Why the desk chair is the most overlooked productivity tool in the workplace

In an era of rising workplace technology investments, many businesses have overlooked a fundamental productivity strategy – the humble office chair.

According to new research by HR Review, the average employee will sit at their desk for 1300 hours this year and will hit 10,000 hours only eight years into their career. 

Contrary to the popular belief that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, using the wrong chair can lead to slouching and increased pressure on the lower back, resulting in chronic back pain and other lumbar-related issues.

“Worker happiness and company happiness… it actually all starts with the chair,” Paul Goldberg, co-founder and CEO of Pago International, told Inside Retail.

With over 30 years in workplace ergonomics, Goldberg has observed a direct correlation between seating quality and employee performance. When employers opt for ergonomic chairs, they are investing in their employee’s health, safety and, ultimately, productivity. 

Pago has earned a reputation for being at the forefront of workplace ergonomics. With nearly 2.5 million chairs sold, it knows the measurable impact of good posture firsthand.

“The most successful companies understand that workplace wellness starts from the ground up,” noted Goldberg, whose research into ergonomic design has positively impacted workplace standards across Australia.

Good work starts with the right chair 

From Pago’s perspective, businesses should view ergonomic chairs as an essential tool, rather than just a piece of furniture.

“If you picture an office, there’s always people wandering around and talking at the water cooler about the footy, and that’s all wonderful, but the reason they wander is because their chair is bloody uncomfortable,” shared Goldberg.

While the classic task chair that employees have been swivelling on for decades may be somewhat adjustable, many chairs lack the ergonomic support that employees require for a healthy workplace.

Ergonomic chairs are designed specifically to promote proper posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck pain, and repetitive strain injuries – health concerns desk workers are all too familiar with.

“There are three key points: the seat [must be] at the correct angle, the back in the correct angle, and then the lumbar point in the correct place – and those might be different for all different people,” Goldberg explained.

“The chair needs to be able to adjust for different users in all those three points,” he added.

The beauty of ergonomic chairs is that employees can adjust them to their needs without an employer buying individual chairs for everyone – offering personalisation at scale.

An investment in employee retention 

Not all ergonomic chairs are made equal and certainly not all ergonomic chairs are offered at an affordable price point.

Pago’s latest innovation is the AirForm Synchro Ergonomic Chair. Developed in collaboration with Officeworks, this office chair doesn’t compromise aesthetic design or all-day support.

“The AirForm was a labour of love. We looked at the market and we saw a big gap fit for a modern-looking chair that was to be used in the office and at home. It would have to have all the ergonomic functions that high-end [ergonomic] chairs do,” said Goldberg.

“We developed the dynamic lumbar support, while many chairs have an adjustable lumbar, which we also have in some of our chairs, they work well but are ugly,” he added. The AirForm stands out for carrying the coveted Global Recycle Standard logo, an important acknowledgement of Pago’s commitment to environment, sustainability and innovation.

Pago pioneered a self-adjusting weight balance mechanism with a depth-adjustable seat. The mechanism automatically adjusts to exert the right tension on the backrest, promoting correct posture and long-lasting comfort for the extended periods of use most information workers require.

“Once we were developing the chair from scratch, it was also important to reduce our impact on the environment without compromising any of the chair’s features,” said Goldberg.

Every component of the AirForm chair is made to be recycled, and it comes with a 15-year warranty, further proving Pago International’s commitment to sustainability, quality and health.

“If you take into account the 15-year warranty, the cost of the chair is about 50 cents per week. To make your people comfortable and want to come to work – it’s not a huge investment,” Goldberg explained.

For Pago, the chair is the foundation of good work and an intelligent investment in an employees’ health and well-being. A supportive office chair has become firmly cemented as a non-negotiable for employee retention and is no longer just a basic piece of furnishing.

Retaining employees, ensuring their productivity and keeping them healthy is vital for small businesses when considering the financial implications of sick days.

“A comfortable work environment can attract great talent and help them do their best work as well,” he added. 

By investing in ergonomic solutions, employers are investing in the longevity of their staff and, ultimately, the longevity of their business. Pago strives to make fit-for-work chairs accessible to businesses of all sizes.

“We aspire to be this great value proposition to Australians, and this chair has been fully considered for their needs and requirements – something they can have in the home and the office, something they know they can stand by,” he shared.

Guided by Goldberg’s expertise in ergonomic design, Pago continues to position itself as a leader in employee wellness as businesses navigate the evolving demands of modern workplaces. 

“The future of work requires a fundamental rethinking of every element of the workplace,” he concluded. 

“Companies that understand this are already seeing the benefits in employee satisfaction and productivity”.

• Pago International is an Australian family-owned business. With 30+ years of furniture design and manufacturing experience, Paul Goldberg leads Pago in its mission to empower Australia’s most important work. To invest in comfort, productivity and retention for your business, discover Pago’s exclusive range at Officeworks here.

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