The office chair was created to enhance productivity and comfortability while tasking for long hours. Office seating was first introduced with two functions that makes it different from most other chairs. Office chairs had casters and a swivel function. These functions made employees much more mobile; the casters allowed for easy rolling around a workstation and the swivel ability made it possible for an employee to carry out multiple tasks at the same time.

The development of technology has created an enormous demand for many different office chair designs. These demands mainly come from administrative and information based fields. Other factors like climate and architectural design have also influenced the office chair industry. The increased popularity of mesh office chairs in hot and humid climates is due in large part to the ability that mesh has to breathe and keep the user cool during the work day. There is also a big distinction in the style of chair that an executive uses compared to that of a typical employee. Executives have always had to distinguish themselves from the rest of the crowd and it is no different with executive office chairs.

Executive Office Chairs – These office chairs are usually upholstered in top of the line upholstery and almost always feature a high back or headrest. They also feature a swivel function and seat height adjustment. There is a wide range in the number of adjustments available on different models after the initial functions. Executive office chairs have typically been upholstered in leather but many executives are now sitting in mesh chairs.

Mesh Office Chairs – These office chairs first came into popularity when Herman Miller introduced the Aeron Chair. Most mesh chairs are completely transparent which makes them extremely breathable. Conventionally, office chairs have had a wood or plastic backing with a fabric or leather upholstery. This upholstery will often make the user hot or sweaty if used for long hours. Mesh has constant airflow keeping the user cool during the day.

Ergonomic Office Chairs – These office chairs are designed to keep the user in a supportive, proper sitting position to help minimize stress and tension put on the muscles, joints and limbs. Ergonomic chairs are highly adjustable and feature high end upholstery. Most ergonomic chairs have a fully adjustable seat and backrest, fully adjustable armrests, adjustable lumbar support and an adjustable headrest. An ergonomic office chair should be used if the employee will be seated for more than four hours at a time.

Computer Chairs – These chairs were designed to be very adjustable and comfortable for long periods of sitting in front of computers. Computer chairs usually feature an adjustable seat and backrest, casters, a swivel function and a padded seat for more comfort. Many times employees from different shifts will use the same chair. This makes the adjustability of computer chairs a big advantage.

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