people neglect the importance of lumbar support when sitting for long hours. Make sure your lower back is pressed against the chair's backrest, with a slight arch to maintain the natural curve of your spine. This helps reduce pressure on your back muscles and prevents slouching.
Adjust the Backrest Angle
For optimal posture, your backrest should recline slightly, between 100° and 110°, rather than remaining in a perfectly upright position. This angle allows your spine to rest comfortably without forcing it to remain in a rigid position.
Ensure Your Arms Are at the Right Height
Your arms should be supported at a 90-degree angle, with your elbows close to your body and your forearms resting parallel to the desk. If your chair has adjustable armrests, align them so your shoulders stay relaxed rather than hunched.
Position Your Screen Correctly
Your computer screen should be at eye level and about an arm’s length away from you. If the screen is too low or far away, you’ll find yourself craning your neck or leaning forward, which can strain your spine and shoulders.
Take Regular Breaks
Even with the perfect chair and posture, sitting for long periods can negatively impact your health. Make a habit of standing up, stretching, or walking around for a few minutes every hour. This boosts circulation and reduces the strain on your muscles and joints. Sit-stand desks are also a great way of alternating sitting down and standing up while working at your desk.
Why Ergonomics Matter in the Workplace
Investing in ergonomic furniture isn't just about comfort—it’s about improving productivity and wellbeing. For businesses, ensuring that your team has access to proper office chairs and desks can boost morale, increase productivity and even reduce absenteeism.
Read more about the relationship between workspaces and employee performance and why wellbeing in the workplace matters.
Invest in Comfort, Invest in Success
Good posture is more than just sitting up straight—it’s about creating an environment that allows people to thrive. By investing in high-quality, ergonomic furniture, you can improve productivity, reduce the risk of injury, and create a happier, healthier workplace.
If you’re looking for an office space in Belfast that provides the best in ergonomic design and a supportive community, Custom House is the perfect place for you. We provide high-quality, ergonomic office spaces designed to support your team's health and productivity and our private offices come fully furnished with top-tier ergonomic furniture, including Herman Miller chairs and sit-stand desks for ultimate flexibility. Check out our office spaces to learn more about how we prioritise the comfort and success of our members.
Get in touch today to discover how our fully furnished, flexible workspaces can improve both comfort and business performance.