The Covid-19 pandemic caused teleworking to take off in Spain, going from 4.8% of employees who worked from home regularly in 2019 to 16.2% during the 2020 confinement. according to INE data. Although after the lifting of restrictions the figure decreased, in 2024 teleworking continues to be more frequent than before the crisis, with 15.1% of employed people (more than 4 million people) working from home for an average of three days. a week.
These changes have forced homes to adapt to convert rooms and corners of the house into offices, something that in most cases includes a desk and a chair. Spending many hours sitting has very negative consequences for your health. This has led to a boom in standing desks. However, it is not advisable to work standing all the time either. The ideal is to move and be able to change between standing and sitting. But when it comes to sitting, the chair is also important.
The advantages of an ergonomic desk chair
Choosing an appropriate desk chair for teleworking can have a positive impact on our health, well-being and productivity. Spending long hours sitting in front of a computer in an uncomfortable chair can cause discomfort or even chronic problems such as muscle pain or headaches. Beyond aesthetics or price, there are several factors that we must consider to guarantee comfort and care for our posture.
The main reason why a desk chair is better than a simple chair is its ergonomic design. This means that the chair is designed to adapt to the different sizes, preferences and needs of the person who sits, promoting healthy posture and reducing tension in muscles and joints.
An ergonomic chair should at least allow adjustments in height, backrest and armrests to adapt to different body types and ways of working. The adjustable height allows the feet to be firmly planted on the floor and the knees to form a 90-degree angle, avoiding pressure on the thighs and improving circulation. Being able to recline the backrest favors constant support of the spine on the seat, especially in the lumbar region, and allows you to vary your posture during the day, which reduces muscle fatigue.
In addition, the backrest must provide good lumbar support, that is, in the lower back area, which is where much of the load is concentrated when we remain in the chair for a long time. This support helps maintain the natural curvature of the spine and prevents lower back pain, a very common problem among those who telework sitting all day.
Adjustable armrests help keep shoulders relaxed and elbows at the right height for typing or computer work, preventing neck and shoulder strain. Finally, the headrest, if present, provides additional support for the cervical area, which is especially useful for prolonged tasks that involve looking forward or up, such as video calls or screen reading.
How to choose the materials for your desk chair
The manufacturing material is another important factor for comfort and good posture. Chairs upholstered with breathable materials, such as high-quality mesh, are often a recommended option because they allow air to circulate, which is especially useful in hot climates or during long shifts. In addition, a padded but firm seat helps distribute the body’s weight evenly, avoiding pressure on specific areas such as the hips or thighs, improving blood circulation.
Mobility and stability are also important features. A chair with wheels facilitates movement in larger work spaces and, with it, the movement of the body to avoid the negative consequences of sitting for a long time. At the same time, a solid and balanced base ensures that the chair remains firm even when making sudden movements. The backrest tilt mechanism also deserves attention, as it allows you to vary your posture throughout the day, which helps avoid muscle stiffness. It is advisable that it be of adjustable hardness, which will offer more or less resistance to tilting.
The space available in the home also influences the choice of chair. Although the most complete models are usually larger, it is possible to find compact options without giving up ergonomics. In this sense, it is important to measure the work area before making the purchase to avoid space problems.
Alternatives to the desk chair
Supposedly healthier alternatives are always considered, such as pilates balls, ergonomic chairs that support the knees or unstable dynamic stools. They are solutions that seek to improve posture, activate muscles or reduce sedentary lifestyle. However, they can instead cause muscle fatigue or joint pain after prolonged use. Instead, it is better to set an alarm that makes us move from time to time with simple exercises.
If teleworking is the main activity, investing in a quality chair may be more than justified. Although budget options can be tempting, they often sacrifice essential aspects of ergonomics and durability, which can be more costly in terms of health in the long run.
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