Which chair is the right choice for employees in an office, a task chair or an office chair? As you ask this question, you will see that an office chair or task chair are used interchangeably in today’s modern times. In fact, for the layman, other terms could include a desk chair or a computer chair.
As people work on computers, the amount of time spent at a desk is on the rise. To be productive and efficient at work, irrespective of the chair's name, the chair must be comfortable to work from. You do not want employees being ill or having health concerns as productivity falls due to work constraints like a mere chair.
What is a Task Chair?
History considers that the first chair to be customized for office work was by Charles Darwin. He adapted a wooden chair by adding two wooden wheels on the chair’s legs. As he worked, he wanted to access his area quicker. What an idea, isn’t it?
In the 1850s, studies began on how chairs could provide quicker access to work areas for an employee. This would ensure that they did not have to leave their desks or stretch over to access files and more. The nobility provided clerical staff with chairs that kept their backs upright to work longer hours and be alert for better productivity. The task chair traditionally had a lower backrest, also indicating working class or the blue-collar worker. White-collared employees had a high back office chair, indicating more power control and authority.
In summary, task chairs are functional chairs designed to give comfort and convenience to a particular type of job being performed.
What is an Office Chair?
Between task chair vs office chair, an office chair is a basic chair, with or without arms, that gives an employee space to sit and work at a desk. Mostly, they would have a lower backrest to accommodate smaller working spaces, unlike executive offices. Historically, perhaps lower backrests also signified a lower authority and power of control. Traditionally the office chairs were made of wood or other metal.
In the last few decades, the office chairs were equipped with more features ranging from fixed armrests, wheels to move around, and manual height adjustments (not hydraulic or powered) if not fixed.
In recent times, office chairs have undergone a complete change, with ergonomics incorporated to woo the end user.
Key Differences Between a Task Chair and an Office Chair
Most chairs are classified as office chairs, desk chairs, task chairs, and more, with the terms used interchangeably. Difference between office chair and task chair? Familiarize yourself with the key differences shared below.
What is an ergonomic chair? To reduce health concerns and make the workplace better, office chairs are now ergonomically designed. An ergonomic office chair has a higher comfort level, including an adjustable backrest with adjustable lumbar support for users. Where featured, armrests, backrest, neck rests, and seat height for different users is enabled. Users have expressed a change in energy levels, leading to higher productivity and energy levels. It also increases the user’s mental and physical alertness.
Between task chair vs office chair, office ones are available in a wide spectrum of choices. Depending upon use, they could either be covered in rich upholstery like leather, silk or be made from fine mesh, which offers you breathability. Function and form are blended with extravagance and richness. The metallic support of the chair is made from steel for higher sturdiness. Add on the elements of polished wood panels to go with a wooden decor office. Office chairs are lightweight, easy to move, and require minimal maintenance.
Task chairs, on the other hand, have basic foam and normal upholstery. They may have wheels for functionality. They usually are low-styled to enable a large feel of the work area in an office. Task chairs are also available in a thick mesh, less expensive, and offering higher durability due to higher use and varying users.
While both are swivel-based, an office chair has a hydraulic-based height adjustment. A task chair would have a manual height adjustment or have a fixed height.
Office chairs are usually priced at £300 and above for the finesse and functionality it provides. A task chair could cost half the price of an office chair (£150) or even lower in this competitive world. Don’t be surprised to see some office chairs being sold at the price of a task chair to woo you. You will need to use a chair to experience the comfort level before you select any. Consider the features of task chair vs office chair, make and comfort levels before you use your budgets
Don’t miss the ergonomic computer workstation that could accompany an ergonomic chair.