Ergonomic chairs
Prolonged sitting in an unsupportive chair can cause back pain, poor posture, and reduced productivity. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support your body’s natural posture and movement while you work. They reduce strain on the spine, neck, and shoulders, helping you to stay comfortable and focused during long hours of sitting.
Frequently asked questions
1. What makes a chair ergonomic?
For a chair to be called ergonomic, it should have these five basic features:
- Height-adjustability – allows feet to rest flat on the floor at a 90-degree angle
- Proper lumbar support – to maintain the natural curve of your spine and encourage a healthy posture
- Breathable fabric – for comfort and airflow
- Solid armrests – to provide support to your arms and shoulders
- Tilt function – to reduce strain on your back and neck when sitting for long hours
2. Are ergonomic chairs actually good for you?
Yes. Ergonomic chairs support proper posture and help reduce discomfort during long hours of sitting. Unlike non-ergonomic chairs, which can lead to back and neck strain, ergonomic chairs help prevent health issues and boost productivity by promoting comfort and wellbeing.
3. Chairs tailored for different body types and environments
We offer a range of chairs for different body types – each can be customised to the customer’s needs. For example, we can supply suitable chairs:
- For high-traffic public spaces such as healthcare facilities, these spaces require durable, long-lasting chairs that are easily cleanable for effective infection control. See our success story: West Coast DHB.
- For a workspace that requires a variety of seating options, such as soft seating, high stools, task/desk chairs, meeting chairs, café-style chairs, and modular seating chairs. See our success stories: CARE Waitakere, Otorohanga District Council, DIALOG Fitzroy Limited.
- For schools or learning environments, chairs must be ergonomic, vibrant, and hard-wearing for students to sit for long hours. See our success stories: Waiopehu College, Southern Institute of Technology.
- For industrial spaces or warehouses where you need heavy-duty task chairs and desks that are used 24/7 and by multiple users of different body types.
4. How do you handle faults/repairs/warranties?
Our furniture comes with a range of warranties for everyday commercial use, with coverage periods varying by item. If a fault or repair is needed, we’ll work with you to resolve it quickly, within the warranty terms.
To report any faults or request repairs, please contact our customer service team and provide details of the product, including the invoice number. They can help with the repair process if it is under warranty and within the scope of general commercial use. If you have an account with us, you can also contact your OfficeMax Account Manager or our Interiors sales specialist to report the issue.
Recover and reupholstery services
We also offer a reupholstery service for chairs that are still structurally sound but may be worn, aged, or in need of a refresh. Whether it’s a task chair, tub chair, or even a sofa, we can recover it with new fabric to make it look and feel like new again. Additionally, we offer supplementary services, including top replacements, re-powder coating of frames, and re-foaming of chairs for enhanced comfort. It’s a smart, sustainable way to extend the life of your furniture, reduce waste, and save on replacement costs.
5. Can we trial chairs for assessments & suitability?
Yes, we can offer a trial and assessment of selected chairs for up to 1 week, usually at no cost. However, some products may incur a freight cost to you. You can contact your OfficeMax Account Manager or Interiors sales specialist to arrange for one (T&Cs apply). Alternatively, you can book an appointment with our Sales team to trial chairs at our showrooms and check out the variety suitable for you and your workplace. Our showrooms are based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. See our success stories: Electra, Waiopehu College, CARE Waitakere.