Should You Be Using Office Chair Armrests?

The Types of Office Chair Armrests

Typically, office chairs come equipped with armrests. While some models lack armrests entirely, and others offer them as an optional feature, armrests are generally a primary characteristic of most office chairs.

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However, not all armrests are the same.

Fixed Armrests

Fixed armrests, as the name suggests, are stationary and cannot be adjusted. These armrests are commonly found on budget-friendly office chair models. They provide decent support for your forearms, which helps alleviate stress on your neck and shoulders. Yet, they may not fit every user perfectly.

What works for one model may not work for another; the positioning of fixed armrests varies. They are usually designed in a T-shape or as a 'loop.'

Folding Armrests

Folding armrests are advantageous when you need to switch between using and not using them, which often aligns with the type of work being performed.

These armrests typically offer two positions: 'Up,' where the armrest is vertically folded away, and 'Down,' where it is positioned horizontally at a 90-degree angle.

The height and width of folding armrests are not adjustable, meaning you are confined to their default horizontal setting if you choose to utilize them.

Adjustable Armrests

Adjustable armrests represent the pinnacle of office chair design. Found primarily on high-end models, these armrests usually feature a combination of height, width, and pivot adjustments, allowing for a customized seating experience that suits you and your desk.

Considering the amount of time the average office employee spends sitting, it’s surprising how often armrest chairs go unnoticed. Though they may not seem glamorous, their importance should not be underestimated. Most office employees generally acknowledge the significance of armrests, especially given the long working hours, and agree that a chair with comfortable armrests confers considerable health benefits.

A comfortable, ergonomic chair contributes to an improved working experience at desks. As jobs increasingly require desk work, prioritizing employees' health is essential. Chairs with armrests have demonstrated significant enhancements in work efficiency and employee morale, primarily due to the comfort they provide.

Beyond comfort, armrest chairs are aesthetically pleasing and can impart a more responsible look to office chairs. Studies suggest that workers are more productive when they feel a sense of authority and responsibility. Professional offices often feature unique or 'one-of-a-kind' armrests on their executive chairs. While high-end chairs may include padding for added comfort, even entry-level chairs often come equipped with these features.

From a health perspective, improved blood circulation can be achieved with the right armrests. Numerous benefits arise from utilizing armrest chairs, but to fully obtain these advantages, armrests should be comfortable, flexible, and adjustable for users since fixed armrests offer limited benefits. An armrest that adjusts to seat height provides more flexibility and comfort, made from standard and comfortable materials.

Many workers may not realize how detrimental a sedentary lifestyle without armrests can be; thus, it is crucial for office managers and business owners to pay attention to these details to avoid negatively impacting employee health.

The debate over the use of armrests has become a contentious topic in the furniture industry, with experts voicing opinions on both sides. However, there is a common consensus that the right type of armrests will always benefit the workforce and the office environment as a whole.

Here are some ergonomic benefits of having armrests in office chairs, useful for office managers when deciding on the types of chairs to purchase:

1. Helps in Maintaining a Natural Posture

Employees spend long hours sitting in their chairs, necessitating proper posture for overall health. Armrests facilitate the maintenance of a natural posture. Biology suggests that muscles produce maximum force when positioned naturally, with joints in their normal resting state. This leads to reduced effort while typing, drawing, or performing tasks, ultimately resulting in more productivity. A natural typing position is especially beneficial for those working on long projects. Employees engaged in heavy typing or all-day computer work are at higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, and ergonomic chairs with comfortable armrests can help prevent this issue.

Such a natural position also benefits aging employees, who often face health challenges. Proper posture minimizes joint problems, as unnatural positioning creates ongoing stress on joints.

In a natural seating position, forearms align with the desk, making it crucial for armrests to support the elbows and forearms, promoting comfort during prolonged sitting.

Health surveys indicate that stress on the musculoskeletal system is at a minimum when in a natural position. Desk jobs are notorious for weakening muscles and bones; hence, an appropriately dimensioned armrest can significantly improve health.

Moreover, a well-aligned spine requires less effort to maintain, drastically reducing the risk of backaches and spinal issues in the long run. Thus, ensuring a natural posture through armrests is among the best ways to support health.

2. Strain-Free Rest

Modern work culture has heightened the dependency on ergonomic office desks and chairs, which have become crucial for workforce efficiency and productivity. Functioning without proper seating is nearly impossible today.

Employees often spend hours seated, necessitating short breaks while still at their desks. Ergonomic armrests play a vital role in providing strain-free rest with minimal muscle tension during these breaks. Without armrests, arms may remain uncomfortable, making such moments of relief vital for stress reduction.

Research indicates that short breaks contribute significantly to employee productivity. Prolonged periods of inactivity can result in physical strain, emphasizing the need for armrests. These supportive features are also beneficial during long meetings, where most office workers must remain seated for extended stretches.

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Employees often take lunch breaks while at their desks, demonstrating the importance of armrests. Muscle tension accumulated during work can be alleviated with proper support, much easier when resting on an armrest.

As highlighted, good positioning is vital, not only during work but also for rest periods. Lacking proper arm support during breaks can be frustrating, adversely impacting stress levels.

When purchasing office furniture, managers should consider whether employees prefer taking breaks at their desks or getting up. Work culture may dictate limited opportunities for employees to leave their workstations, making armrests a desirable relief as they relax in their chairs while enjoying refreshments.

Small details like these can enhance overall workforce comfort and morale.

Also Read: 5 EASY EXERCISES TO DO AT YOUR DESK TO STAY FIT

3. Balance and Centre of Gravity

Many offices encounter the issue of falling chairs, making appropriate balance crucial for preventing accidents. While user behavior plays a role in balance, certain factors contribute to a chair's stability.

This is where ergonomic armrests come into play! Resting arms on the armrests alleviates some downward force on the spine, helping preserve good posture and maintain the right centre of gravity.

Chairs with small wheels may look appealing but tend to be unstable; thus, it is vital to choose balanced chairs equipped with proper armrests. Without armrests, a chair may wobble, leading to minor accidents or even severe injuries.

In the event of a fall, individuals tend to reach for armrests to regain balance. Properly placed armrests can prevent accidents and mishaps, while also enhancing mobility. Users often struggle to shift chairs without first standing if there are no armrests available, a principle that applies to non-wheeled chairs as well.

Office workers familiar with chairs both with and without armrests recognize that those with such supports are far more stable and easier to reposition.

Preventing accidents is imperative; without armrests, a simple stretch can result in a fall, which not only causes injury but also disrupts workflow and creates embarrassment for any employee involved.

4. Amenity and Comfort

One significant reason to choose a chair with armrests is the comfort and amenity they provide the user. A simple plastic or wooden armrest with cushioned padding can make a considerable difference in comfort levels.

Furthermore, additional comfort features can be included, such as storage flaps or cup holders. While these enhancements may raise costs, even a standard chair with basic armrests can significantly improve comfort.

Given the time spent seated at computers, ensuring a comfortable seating arrangement is crucial for enduring multiple hours of work. Discomfort can negatively affect productivity; employees may experience a drop in efficiency if seating arrangements are not comfortable.

When employees feel at ease while working long hours, they tend to maintain better moods and attitudes toward their work, leading to improved performance and overall morale across the workforce.

5. Aesthetics and Work Culture

While armrests might seem like a minor detail, they significantly enhance aesthetics and reflect a company’s work culture.

A well-cushioned armrest chair contributes to the attractiveness and elegance of the chair itself. A set of visually appealing chairs throughout the office can elevate the overall ambiance and create a standard for workplace culture. Arm supports in office chairs enhance not only aesthetics but also the overall office furniture ecosystem.

Moreover, incorporating ergonomic armrests in office chairs is beneficial for employee health, and having such chairs in place conveys a caring image of the company, indicating that it values the health and well-being of its workforce.

Also Read: YOUR COMPANY CULTURE AND YOUR OFFICE FITOUT

6. Wellness Benefits

The health benefits of ergonomically designed armrest chairs are numerous. The most noticeable benefit is the prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among employees who spend long hours typing. Armrests help ensure that elbows bend to an angle of 100 degrees or more, keeping wrists neutral while typing.

Furthermore, proper placement of armrests enhances blood circulation, preventing unnatural bending of the arms. It is essential that armrests are adjustable to a user's optimal height to improve circulation and prevent blood pooling, which can cause tingling sensations.

Ensuring good blood circulation is vital in a sedentary work lifestyle. Suitable posture and armrests provide necessary support, allowing the body to find its natural resting position while working.

Another significant benefit of armrest chairs is the reduction of static load on the neck, back, and shoulders. This buildup can lead to various health issues, including sprains caused by prolonged sitting in improper positions. Properly fitting armrests can alleviate shoulder and neck pain for office workers.

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