Speaking Office Chair

Office chairs are chairs equipped for the convenience of work in daily work and social activities. They can be divided into narrow and broad categories. China is the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of office furniture, with a vast market outlook. It is important to pay attention to healthy postures when using them.

Classification and Definition

OfficeMate categorizes office chairs into narrow and broad types. Narrow office chairs refer to backrest chairs used when people are seated at a desk for work, emphasizing functionality. Broad office chairs encompass all chairs used in offices, including executive chairs, mid-back chairs, reception chairs, staff chairs, conference chairs, visitor chairs, training chairs, ergonomic chairs, etc., covering a wider range of scenarios.

Market and Industry Status

China is the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of office furniture, with office furniture exports amounting to approximately $7 billion, a cumulative increase of 76% from 2015. Among them, office chair exports account for 65% of the global total. The United States is the primary consumer market, accounting for 17.83% of the global market. After the pandemic, the popularity of office chairs in Google searches has soared, with keywords focusing on "ergonomics," "comfort," and "comfortable for long sitting," reflecting consumers' upgraded demand for healthy office work. Over the next 10 years, the global office chair market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.1%. Chinese brands such as FLEXISPOT and Nouhaus are targeting the mid-to-high-end market, while brands like SIHOO have shown impressive monthly sales, indicating the enhanced competitiveness of domestic brands.

Usage and Health Recommendations

Prolonged sitting can easily cause physical discomfort, which can be alleviated by performing various stretching exercises on an office chair, such as hip stretches, lower back releases, shoulder openings, neck and shoulder stretches, and half-downward dog poses. Proper use of an office chair requires attention to the following:

• Seat height: Adjust it so that the entire sole of the foot rests flat on the ground, with the angle between the thigh and calf maintained at 95° to 100°, avoiding leg suspension or excessive bending.
• Sitting angle: Leaning back slightly can reduce lumbar pressure. Elevate the monitor to the upper edge of direct eye view to maintain the natural extension of the spine.
• Elbow support: Place the elbows on the desk or armrests to help relax the shoulders. When typing, maintain an angle of about 100° between the upper arm and forearm.
• Spinal neutrality: Keep the spine neutral and shoulders level while sitting for long periods. Avoid leaning sideways and prioritize chairs with backrests to support the waist.

Common Types and Prices

There are various types of office chairs on the market, with prices varying significantly based on functionality. For example, a folding training chair with a writing board (integrated desk and stool) costs 187.0 yuan and is suitable for conference rooms or training scenarios. An ergonomic backrest chair (comfortable for long sitting) costs 132.1 yuan and includes height adjustment and rotation functions. A minimalist backrest staff training chair costs 52.0 yuan, focusing on cost-effectiveness and meeting basic office needs.