When you look around your office and think about the items that need to be replaced, you may notice some things that stand out. The old coffee machine might end up near the top of your list. Getting new technology like a fast new computer or a printer that doesn’t jam is always nice.
Yes, there are probably a few things on your office replacement wish list. One thing that may go overlooked is your task chair. After all, a chair is a chair, right? If only things were that simple.
The chair you sit in is one of the most important components of office ergonomics and having the wrong chair for your needs can cause many problems and reduce your ability to work effectively and efficiently. However, how can you tell when you should replace a task chair? Here are some things to look for.
1. Damage to the Chair or Parts
This is probably the most obvious reason you should replace your desk chair. When something breaks, most people don’t need to ask, “Do I need a new chair?”
Of course, a chair that has fallen apart into several pieces will be more noticeable than a chair with minor damage. There are some early signs of damage that you can look for.
Loose or stuck wheels are a good sign that your task chair may need to be replaced. If you find you have to push harder to roll across the floor and the wheels will not respond to our motions then it may be time to look at replacing your chair.
Loose or non-working components that often go overlooked include armrests, knobs or levers such as those controlling seat height and the backrest. If any of these parts no longer let you adjust the chair to support your posture or are frequently requiring readjustment, then you need to consider looking at a new task chair.
2. Flattened Seat Cushion
Over time, the foam in your seat cushion will begin to compress and flatten. Your seat cushion is one of the most important parts of your chair as it plays a vital role in preventing back and body pain.
When your seat cushion compresses, there is less support for your body weight. This puts the stress on your lower back. Anyone who has suffered lower back pain knows that it can have far-reaching effects in many areas of your life beyond just the work you do in your chair.
Show your backside and back muscles some love – replace your chair once your seat cushion loses the ability to do its job.
3. Improperly Fitted Task Chair
There is the possibility that your chair was never right for you. This is especially true for people who have taken over an existing office space that was already furnished.
Some chairs may have armrests too far apart that can’t be adjusted inward far enough to suit your body. Other chairs may have backrests designed for people who are taller or shorter than you.
If you are going to be spending a lot of time working in your task chair, then it may be worth it to replace a task chair that is not suited to your individual needs. Your body will thank you for this.
4. The Chair No Longer Feels Right
Sometimes there isn’t any scientific reason to replace a task chair. It could boil down to something as simple as the chair just not feeling very comfortable.
That is just as good of a reason to replace your task chair as any of the other reasons above. Think about how many hours per day you will spend sitting in this chair. People spend a lot of money on beds because they spend so much time sleeping in them; choosing the right chair is just as important because you could spend almost as much time sitting in your chair.
A chair that is perfectly ergonomic for one person may not be right for another person. You may not love your current chair and, at the same time, you may not have an apparent reason to replace it. Listen to your body; it knows best whether or not your chair is right for you.
Do I Need a New Chair?
Are you still wondering if you need a new task chair? If you have additional questions, we are here to help. We have helped countless people find the task chair that best meets their needs.
Not ready to talk to our team but still want to learn more about finding the right chair for you? Check out our post on the Top Five Things to Look When Buying an Office Chair.
New to buying office furniture but realize that your outdated chair needs an upgrade? Our short Guide to Purchasing Office Furniture will teach you what to keep in mind while in the market.
Cory Porteous
Marketing Manager
Office Interiors
