Let’s get one thing straight. Hybrid and flexible working is here to stay. Many employees now have the choice of either working remotely permanently or choosing when to go into the office. As a result, more people than ever are working from home.
And it makes sense. Remote working is proven to increase productivity and curb the dreaded effects of burnout from work-related stress. In fact, a recent study found that remote workers spend less time being unproductive than office workers.
Working from home eliminates the commute and allows employees to achieve a work-life balance while still earning. Whether you’ve worked from home pre-pandemic or just switched to a remote lifestyle — your home office needs to be up to scratch. You can only get the most from your work days if your home office set-up is ergonomically designed to support your back, arms and neck while you work.
Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods can lead to a number of health concerns. Obesity, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels can all lead to metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Being comfortable at work has never been more important — for your productivity and your wellbeing. Quality, ergonomic furniture helps you achieve the remote working set-up you need to make every work day a little easier. We’ve included some of our top picks, from height adjustable desks to ergonomic office chairs to boost your mood and performance, in a complete guide to quality work furniture.
So, what’s ergonomics?
Simply put, ergonomics is the study of people in their work environment. This covers all the office furniture and equipment you use during your work day and how it can be arranged to promote efficiency, comfort and wellbeing at work.
All employers should carefully consider ergonomics when designing their office spaces, and it’s no different when it comes to your home office set-up. Having quality, ergonomically designed furniture improves performance and productivity and reduces the risk of accidents and bad health.
Before choosing which quality furniture to deck your home office out with, remember that we’re not all built the same way. Different body sizes and the length of your arms and legs mean certain office furniture will suit you better. That’s why we recommend choosing an office chair or desk which is height adjustable, so you can personalise it to your needs.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best posture practices and products to enhance your wellbeing during your working day.
Height adjustable & standing desks
Setting your desk at the correct height can be a challenge. Some of us will be familiar with piling up books or investing in monitor stands to keep our screens at the right height. But, which desk height is best for me? We’re all different, so there isn’t a set recommended desk height for everyone.
It all depends on how tall you are. Ideally, your arms should sit at a right angle with your wrists resting lightly on the desk and your elbows at a 90° angle. Your feet need to lie flat on the ground with your knees in line with or slightly lower than your hips. When seated at your desk, ensure you can sit right up against the back of the chair to avoid slouching.
If you’re usually quite active, you may find sitting for prolonged periods uncomfortable. If that’s the case, we recommend buying a standing desk. Standing desks have been proven to increase productivity, improve posture and reduce shoulder and neck tension. If you want to know more about the benefits of standing desks, check out our useful blog.
Dedicating time to selecting the right work desk is worth it for your productivity levels and health. It’s a long-term investment to the unnecessary strain you place on your body and wellbeing — so it’s time to switch up the home office set-up.
The best of height adjustable desks
A height adjustable desk means you can modify the desk’s height to suit you. If you can’t afford to also splash out on an adjustable office chair, one or the other will help make sure you’re working at the right height to avoid muscle tension. Here are a few of our favourite desks:
Height Adjustable Smart Desk
Available in black or white, this innovative Smart Desk combines aesthetics with incredible functionality. A sleek tempered glass top features fast wireless charging and USB/USB-C charging ports — so you’ll never have to hunt for a spare plug socket again.
It comes semi-assembled, so it’s easy to set up. A hidden drawer in this slim and elegant design keeps your desk clutter-free and organised. You can even use marker pens on the glass for handwritten reminders and notes.
Height Adjustable E-Desk
If you want all the hi-tech features but a more traditional design, take a look at our height adjustable E-Desk. Choose between an oak or mahogany finish — or go for a more contemporary feel in black or white.
Charge your phone and devices easily with two USB ports, a USB-C port and a wireless charger. Tuck cables neatly away in the built-in storage drawer and enjoy a tidy and orderly workspace.
Ergonomic office chairs
Good posture at your workstation is key for boosting your mood and productivity. Correct posture is much easier to achieve when using quality furniture — like a robust office chair with appropriate lumbar support.
When you’re sitting down, the soles of your feet should sit flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90° angle. Be careful not to over-lower the chair to avoid exerting unnecessary pressure on your lower back. Between the seat of your chair and your inner thighs, there should be a gap of around 1-2 inches.
At the ideal chair height, your arms will be at a 90°-100° open angle with your forearms parallel to the desk. Don’t lean on your wrists; they should be neutral and straight to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome.
The best of ergonomic office chairs
Adjusting the height of your chair doesn’t just fix your posture; it can also tell you a lot about the ergonomics of the rest of your workstation. If you can’t fit your legs under your desk, then it's too low. If you have to raise your arms to reach your desk, it’s placed too high. Use our advice to decide on the best ergonomic office furniture for you and be inspired by some of our personal favourites.
Maxim High Back Ergonomic Chair
The Maxim High Back Ergonomic Chair has everything you need to support your posture at work. An adjustable headrest supports the neck, and the padded lumbar support is height adjustable, as well as the chair itself.
The 3D armrests support your arms while you work, and a sliding seat means you can adapt your sitting position with ease. A helpful clothes hanger on the back of the headrest is an additional bonus. Hang up your comfy hoodie for a last-minute zoom call outfit change and keep your floordrobe out of your office space.
Elle Ergonomic Sit-Stand Stool
If a standing desk is more to your taste, the Elle Sit-Stand Stool offers you flexibility. Be in control of your posture with an adjustable height option and a black upholstered seat pad for extra comfort.
Switch up between sitting and standing at your height adjustable desk and help fight fatigue while you’re working.
Quality office furniture all in one place
By now, you should have everything you need to know about the basics of ergonomic furniture. A height adjustable desk and office chair are the two main ways to make your day-to-day work life easier. But, there are other environmental factors you might want to consider. Good, natural lighting can improve your wellbeing and productivity and adding plants helps reduce stress levels and anxiety. It’s all about creating an enjoyable space to work — after all, it’s where you’ll spend most of your day.
Purus Life is committed to your wellbeing. If you’re looking for office accessories to revolutionise your home office set-up, browse our collection today.
