Update:
History of Ergonomic Chairs
6/15/2021
Ergonomic. We’ve all heard that word. Known best for the three word phrase ‘ergonomic office furniture’. But do we know the history of ergonomic furniture? The Ergon Chair, which was first released in 1976, is commonly agreed to be the first piece of office furniture that brought the notion of ergonomic seating to a greater audience. Surely there’s more to this history than one simple chair.
1. The early days
Sit and Stand Desks, once reserved for the wealthy or eccentric, are commonplace in today’s office space. Thomas Jefferson was an early adopter of the standing desk, having one commissioned in the 1700’s. Even into the 1900’s Winston Churchill was frequently found at his standup desk. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was advised to learn penmanship on your feet because nearly half of all business writing was done on the feet. This was clearly long before the xerox. Communal standing desks were once all the rage for business; with the rise of hot desking today, history really does come full circle. Consider sharing the sit and stand desk’s rich history next time you’re at the watercooler, you’re sure to be an office favorite.
2. Gaining Popularity
The precursor to the ergonomic work chair was known as the Centripetal Spring Armchair, introduced to the public at the 1850 World Fair. Deemed ‘immoral’ by Victorian culture at the time for being ‘too comfortable’. The next iteration of an ergonomic chair was created by Frank Lyod Wright in 1904. Known as the suicide chair for its tendency to tip over while in use. Skipping forward a few years to the 1950’s, color was introduced in a new way with molded fiberglass on casters — a groovy look for a groovy time. The 1970’s was the decade where ergonomics and design finally merged. The Synthesis 45 can still be found in outdated computer labs to this day. Also of this time was the controversial Kneeling Chair, which never rose in popularity.
3. Commonplace
By the 1980’s ergonomics was all the rage. Computers were now commonplace and business required more manpower (ie: womanpower) than ever before to complete administrative tasks. Though an overused and nearly outdated trend, ergonomic furniture will always have a place in the office. Now, more than ever, providing employees additional perks and amenities that make being at work enjoyable is of utmost importance. Recent polls have shown that 40% of the workforce is ready and willing to quit in search of better employment. Consider adopting ergonomic furniture in your office to attract and retain top talent.
Contact us today to start a conversation