I HAVE walked into countless offices for corporate development and training purposes and one of the silent killers in most offices in the chair. Yes, your chair!
As I write this article, I am using an office chair, staring at the computer screen.
I cannot help but think of the countless others out there doing the same; stuck in a repetitive cycle of work, sitting for hours on an ergonomically dangerous chair, staring at screens, and we seem never to think about the chair that is holding us.
The humble rugged office chair, often overlooked, is a ticking time bomb for our health.
A recipe for disaster
Poor seating or sitting postures in general can lead to back pain, neck strain and even long-term health issues.
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Discussing a chair in your strategic meeting might be the last thing that has ever crossed your mind.
Probably, as we speak, you are experiencing back pains.
It is time you intently think about yourself and take notice.
The anatomy of a good chair
A proper chair is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
So, what makes a chair worthy of our trust?
A chair should be of an adjustable height, giving lumbar support, having breathable fabric and space to move.
Anything less, we are playing with fire. Remember, you have one spine for life, protect it.
A chair for your body
Not every chair is suitable for you.
But the chair in your office must suit your structure.
It is about “fitting the chair to the person”.
Whether you are an office worker, or a long-distance driver, your chair affects your health.
The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) in the Ergonomics Module aptly points: “The worktable surface height must accommodate the postures, movements, and chair heights for a wide range of employee body sizes.” (pg 13)
It is not just about comfort; it is about preventing the kind of chronic pain that can negatively affect your life.
Ignorance is more expansive
If today you go to your immediate leader/ manager at work and tell them that you need a better chair, they might ridicule you. Why?
It is because they are ignorant of the benefits of a good chair and dangers of a bad chair.
Ignoring the importance of a good chair comes with a hefty price tag.
The cost includes lost productivity, medical bills, and reduced quality of life. Can we really afford to keep overlooking this?
Small changes for big impact
Now, there is a need to make changes that can make a huge difference.
Adjust your chair, take breaks, move around to allow enough blood flow.
It is time to take control of our health, one seat at a time.
As you read this article, stand up and have a look at your chair,
Sit right, live better
We need to make choices today to protect our bodies today.
Remember, our choices today shape our tomorrows.
Let us choose wisely; for our backs, our health, and our future.
The chair is not just holding our weight; it is holding our fate.