The Ergonomic Chair – A Brief History
Today’s offices are, by and large, far more comfortable than ever.
Designer furniture enables employees to work without the severe risk of back aches and skeletal pains previous generations endured. Modern, foresighted businesses recognize just how important it is for their teams to feel relaxed, comfortable, and focused during the working day; as a result, they may invest in luxurious, ergonomic chairs for maximum effect, blending style and comfort perfectly.
The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides a wealth of information on musculoskeletal disorders caused by workplace issues, and covers the importance of ergonomics.
A Historical Solution
Ergonomic chairs have a long, rich history. The term ‘ergonomics’ was seen for the first time in a piece entitled The Outline of Ergonomics, or the Science of Work, written by Wojciech Jastrebowski. This dates back to 1857, and in 1900, the first designs created to aid workers’ productivity appeared. While industrial businesses still expected their employees to invest incredible amounts of physical effort into their work, the ergonomics principle was beginning to gain momentum.
However, it wasn’t until many years later – with more and more people working in offices – that complaints about sitting-related discomfort arose. The first ergonomic chair came about in 1968, when a German designer, Wilfred Dauphin, was employed to investigate the effect of the computer on furniture in the then-current office. How was the continued growth of the computer in the office environment impacting workers’ ability to work in comfort.
The Beginnings of Comfort
As a result of this investigation, the world’s first ergonomic chair was created. This revolutionary item empowered office-based individuals to adjust the seat to their personal height and preferences.
Following this, ergonomic chairs continued to evolve. Wheels, support for the lower back, and other features enabled workers to enjoy greater comfort than ever. These were relatively basic in regards to their design, though.
This brings us to the modern ergonomic chair, which is much more aesthetically-satisfying than those earlier creations. Those produced by Crossford Furniture are designed to be just as luxurious in their style as in their comfort; offices equipped with designer ergonomic chairs make an impressive visual impact, on both employees and visitors.
Offices are far more visually-rich now than those of previous decades, with the modern company culture encouraging open spaces, luxurious furniture, and a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere. The ergonomic chair keeps workers comfortable and well-supported during the day, minimizing the risk of aches and pains while still bringing a dynamic visual flair to the entire aesthetic.
Over the years, the ergonomic chair’s evolution has been significant, taking it from a basic tool exclusively to boost productivity to a luxurious solution that complements workers’ bodies as much as the office’s design.