Why Using an Ergonomic Chair for Teaching Online is Important
Online ESL teachers spend anywhere from a few to several hours per week sitting at their desks while teaching. That does not include the time they sit at their desk while not teaching. While most online ESL teachers place a high priority on the computer and headset they use to teach online, they often overlook the importance of the chair they are sitting in. If you think about it logically, the chair you sit in while teaching online and for other tasks you do at your desk should in fact be one of the most important pieces of equipment in your work space.
The challenge of choosing an ergonomic chair is that there is no particular chair that will be the right fit for everyone. We all have different body types, and our workstations are set up differently. A chair only becomes ergonomic when that chair supports your body, your work environment, the specific tasks you perform while working at your desk, and how you perform these tasks.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):
What Features does an Ergonomic Chair Have?
CCOH suggests that an ergonomic chair have the following features:
Adjustability
- Seat height: the seat can be raised and lowered to suit the user’s height, allowing their feet to comfortably reach the floor while also being able to comfortably perform their work
- Backseat: the backseat can be raised or lowered horizontally, and is adjustable vertically
- Seat: the seat angle is adjustable to fit the user’s height and reach
- Armrests: the armrests are adjustable for both height and width to provide comfort and support to the user’s arms
Support
- Lumbar Support: the backseat should provide adequate lumbar support without creating too much pressure
- Backseat Height and Width: the backseat should be high and wide enough to support the user without restricting movement
- Seat Depth: the seat should support the user’s height without causing pressure at the back of the knees, with the back supported by the backrest, and support through the buttocks and thighs
- Seat Width: the seat should be wide enough to provide comfort and even pressure across the seat
- Seat Surface: the seat surface should be comfortable, and made from breathable materials that minimize heat and moisture buildup
- Chair Base: the chair base should provide adequate stability, preferably having a 5-point base
Thus, in your search for an ergonomic chair for online teaching, the only person who can decide which one is best for you – is you. What we can do is recommend ergonomic chairs that are affordable for online ESL teachers and offer these features.
Best Ergonomic Chairs for Online Teachers
Here are the ergonomic chairs we recommend for online teachers from least to most expensive:
Improve Sitting Comfort with Seat Cushions
As we’ve mentioned, everyone will have unique needs, so finding a one-size-fits-all ergonomic chair isn’t realistic. For some people, adding a seat cushion can add much needed comfort, especially if you are sitting for hours while teaching online. What’s also great about seat cushions is that you can place them on any chair – not just on your ergonomic chair for online teaching, but also on dining chairs, arm chairs, and car seats.
Here are some of the bestselling seat cushions we recommend:
Wrapping Up
As an online ESL teacher, it’s easy to neglect the importance of having a good, comfortable chair to sit on while teaching. Online ESL teachers tend to focus more on the tools of the trade, such as computers, headsets, lighting, props and teaching aids. But your health matters, too, and while these are important aspects to being a good online ESL teacher, they should take a back seat to your back health and posture. Some online ESL teachers also find standing more comfortable and liberating while teaching online, and use standing desks. Decide what’s best for you, but whatever you decide, do yourself a favor and put your back health and posture on the top of your priority list.