Choosing the Right Office Chair

Q. I was wondering if you had any opinion on the best office chair or vendor to use when buying an office chair, since one would be sitting a lot while typing and also using the phone a lot I would assume when contacting potential clients.

This is a question I recently received from a subscriber. 

A. You’re right as a medical transcriptionist you will be doing a lot of work sitting at your desk.  In fact most of your time will be spent there, that’s why it’s so important to choose the right office chair.

The best thing to do is to go to a local office supply store or furniture store and try out different types of chairs.  Some chairs can look really nice but not be very practical or comfort, so always remember to look for comfort and functionality first.

Also, there are some items you can skimp on but a good chair isn’t one of them.  If you can afford to do so, try to purchase the best chair possible.  A good chair is a long term investment and will help you avoid many back problems in the future.

The more comfortable you are the easier it will be to sit down and do your work.  So a good chair can in a sense help make you more money.

A good model is usually one which can recline, spin and that you can adjust the height settings on.  Look for a comfy padded chair as well.  Also, some people prefer arm rests while others don’t.  That really is a personal choice, the main thing to look for is that you feel comfortable in the chair. 

You can also purchase a separate chair cushion for added comfort. 

Once you choose your chair and buy it, place the receipt in a safe place in case you discover after a few days it’s not a good match.  Check your store’s refund  or exchange policy before purchasing the chair.

And no matter what chair you choose remember to regularly take small breaks while you’re transcribing to stretch and refresh.