The average person spends 40 hours a week, approximately 1,900 hours a year, working behind a desk. That being said, it's crucial to find an office chair that allows you and your team to be both comfortable and productive at work.

The selection process may seem overwhelming -- comfort, quality and price must each be considered before making a purchase. Fortunately, there is an office chair out there that’s right for your business' needs. Here's a quick look at a few pros and cons to help you decide:

Executive Office Chair

Executive office chairs usually have a high back with arm rests and cushioned seating. As you would guess by the name, the executive chair is often made from a high quality fabric or leather and is great for long days at the office and hours of sitting. These office chairs recline, swivel, have wheels and adjustable heights.

Pros:

• Comfort
• Durability
• Features: recline, swivel, adjustable height

Cons:

• Cost
• Limited color selection

Ergonomic Office Chair

When you spend most of your daytime hours in an office chair, your posture and back will eventually begin to suffer. Ergonomic chairs are crafted with spine and back health in mind.

Pros:

• Adjustable features
• Comfort
• Prevent back and circulation problems
• Swivel features allow for movement

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited style and color selection

Kneeling Ergonomic Chair

Kneeling ergonomic chairs don’t really look like chairs at all, but they're very healthy for the lower back and spine. These chairs are typically made with no back or a small back, a seat cushion and shin cushions so that the user is kneeling and sitting at the same time. The weight of the person on the chair is then distributed to the lower hips and shins, creating a much healthier position for the spine.

Pros:

• Improves posture
• Reduces lower back strain
• Relieves muscle and joint stress

Cons:

• Leg discomfort
• Only ideal for individuals who sit for short periods
• Can be difficult to get in and out of

Visitor, Reception and Side Chair

Side chairs are generally used for sitting over short periods of time. These types of office chairs have a post leg frame, rather than the cylinder base frame commonly associated with executive and ergonomic chairs.

Pros:

• Cost
• Ideal for seating large groups
• Can be purchased in bulk
• Stack style available for easy storage

Cons:

• Comfort; few ergonomically designed available
• Difficult to transport
• Quality

Conference Chair

Used for meetings and conferences, these chairs are designed for short periods of sitting. Conference chairs are made to be tucked neatly under a conference table in rows, so it makes sense that they're slim and easy to roll in and out. Conference chair backs are also frequently straight and rarely recline. Cushioning is typically minimal.

Pros:

• Cost
• Keeps conference attendees alert
• Takes up minimal space
• Easily storable

Cons:

• Comfort
• Ideal for sitting over short periods

So which is the best office chair?

Well that depends on your needs. Every employee is different, and each role may need a different level of comfort. This list above is just to get you started. Our team of office furniture professionals are here to answer any of your questions -- even schedule an appointment to help furnish your work space.

Give us a call at 844-CELEMENTS (844-235-3636), or shoot us a quick email. Better yet, plan a visit to one of our showrooms in Charlotte, NC or Columbia, SC -- because the best way to find your next office chair is to try it out.