Task chairs might look like the traditional office chair that has been around for 30 plus years, but a little investigation will reveal how much they have improved ergonomically. The extra levers allow for adjusting multiple parts of the chair so it can be modified to suit most body shapes perfectly.
This is a multi-part buyers guide. Take a look at Part 1: Ergonomic Office Chairs Buyers Guide here and Part 3: Mesh Chairs here.
How to Adjust your Task Chair so it's Ergonomic
Poor ergonomic workstations increase your risk of musculoskeletal problems. To reduce your chance of sustaining an injury, adjust your ergonomic chair so that it fits your body.
First, you need to adjust the height of your chair. The underside of your hands should sit on top of your keyboard with your elbows at a right angle and your wrists straight. Sit up straight in your chair, roll your shoulders back. Adjust the chair up or down until your elbows and hands are in the right position.
Next adjust the back of the chair up, down, in or out so you can feel the lumbar support in the lower curve of your back. Finally, check the seat base is straight or tilting slightly forward, so it is comfortable under your thighs. If you can’t rest your feet flat on the floor, use a footrest.
For more information, read the Ergonomics Unit Victorian WorkCover Authority, Officewise – A guide to health and safety in the office.
Ergonomic Task Chairs We Recommend:
The Gregory range of task chairs is popular because they can be fully customised by choosing the back height, arms and seat size.
Gregory Inca
- One of the most popular and best selling in Australia
- Versatile all-rounder
- Dual-density seat technology
- Moulded polypropylene seat technology for increased comfort
- 3 back sizes, 3 seat sizes (part of the Gregory “My Chair” Range)
- Ergonomic 3-lever mechanism with ratchet back
- Certifications – AFARDI Level 6 & GECA
Strengths
- Versatility and all-round suitability
- Excellent adjustability
- Dual-density seat technology promotes good posture
- Value
Weakness
- Seat length for very tall users (can be overcome with the addition of seat slider)
Find out more: Gregory Inca Medium Back, Inca High Back and Inca Extra High Back.
Gregory Slimline
- Taller back style
- Dual-density seat technology
- Moulded polypropylene seat technology for increased comfort
- 3 back sizes, 3 seat sizes (part of the Gregory “My Chair” Range)
- Ergonomic 3 lever mechanism with ratchet back
- Certifications – AFARDI level 6 & GECA
Strengths
- High back has the ‘executive’ look
- Excellent adjustability
- Dual-density seat technology promotes good posture
Weakness
- Seat length for very tall users (can be overcome with the addition of seat slider)
For more information: Gregory Slimline Medium Back and Gregory Slimline High Back.
Humanscale Freedom Task
- Award-winning
- Self-adjusting as you move
- Suits a range of body types and situations
- Pivoting backrest
Strengths
- Build quality
- Style
- Self-adjustment and functionality
- Allows for movement
Weakness
For more details: Humanscale Freedom Task Chair.
Sapphire MK1 Plastic back
- Popular chair
- Range of seat sizes
- Pronounced lumbar support and bolsters on back
- 3-lever mechanism
Strengths
- Pronounced lumbar support
- Seat size range
Weakness
- Pronounced lumbar support and contoured seat can be polarising
- Slight flex in the back when under pressure
See more information here: Sapphire MK1 Plastic Back
Gryphon MK1
- Broad back style suits larger users
- Excellent seat size range
- 3-lever mechanism
Strengths
- Broader support across back suits larger or broader back users
Weakness
- Slight flex in back when under pressure
- Broad style not for all users
To learn more : Gryphon MK1
Gregory Tru-Sit
- Excellent entry level chair
- Versatile all-rounder
- Dual-density seat technology
- Medium or high back option
Strength
- Value for price
- All-round suitability
- Dual-density seat
- 3-lever mechanism with ratchet back
Weakness
Find about more here: Gregory Tru-Sit Medium Back and Gregory Tru-Sit High Back.
Rialto High Back
- Good versatile entry-level chair
- Ergonomic 3-lever mechanism with ratchet back
- High back/posture Zine seat cushioning
Strengths
Weakness
- No seat/back size variations
The Rialto High Back task chair is available for purchase here.
You can view our full range of task chairs here. If you have any questions about the best task chair for you, come into our Perth showroom, speak to one of our friendly experts by calling (08) 9240 7066 or contact us online.