Ergonomics
How Ergonomic Chairs Transformed My Work Life – My Journey with Nerve Pain in My Lower Back
A case study of how I conquered debilitating back pain at work.
Unveiling the True Cost of Ergonomic Office Chairs: Are they Worth the Investment?
Although the upfront cost of ergonomic office chairs may seem high, over their lifespan they are a low-cost and smart investment.
- Updated:
About the author:
Ronel Hendry
Office Ergonomics Risk Facilitator.
Areas of specialisation: Sales, Specifying & Ergonomics
Have you ever considered just how much time the average office worker spends sitting at their desk each year? Research by the British Heart Foundation shows that within the UK, people spend 60% of the waking hours sitting down, and this rises to as much as 75% for people who work in offices....a whopping 12 hours per day! The risks of sitting to much are well documented, and it’s no surprise that the type of chair we use can profoundly affect our health and work performance. If you’ve ever wondered why ergonomic chairs come with such a hefty price tag, you’re not alone. Are they truly worth the investment, or is it just a clever marketing ploy? Today, let's unveil the true cost of ergonomic office chairs and why they are a valuable investment in your health and work efficiency.
Breaking Down the Value: Understanding the Cost of Ergonomic Office Chairs
Good office chairs often come with a higher price tag, but what exactly justifies this cost? Let's delve into the factors contributing to their pricing and why they represent a valuable investment:
1. Design and Engineering
A top-notch ergonomic chair undergoes meticulous design and engineering to ensure optimal support and comfort. From the curvature of the seat to the lumbar support, every detail is manufactured to enhance the user's posture and reduce strain.
2. Customisation Options
Ergonomic chairs offer extensive customisation features, allowing users to adjust the height, tilt, armrests, lumbar support, and more. This flexibility ensures that the chair can be tailored to individual needs, contributing to both comfort and productivity.
3. Quality Materials and Construction
Built to withstand daily use, ergonomic chairs utilise durable materials such as high-grade upholstery, aluminium, glass-reinforced nylon, and moulded foam padding. These materials not only enhance comfort, but also ensure longevity and durability.
4. Brand Reputation Influences the Cost of Office Chairs
Established brands often command higher prices due to their reputation for reliability and quality.
5. Warranty
Ergonomic chairs come with warranties that cover faults in workmanship and materials. Because they use higher quality materials, the cost of office chairs with a longer warranty will be higher than those with a shorter warranty period.
Ergonomic Office Chairs and your Health
A poor workstation setup can lead to more than discomfort - it can result in significant long-term health costs. Poor posture and inadequate support contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and reduced productivity. Office Ergonomics And How It Affects Your Health - Forbes, Jan 2024.
Musculoskeletal conditions, including back, shoulder, and knee injuries, significantly impact South Africans, leading to prolonged absences from work and becoming the primary reason for claiming income protection benefits from insurers. City Press, April 2024
While opting for a cheaper chair may save money initially, medical bills from back problems, neck strain, and other issues can quickly add up. Physical therapy, doctor visits, and surgeries are common, impacting both health and workplace productivity. Cheap Office Chairs: How they impact your health. Office chairs may have a high upfront cost, but this pales in comparison to potential medical expenses from discomfort or injury.
Breaking Down the Costs of Ergonomic Office Chairs: Warranty Periods and Long-Term Value
The simplest way to break down the life-time cost of an ergonomic office chair, is to assume that its lifespan equals its warranty period. For this exercise, I've selected two chairs, the Leila with a 5-year warranty, and the Fenix with a 10-year warranty. Based on these warranty periods, let's break down the cost of ownership for both the Leila and the Fenix. In both cases, let's assume that the chairs are used for 8 hours per day, 5 days a week, or roughly 2000 hours per annum.
The calculations below show the reasonable monthly or hourly cost of two ergonomic office chairs spread over their respective warranty periods. Besides the upfront cost and enhanced comfort and productivity, ergonomic chairs may save you money on long-term medical bills.
| Leila | Fenix | |
|---|---|---|
Warranty Period |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Usage |
2000 hours pa |
2000 hours pa |
Approximate Upfront Investment |
R4800 |
R6200 |
Annual Life-Time Cost Based on Warranty |
R4800/5 years = R960 pa |
R6200/10 years = R620 pa |
Monthly Life-Time Cost Based on Warranty |
R960/12 = R80 pm |
R620/12 = R52 pm |
Hourly Life-Time Cost Based on Warranty |
R960/2000 = R0.48 per hour |
R620/2000 = R0.31 per hour |
Conclusion: Invest in your Wellbeing
Regardless of your chair selection, investing in ergonomic seating is an investment in your comfort, long-term health, and workplace efficiency. Understanding the cost breakdown of an office chair over its warranty period and the benefits it provides, allows you to make a well-informed decision.
By the same author:
How to Guide
Home Office Setup
You finally ditched the open-plan office to work from home, so how should you set up the perfect Home Office?
Office Space Design
Home Office Ideas
Working from home doesn’t need to be challenging. Setting up a small home office can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. Here are 15 wonderful ideas that will help you create a modern home office.
