The 2nd Most Important Element of a Productivity Setup: It’s the ______

When it comes to being productive or setting up your work-from-home space, there are 3 key elements that truly matter.

I’ve already discussed what I believe is the first and most important element in a productivity setup. You can read that in the linked article.

In this article, I’m going to focus on what I think is the 2nd most important element.

I won’t keep you in suspense—it’s the chair.

Why is the Chair That Important?

I know what you’re thinking. Out of everything I could’ve mentioned—from the computer to the monitor to the desk—why the chair?

Here’s why.

When you’re sitting at your desk trying to get work done, think about the object you interact with the most. What is more important than the chair you’re sitting on? Very few things, I would argue. The chair is something you interact with consistently during your work sessions.

I’ve had long sessions, sometimes eight-hour stretches, where I’m just trying to get stuff done. While I occasionally get up, I’m mostly sitting on that chair non-stop.

Even if you have a sit-to-stand desk, if you’re like most people, you’re probably sitting 99% of the time.

When you consider the consequences of trying to get things done in a bad chair, some legitimate issues arise.

The Consequences of Cheap Office Chairs

Many people don’t realize the impact cheap, non-ergonomic chairs can have on their health. Non-ergonomic chairs can lead to poor posture, which can cause issues such as:

• Back pain
• Neck strain
• Reduced lung capacity

According to this article in Industrial Safety Magazine, ergonomic office chairs play a crucial role in mitigating these issues by promoting good posture and spinal alignment.

This is done through features like:

• Supportive backrests
• Adjustable heights and armrests
• Appropriate seat depth and materials
• Swivel and mobility features
• Tilt mechanisms
• Optional headrests.

NOTE: It’s also fair to point out that the article goes on to say that a person needs to implement other strategies to enhance the benefits of ergonomic chairs, such as taking frequent breaks, engaging in regular exercise, adjusting chairs to meet individual needs, maintaining conscious posture awareness, using keyboards and mice correctly, and positioning monitors at eye level.

Comfort Equals Productivity

Why Comfort Is a Productivity Booster?

If you’re constantly shifting around, trying to find a comfortable position, it’s going to disrupt your focus. Even the most engaging task becomes hard to concentrate on when you’re uncomfortable. The right chair helps you stay comfortable for longer periods, reducing the need to fidget or take frequent breaks.

Imagine sitting in a chair that feels like it was made for you—supporting every curve and keeping you at ease. That’s what you want because comfort directly translates to better focus. And when you’re focused, your productivity skyrockets.

Increased Work Efficiency and Energy Levels

Beyond comfort, a good chair also helps maintain your energy levels throughout the day. By keeping your body aligned and reducing strain, a high-quality ergonomic chair allows you to work longer without feeling fatigued. This means that the investment you make in your chair is also an investment in your productivity.

The Lesson I Learned the Hard Way

Maybe it’s more appropriate to say, “The Lesson I Learned the Painful Way.”

I know from personal experience that I made the mistake many of you make. When I first set up my home office, I was trying to save money and was fixated on the look of the chair and its aesthetic appeal. I wanted the best-looking chair I could get on a budget. Comfort was an afterthought.

Now, those two things aren’t necessarily wrong. The appeal of how something looks can motivate you to show up and get stuff done. And of course, the price matters when you’re not rich.

My issue was that I put too much emphasis on how the chair looked and was too cheap with my budget for it. I didn’t effectively prioritize how I was spending my money for my desk setup.

There were plenty of things I could have deferred or bought cheaper versions of to prioritize a better chair since I was sitting in it a lot.

For instance, I spent a lot of money on the desk I was using, and in hindsight, I would have been better off with a cheaper desk and a better chair.

The end result was that I got one of those “executive” chairs that looked cool and old-school. I was happy with it until I started using it.

It only took a couple of days to realize that working more than four hours in that chair was going to be problematic. After pushing it to six, seven, or eight hours, I had terrible lower back pain.

I would constantly shift around because I was uncomfortable or needed to get up to stretch. The end result was that I was way less productive and in lower back pain.

What I’m Sitting On Today

Fast forward to today, and currently as I’m typing out this article, I’m now using an ergonomic chair—specifically, the Steelcase Gesture.

The Steelcase Gesture is significantly more comfortable. I can work long hours in the chair and still be comfortable. There’s a noticeable difference in terms of not having lower back pain, and I’m a lot more productive.

I actually enjoy sitting at my desk to get stuff done. I look forward to working in my office because my chair is now probably one of the most comfortable chairs in my house.

Listen, I’m not saying you need to go out and buy the Steelcase Gesture. There are other options out there, like those by Herman Miller, Flexispot, or Ergonofis, just to name a few.

The key takeaway is that you really need to care about what you’re sitting on and make sure you get an ergonomic chair for your home office.

What to Look for in an Ergonomic Chair

When choosing an ergonomic chair, consider the following features:

• Adjustability: Ensure the chair is adjustable in terms of seat height, backrest, armrest, and headrest. This allows the chair to fit your body, whether you’re short or tall.
• Lumbar Support: A chair with good lumbar support helps maintain the natural curve of your spine.
• Seat Depth and Width: The seat should feel like it fits you just right, not too small or too large.
• Material: Some people might prefer a seat with a breathable material like mesh.

Test Before Buying

If possible, test the chair before you buy it. If you’re buying the chair from a physical retailer, sit in it for about 15 to 20 minutes to get a feel for it. If you’re buying online, check the return policy to ensure you can return it if it doesn’t meet your needs and isn’t comfortable.

Key Takeaways

Investing in the right chair is the second most important setup for your home office because it directly impacts your health, comfort, and productivity. A well-chosen ergonomic chair can prevent physical discomfort, improve your focus, and ultimately enhance your work performance. So, take the time to select a chair that meets your ergonomic needs, and you’ll find that your productivity setup is not only more efficient but also more enjoyable.

Let me know in the comments what chair you’re using.