Choosing ergonomic chairs for a large office is one of the most impactful investments a facilities manager can make, both for the business and for its people. At Posture People, we’ve seen how the right seating can reduce absence, boost morale, and help everyone feel genuinely supported at work. But when you’re managing hundreds or even thousands of employees, how can you make sure every chair is the right fit, function, and value for each person?
Why Ergonomic Chairs Matter at Scale
In a large workforce, no two people are the same. Heights, weights, job roles, and work styles all vary, which means seating should too. A one-size-fits-all approach leaves people uncomfortable and at risk of injury, while mismatched chairs increase complaints and returns. A thoughtful, tailored process can make all the difference by helping you to:
- Reduce musculoskeletal issues and absenteeism
- Boost long-term productivity and engagement
- Demonstrate genuine commitment to staff wellbeing
- Streamline maintenance and procurement through standardised, high-quality options
What Makes a Chair Truly Ergonomic
An ergonomic office chair should do far more than simply look the part. The best designs will:
- Support a wide range of postures and body types. Look for models with generous seat height and depth adjustment.
- Adapt to individual needs with adjustable lumbar support, armrests, and a tilting mechanism to allow personal comfort.
- Encourage movement through dynamic backrests and synchro-tilt features that help prevent stiffness.
- Withstand daily use with durable materials, high-density foam, and a solid warranty for peace of mind.
- Meet specific user needs. Reinforced models are ideal for bariatric users, while petite staff may need chairs with a lower seat range or reduced seat depth.
Our Step-by-Step Guide to the Chair Buying Process
1. Start with DSE Assessments
Before you choose any chairs, gather real data. Our online DSE workstation self-assessment tools help identify not only individual complaints but also patterns across roles and departments. For larger companies, aggregated results are invaluable for shaping specifications that suit your team as a whole.
2. Standardise on a Core Ergonomic Office Chair
A high-quality, fully adjustable chair will meet most people’s needs and make long-term maintenance much easier. One of our most popular choices for large offices is the RH Logic 400 Elite Ergonomic Office Chair. It comes with a 10-year warranty, adjustable seat depth, flexible lumbar and armrest controls, and accommodates users up to 150kg.
3. Select Specialist Models for Unique Needs
Some employees will require something different. Bariatric staff, for example, need safe, dignified solutions such as the VELA Tango 300 Bariatric Work Chair, which supports up to 300kg with reinforced frames and wider dimensions. Petite users may benefit from chairs with a shallower seat pan and a lower height range.
4. Don’t Forget Ergonomic Accessories
Even the best chair can’t do everything alone. The right accessory can transform comfort levels, especially for people with back pain or sciatica. Products such as seat cushions, footrests, monitor arms and sit-stand desk converters can make huge differences, particularly in hybrid workspaces.
5. Plan for Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Once your new chairs are in place, the job doesn’t stop there. Regular checks are needed to ensure all chairs are in good condition and continue to meet users’ needs. Encourage staff to report issues early (such as broken armrests or gas lifts) so that they can be resolved quickly. Partnering with a supplier, such as ourselves, that offers on-site servicing and replacement parts can save significant time and budget in the long run.
It is also worth having short guides to remind staff how to adjust their chairs properly. Even the most ergonomic design won’t deliver results if it is not set up properly.
Procurement and Rollout Tips for Facilities Managers
When buying ergonomic chairs for a large office, start by ordering a trial batch of chairs. This means staff in different departments can test the chairs, and you can gather their feedback through online forms or informal conversations. From this, you can ensure you have chosen the best chair suitable for your employees before the full rollout.
Ready to Find the Right Ergonomic Chairs for your Organisation?
From DSE assessments and product trials to full-scale rollouts and post-purchase support, our team makes the process straightforward from start to finish. Get in touch with us today by calling 0330 332 0880 or dropping us an email at enquiries@posturepeople.co.uk to see how we can help you!
