We all have that one chair that's been in your office for a decade. You're not alone. A lot of people are using the same office chair for years and years, even decades! But how often should you replace it? Well, I'm here to break down why it's important to update your workspace regularly — and when you should consider upgrading your chair.
How to know if you need a new office chair
If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your office chair, it’s time to get a new one:
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Your back hurts while sitting at your desk. This happens when the seat of your chair is too short or the wrong shape for your body.
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You have trouble getting out of your chair because the arm rests are too high or low. If this is happening to you, then that means that you aren’t able to sit up straight and comfortably in order to maintain good posture throughout the day in front of your computer screen (which should already be enough reason!).
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The arm rests on a height adjustable chair are too low, making them uncomfortable and causing pain while leaning onto them.
When it starts to lose its shape.
When you start to notice that your chair is losing its shape, it's an indication that the foam inside it is starting to compress. This means that the chair has been stomped on and compressed so many times by employees who have sat in it over time. It also means that your office chair has reached its life expectancy and should be replaced soon.
At this point, you may need to replace the entire chair with a newer model or go through the process of upgrading individual parts (such as replacing one or two springs). This can cost anywhere from $250-$1,500 depending on how much needs repair or replacement.
Signs you might need a new desk chair
If you've been experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's likely time to get a new office chair:
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You can't sit comfortably in your current chair. If the seat is too high or too low, or if there's no lumbar support and you're feeling pain in your back, it may be time to get a new chair.
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Your current office chair is uncomfortable. Your current office chair might also be old and worn out, which could be causing discomfort for you as well.
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Your current desk chair doesn't fit properly at workstation height with arms or wheels that don't roll smoothly across the floor (or even squeak!).
If any of these things seem true about your current desk chair, then you might need to consider buying a new one!
Your chair is over 3-years old
Your chair is over 3-years old.
If your office chair is more than three years old, it's time to replace it. A lot of people don't realize how long their chairs can last and as a result, they don't replace them (even though they should). Chairs can last for up to five years if used properly and in good condition. When you start getting sore after sitting at your desk all day, that's a good sign that it's time for an upgrade!
You’ve had a recent accident in your chair
You’ve had a recent accident in your chair
It’s not fun, but it happens. If you have an accident in your office chair, take it as a sign that it may be time for a new one. A new chair will not only bring back comfort and support, but also peace of mind.
Don’t forget to check for these signs:
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You experience pain anywhere on the body while sitting in this particular seat – this can lead to more serious injuries over time if ignored!
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There are any obvious rips or tears present on the upholstery material itself (or underneath) - this includes any kind of discoloration from spills/scuffs/etc... especially if they're not consistent with other areas around them (i.e., don't just look at one area when deciding whether something looks wrong). Consider purchasing an entire replacement cover instead if none of those things apply; it'll be less expensive than buying individual pieces separately anyway!
Your chair no longer fits correctly
Your chair has lost its shape, or it is no longer the right size for you: A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that if their office chair still looks fine, then it’s not time for a new one. However, this isn’t always true. If your chair is uncomfortable or doesn't fit correctly anymore, then it might be time to get a new one!
You're too big or small for your chair: Your height and weight change as you age, so chances are good that at some point in life you'll need a different-size office chair than what worked when were younger (or smaller). It's best to get an adjustable model so that it can accommodate changes in stature over time.
If Your Chair Is Not Comfortable Anymore…
Your fabric is worn out and dirty
If you notice that your office chair has become worn out and dirty, it's time to replace it. This can happen if you have been using the chair for a long time, or if it has been used by many people before you.
The fabric on the seat cushion of an office chair can be easily worn out by frequent sitting, especially if you are overweight or heavy. You may also see signs of wear on the arms of your office chair if they are made with fabric instead of leather or another durable material. If there is any fabric damage, then that part should be replaced as well since it will not look attractive anymore once it gets dirty from spills and stains from food spills from eating lunch at your desk every day!
Your wheels are stuck or squeaky
As well as being comfortable, you want your chair to roll smoothly and quietly. If it’s not rolling well, the wheels might be stuck—or worse, squeaking.
If your chair is making a lot of noise when you move from one spot to another, the problem could be something as simple as dust or dirt on the pivot points of the wheel casings.
To remedy this problem:
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Remove all four casings by unscrewing them with an Allen wrench or screwdriver; brush off any dust or dirt with a clean cloth; wipe down each casing with a damp cloth (if necessary); then dry it thoroughly before reinserting it into place (you can do this step in reverse order depending on how many screws were removed).
The quality of your office chair affects productivity levels
You might think that a good chair is one that you can sit in comfortably, but the reality is much more complicated. The quality of your office chair affects productivity levels in several ways:
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A good chair will make you more productive because it will allow you to focus on your work and leave less time for breaks.
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A bad chair makes you less productive by making it uncomfortable to sit at a desk for a long period of time. In some cases, these chairs can cause back pain or even lead to medical issues such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Good office chairs are adjustable so that they can be used by people of all heights, weights, and body types without sacrificing comfort. Bad office chairs do not have these options available; instead they force users into an awkward posture which makes them less productive over time than if they had been using an ergonomic model from day one!
What to look for in an office chair
An office chair should be comfortable, ergonomic, and adjustable. It should have a good warranty and fit your back.
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Adjustable armrests: If you’re a tall person or if you wear boots with heels on the job, this is especially important. You can raise or lower them to make sure they don’t get in the way of your work space.
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Good lumbar support: The area between your shoulder blades has a lot of stress put on it while sitting at a desk all day—make sure that area isn’t getting neglected by finding one with good lumbar support built into it!
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Tilt mechanism: This allows users to lean back into their chair without losing their balance or falling over backwards (a real danger when working late at night).
If you're experiencing any of these things listed here, you surely need a new office chair.
If you're experiencing any of these things listed here, you surely need a new office chair:
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If your chair is over 3-years old.
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If your chair no longer fits correctly.
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If your fabric is worn out and dirty.
Conclusion
With all these reasons and more, it’s clear why you should replace your office chair. As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of your chair because it affects productivity levels, which will affect the overall success of any business. If you take care of your office furniture by replacing it when necessary, then you can make sure that everyone who sits in them will be comfortable and productive while they work hard on their projects.
