#eazeechairs

Black Friday Sales have already begun

If you cannot wait any longer to start your Black Friday Shopping, then you are in luck. We couldn’t wait either Eazeechairs' sale started on the 2nd, don’t panic though you haven’t missed it. Eazeechairs are offering up to 15% off until the 26th of November. So we’ve put together a bit of a guide to help you make the most of these great offers.

If we could do this with a drum roll and fireworks, then we would. As it is, we will have to ask you to use your imagination. The sale runs from 11.2 - 11.26 and offers

5% discount on orders above $200 - code Friday5

10% discount on orders above $300 - code Friday10

15% discount on orders above $400 - code Friday15 All you need to do is apply the code when you come to checkout. The best thing about it is the more you buy, the more you save. There is, of course, the slightly more difficult matter of choosing the right chair for you. But we’ve got you covered there too.

What ergonomic chair deals are worth a shot?

We’ve got a brief round-up of the great features on a few of Eazeechairs' most popular models:

#1. Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair M3: $239 $227

Save $12 - The M3 is a wonderfully affordable chair that manages to cram in an incredible amount for such a reasonable price. From its optional retractable footrest and 3 geared tilt and lock system to its adjustable seat height, armrests, and headrest. For those moments when you need to simply; kick back and take five. And during our Black Friday sale, it is reduced from $239 to $227 by adding the discount code: FRIDAY5.

#2. Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair M5: $339 $305

Save $34 - The sleek modern M5 offers a 132° backrest tilt and lock, provided by a 3 geared synced tilting system. With easy-to-adjust head and armrests and a 3D lumbar support, this chair offers comfort and support throughout the day. And with retractable leg rest, it gives you that little bit extra all for only $305. (Down from $339) when you apply the 10 percent discount code: FRIDAY10 and we’ll ship it out to you for free.

#3. Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair S5: $359 $323

Save $36 - The S5 takes comfort to a new level while combining some excellent design features that permit you to seamlessly move through your daily workflow. The K+r shrink mesh technology and dynamic variable lumbar support ensure your back is superbly supported. The lumbar support can be adjusted to your bespoke requirements.

With high-density cushioning and seat depth adjustment provided on the base Eazeechairs give you a perfect foundation to work from. Then, there are the excellent added features of a four-level tilt system that responds to your body weight and lengthened headrests to help take the strain and help to keep your spine protected.

Finally, the three-way adjustable armrests make sure your arms are free to work and rest as the day demands. And from the 2nd -26th of November, you could purchase it for only $323 when you apply the code FRIDAY10 at checkout.

#4. Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair S8 Plus: $479 $407

Save $72 - Last but by absolutely no means least, the S8 plus Eazeechairs' flagship model. Combining the latest in ergonomic seating technology, design, and comfort. The extra-large, highly adjustable headrest gives added support to your neck. And while we are talking of support; the angle-adjustable lumbar support allows you to tailor the chair to your needs.

The incorporation of Donati’s tilt mechanism gives you an incredible range and a variety of positions. The seat base enables you to adjust the depth and tilt to ensure the chair takes the strain, however hard you are working. The full-featured mesh is highly breathable, making sure you stay fresh all day long.

So if you are looking for a chair to promote your health and help you work better in more comfort, then the S8 probably ticks all of those boxes. And the best bit is during our Black Friday sale it is only $407 when you apply the code FRIDAY15.

Guarantees after the sale

Just in case you needed any extra incentives, the chairs all come with free shipping, free return, and a 2-year warranty to take a weight off your mind and pressure off your spine.

Conclusion

Whatever your looking for the Eazeechairs' Black Friday sale has something special for you, great products at great prices with the backing of a solid brand and a 2-warranty. Going back to work after the holiday can be tough, why not give yourself something to look forward to?

Ever thought to yourself: Do I really need an ergonomic chair? Does it really matter if I can adjust the seat back? Is adjustable seat depth really worth paying for?

We'd be lying if we said that these are the questions that keep us awake at night. Yet if you are kitting out the office or investing in your own ergonomic chair you may have done the odd google search. "Why buy an ergonomic chair?" or "Are ergonomic chairs worth the money?"

Strangely though, the need for a fully adjustable ergonomic chair was brought into focus by a trip to our local tax office.

Really? We hear you! But, please hear us out. Honestly, we know the tax office runs a photo finish with the dentist for favorite settings for an anecdote. But it is kinda connected. As the doors to hell slid open. Sorry for the melodrama, but it was quite foreboding. One thing leapt out at us as we sat at the end of a row of deliberately uncomfortable chairs. Obviously, the generous and kind natured fellows in HR had spoken to the chaps in purchasing and procured their staff some impressive looking ergonomic chairs that looked like they had been put on Craig's list when Flash went all "Arrowverse". These chairs were a reworking of an 80s Flash baddy's throne.

The tax office is not the most inviting of places at the best of times but the effects of these black monoliths towering over you as you frantically searched for your deli-style ticket was, well, let's just say scary. But as you approached the desk the intimidation was brought down a notch. We could see the most fantastic array of improvised 'make do and mends' all the way down the uncomfortable, squirming or barely visible line of tax office employees. The really kind young woman who helped us had three lumbar supports around the base of her backrest to push her towards her desk. On her left, sat an absolute behemoth of a man. He might have been temping there between jobs after Game of Thrones. He looked like a basketball player permanently trapped in coach. The fixed height furniture was doing nothing for him. His huge frame was hunched over the desk and his wrists were resting on his knees as he attempted to type. Ever been to a parents evening at your kids' kindergarten. Yep, that's the image.

"Do you have any ID with you?" Sharply refocused our attention on the task at hand. Having passed over the required documentation, we could not help but get distracted again by this comic and slightly sad spectacle. As the officer serving us deftly navigated the byzantine and frankly scary world of the tax system, with more double clicks and keyboard strokes than a travel agent (remember those?) we played I spy. We kinda got the feeling that it was a game that might well be played by an office of workplace injury lawyers on a staff outing. Two windows down intermittently vanishing from sight and battling an attractive set of cushions that were demonstrating Newton's laws sat a dignified and professional-looking lady. Despite having to frequently retrieve fallen cushions, and readjusting her homemade back support, she despatched each enquiry with efficiency and decorum that belied the frankly ludicrous situation she found herself in.

We were brought back to the room with the shock of someone who had joined a stage hypnosis show for a laugh and was now standing barefoot in a tutu in front of 500 laughing strangers. Our unhappy awakening was caused by everyones least favorite sentence. "You can take a ticket and pay at the window over there or online…?" As we forlornly waited to pay, we were discussing the fact that more than any "5 reasons why..." or "3 things you didn’t know about..." article, a trip to the real world had shown us just why ergonomic chairs are worth it. They help improve the health, safety and productivity of your staff. What's more, if you have client-facing staff then simply do it for the sake of your company image. It was a rather expensive way to learn the lesson but, if the tax office is in any way representative, then good quality ergonomic adjustable standing desks and chairs are certainly worth it.

Disclaimer The information in this article is intended for general information and entertainment purpose and should not be construed as medical advice. Eazeechairs and its affiliated companies do not endorse the opinions or ideas contained in this article. Eazeechairs is not liable for any external links. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference

Antham. (n.d.). Are High End Office Chairs Worth the Investment? [Illustration]. https://anthamgroup.com/are-high-end-office-chairs-worth-the-investment/

Well, what it most certainly isn’t is an invitation or instruction to sit for 24 hours. As just about every doctor will tell you take regular movement breaks. What it is, is a chair designed to accommodate the myriad of demands that cascade onto you throughout the working day.

Whatever the task or the movement, these chairs are designed to help you maintain a neutral position and support your body weight. At the same time, they promote good posture. 24 hour chairs incorporate special features that allow you to remain comfortable and healthy even when you are sitting for long periods.

So, what are the characteristics of a 24 hour chair? That depends on the creative licence, of the company advertising them. However, below are some of the things you should expect from a 24 hour chair.

Back up

Quality Mesh Seat-back

The seat-back would usually be covered in a firm, durable mesh that offers breathable, comfortable support. The mesh should have enough tension to resist slouching, enough elasticity to maintain its shape, but enough give to allow you to feel comfortable throughout the day.

A quality mesh also helps to keep you at a comfortable temperature to help prevent you from sweating as if you’ve just run 5 miles and sweated a gallon.

Adjustable Lumbar Support

Experts suggest you should try to regularly shift your position. The more flexibility your chair has the more chance you have of receiving support where you need it.

A Solid Base To Build On

Adequate padding

The base should offer a firm cushioning that allows you to sit comfortably even when the dreaded Monday Morning Meeting has illegally annexed lunchtime and is encroaching into the territory of Monday afternoon.

360°

5D Adjustable Armrests

Whether you are typing, making a particularly animated phone call, or taking a break to do the latest TikTok dance with your niece over zoom, armrests should be by your side not in your way. The armrests should be able to move vertically to the optimum height to prevent shoulder fatigue and support your forearms and wrists. They also need to be able to move at through at least 180° horizontally. We carry out a variety of tasks during the working day and being able to rest your arms or have the freedom to move, affects how smoothly you transition through your workflow.

Tilt And Lock

If you find yourself stuck to your desk for hours at a time, the chances are you are going to want to kick back without doing a backflip. A good 24hour chair should allow you to adjust to the demands of the day. Whether you are leaning back to make a call or tilting forward spurred on by inspiration creating a deal closing presentation.

A Place To Rest Your Head

A high backed chair is great and offers a lot of support to your spine, but your spine doesn’t stop at your shoulders. If you are going to spend long hours seated, you really need a chair that you can lean on when you need to.

Adjustable Headrest

As the World Economic Forum says, we have found ourselves working longer and longer hours over the pandemic. So you need a chair that is working as hard as you are. If you are able to adjust the headrest up and down, backwards and forwards, you can help ensure your neck is supported regardless of the activity. This can help reduce fatigue. What’s more, it can increase productivity by allowing you to stay focused for longer.

Right, now a quick quiz… We wouldn’t do that to you! The advent of the 24 hour chair has helped many office workers to stay healthy despite increasing workloads and longer days. If you find your working day has gotten longer it might be something worth looking into.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is intended for general information and entertainment purpose and should not be construed as medical advice. Eazeechairs and its affiliated companies do not endorse the opinions or ideas contained in this article. Eazeechairs is not liable for any external links. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference

For a lot of us, last year has involved more sitting than we could have ever imagined. And whether it be for the festive season or to start the new year in comfort, you’ve finally decided to treat yourself to that office chair your lower back has been crying out for since April.

All that’s left to do is choose the right one for you. If you are anything like us during your research you've fallen down a few rabbit holes and ended up clocking up another 3 hours sitting on your old chair, and still, feel no closer to making a decision. Hopefully, this might give you a few useful ideas.

N things to look for in an Ergonomic Chair It is important to say that no two people are the same so, there’ll be no envelopes, prizes, or podiums at the end of the article. On the upside, you might have a useful checklist to help you pick the chair that best suits you and your needs.

Ergonomics

Let’s start with the big one. What is the big fuss about? Ergonomic chairs are designed to support your body to do what a lot of doctors would say it was never designed to do, sit for long hours. A good ergonomic chair will support your body in a way that is not just comfortable but actually promotes good posture. The best Ergonomic Chairs could aid you to eliminate poor posture-related aches and pain in areas such as the neck, shoulders, and crucially the lower back .

Mesh vs Fabric

Both have their advantages. Mesh chairs have that modern style that makes them look great in any office, but much more than that, they are extremely practical. They were designed to overcome the problem that so many of us are happy to spend hours researching then invest dollars procuring the perfect chair, only to be too lazy or busy to adjust the chair to suit us. The mesh molds to your back while providing the comfort and support a chair should. They also offer a great deal of breathability to keep you comfortable for long hours spent in front of the screen. (To ensure that it is the deadline and not the chair that is making you sweat.)

Ideally, the mesh should be firm enough to support you while having sufficient soft, interwoven fibers to feel cushioned.

The fabric chair can be especially suitable for those of us who prefer a slightly more cushioned feel. They can also provide a bit more warmth, if Steve from accounts has got carried away with the air-con again, or you simply tend to get cold in the office.

The best of both worlds; most designers tend to have reached a consensus that an upholstered base and a mesh backrest is a marriage made in heaven.

Adjustability

The more you can personalize your chair to your needs, the more likely you are, to create the ideal seating position and eliminate those office aches and strains.

So look for adjustable; headrests, armrests, seat base, lumbar support, and backrest. See below for more details-

• Armrests

When seated, your arms should rest at approximately 90 degrees to your body, so chairs that can move vertically are a real must. Secondly, to accommodate everyone's body type armrests that can move left and right, back and forward can give you the perfect resting and typing positions. One other important feature is cushioning, you'll want to make sure the armrest is padded to protect your Ulnar Nerve.

• Seat base

Make sure that the depth and width of the chair suit you. You want to be able to sit comfortably with your legs supported and able to keep your feet flat on the floor with your knees at 90° to your hips. If you go for a padded seat try to make sure it has a removable cover that you can wash or is easy to wipe down. If you opt for mesh make sure it has smooth rounded edges to prevent discomfort.

• Adjustable Seating Depth

Seating depth is the Goldilocks of functions; if it is not just right, then it is just, well, wrong. This often neglected aspect is essential for good posture allowing you to maintain a neutral position.

The right depth lets you fully support your legs without digging into the back of your knees and inhibiting your circulation. Trying to walk to the water cooler on legs like Bambi’s is never a great look. On that note, try to find a seat with a “waterfall” edge a (curved edge).

Adjustable seating depth means you can use the backrest and lumbar support for what it was intended for. Not find yourself stranded mid-seat that can over time lead to overarching of the lower back, possibly resulting in spasms. At the other extreme, sitting too far forward can cause the opposite problem.

• Backrest

Ideally, it should be height adjustable or tall enough to support your entire back. As we mentioned above, a mesh can offer a cool supportive material. Preferably it should have height-adjustable lumbar support to give you that essential lower back support exactly where you need it. Some higher-end models incorporate features that allow you to adjust the tension of the support.

• Tilt/ Recline and Lock

An essential function to help you change position and also for when you take that well-earned breather. Altering your seating position is vital for maintaining good lower back health. After you have found that perfect position, it is best to have a reliable locking system to safely maintain it.

What can make these chairs even more indispensable is the added feature of a footrest. When this combines with a chair with a great tilt range and good secure lock system, they could help relieve pressure caused by maintaining the same position for too long, allow a brainstorming session away from the screen, or just a brief moment of reprieve, when the boss is out.

Some of the higher-end models provide a tilt and chassis mechanism for flexibility. Ideally, you want to find one that can be adapted to synch with the chair seat(pan) with two or more lockable positions for adaptability.

• Headrest

Last but certainly not least, if you find that the cracking of your joints is startling the semi-comatose cat two-doors-down every time you cock head to peer around the screen to see if your delivery has arrived, then you‘ll know how important this feature is. Try and look for a headrest that can tilt and move up and down to give you maximum support no matter what task you are engaged in.

Conclusion

If you are going to be spending any length of time sat at a desk, then an ergonomic chair that supports your posture could be as vital a part of your office set up as a computer or decent WiFi. There is not a one-sized-fits-all model so it is probably worth working out what you are looking for but given that lower back pain is responsible for more than 264 million lost workdays per annum in the USA1 it's almost certainly worth it.

If like us you have used and enjoyed the comfort and support of the S8 till now, then, you might, like, us ask why did it need an update? The S8, had even helped to straighten out the sloped shoulders and constant curve in our necks that had meant even at the most boring of dinner parties no one felt the need to ask what we did.

We may as well of had-blogger, tattooed on our drooping heads. When they asked us to look at the upgrade of the S8 we had our reservations. Upgrades have all too often been the sickly twin of the already pretty peaky sequel. And we can all think of some pretty awful sequels. The much-maligned upgrade has had its name slightly sullied by the constant and inconvenient software updates of the early-mid2000s. From 2008 you could have a very reasonably priced 500-1000 dollar ride on the annual excitement and disappointment merry-go-round that was the latest iteration of your favorite phone.

But some upgrades just get it right, and this looks to be one of those occasions. The design team sat down with the customer service team, your feedback and an unhealthy quantity of energy drinks. After considerable debate, they rose possessed and scribbled away on the walls of the meeting room; like a brilliant but flawed scientist in an Oscar-winning biopic. Only emerging when the air was thick with the scent of inspiration, and the office needed a heavy Fabreeze.

Then they road-tested the S8. Putting through the office pentathlon, bounced, spun, typed, called, met and stretched back ( more than the boss would like). The result,  the kind of tweaks that are worthy of a podium finish.

Extra-large Headrest

The demands of the working day can be immense. So, you need a headrest that is equally adaptable and durable. The larger dimensions mean your head is supported no matter what task you are undertaking and the mesh gives you the breathability to keep you comfortable whatever the conditions. Boost your study or work performance by eliminating the need for those distractions. Be they a stretch or the frightening neck cracking breaks. You know the ones that look like you are challenging Bruce Lee to mortal combat. Anything that can save you from that kind of misunderstanding has to be a worthwhile investment.

Personalized Back Support

None of us is the same, so a quality ergonomic chair should be able to adapt to your needs. We got your back; the adjustable lumbar support delivers the best possible support to exactly where you need it.

Armrest Flexibility

Whether you are working or gaming, there is no greater comfort than relaxing into the arms of the height-adjustable armrests. Equally, there is nothing more annoying than being hemmed in by a friendly bearhug. So, the easy to adjust, ergonomic armrest can move through 270, To give you the freedom to work and the support to complete tasks effortlessly.

Full-featured Mesh Seat

The design teams marathon session meant they worked through the panoply of chair yoga positions. They added seat depth adjustment and forward tilt functionality so that the S8 Plus can adjust to your task, your body posture and the needs of the hour. Whether it be the reluctant prelude to the working day or the 18th-hour zoom call to another time zone.

Advanced Tilt Mechanism

Speaking of yoga, DONATI's advanced tilt mechanism gives you the flexibility to tilt the chair in 5 different positions making the S8 the veritable Yogi of ergonomic chairs. Letting you lean into the changing demands of your daily workflow.

Mute Casters

There is nothing more irritating than listening to colleagues skate across the office floor. Thankfully, the nylon mute wheels roll smoothly on any surface. Thus, avoiding the danger of any passive-aggressive, mumbled comments, or after hours chair sabotage, from exasperated colleagues. There is nothing more galling than sliding balletically across the front room, executing a beautiful 9.0 half turn and dismount, to reach a file only to turn back to see not an adoring crowd but a dirty black tyre track across your favourite rug. Luckily, those design boffins thought of that. These wheels are safe on any surface. As an added bonus, the non-slip and durable, sturdy caster base helps reduce pressure on your lower limbs. Meaning that you could probably sit in comfort all day. But please, see just about every blog we have written to see why; even with this Rolls Royce of a chair, you should still get up, every, now and then.

Breathable and Ergonomic

We have all been there this year, enthralled and engaged in a conference call that seems eternal. Praying for Zoom to cut out due to the 'internet' or the act of a merciful god. If you haven’t done the frozen zoom face and wished you could mute the cat, you are better people than I am.

But for those occasions when that just isn’t possible and you have to grin and bear it. It helps to have the kind of chair that can promote good posture and allow air circulation to prevent you from sticking to or squelching off your chair at the end of the call. The S8 has this base covered too.

If you want to share the worst sequel you have ever seen with us we'd be happy to add it to our list of must not watches. Thankfully, the team in design have come up with an update that is a firm contender for the Hall of Fame not the Hall of Shame. The S8 an upgrade that in this strangest of Olympic years deserves a near perfect 10.

Whether you are doing it to save the planet, to keep activist shareholders happy, impress customers with your environmentally friendly credentials or to attract and retain the best talent, greening your business seems like a win-win in the current environment.

Whatever your motivation the benefits from a few environmental hacks maybe further reaching than one could have hoped for. Fewer sick days –  a study done in conjunction with experts from Harvard University and Suny Upstate Medical University discovered that employees in Green Certified buildings require approximately 30% fewer sick days.

The study also identified these benefits of the Eco friendly office:-

Maximizing the available light can increase productivity by 15%( because of reduced absenteeism)

26.4% higher cognitive test scores.

6.4% higher Sleep Quality scores.

30% fewer symptoms.

So, if you are looking to boost your company’s environmental credentials, the office can be the low-hanging fruit you need to get the ball rolling. It is a great place to start, in the face of more daunting major structural changes to the building, supply chain, etc.

Where to begin, there are, of course, the classics; one of those pieces of advice we have heard so many times and thought that makes sense the “I really must do that, buts …” like having an early night and eating a healthy diet. Those pearls of wisdom we never quite get round to.

A great first step is carrying out an environmental audit. If these words have sent your CFO into a cold sweat. No need to worry. Partnering with a local school or university is not just great PR but also a great chance to give the next generation priceless real-world work experience and a rewarding outcome.

Power saving

Electrical appliances

Set computers to sleep when not in use try not to use screen savers.

Try to remember not to leave things on standby. Unplug anything that can be unplugged overnight/over the weekend. Using a power strip can help with this. It means staff just need to remove one plug.

(NB. From our anxious friends in Health and Safety, please ensure you do not overload the cable.)

Switch to LEDs

Some experts say that LED lights use only 20% as much power as conventional lighting. Such savings can translate to as much as a40% saving on your energy bill. If you haven’t made the switch yet, now might be the moment, unless you have a sentimental attachment to the high-pitch buzz or are aiming for a faux 80’s B movie horror ambiance replete with flickering tubular lighting.

Why replace them? For one, because tubular lighting isn't just sinister in the wrong hands it can be downright dangerous. The toxic chemicals they contain need to be carefully disposed of to avoid contamination.

What you may lose in upfront costs you more than get back in mid-long term savings in both time and money. From an environmental perspective, you save on power, resources, and the environmental cost of shipping and producing multiple single-use incandescent bulbs.

The Call of the Bright Lights

This truly is the big break we have been dreaming about.

Switch off the lights if you are leaving a room for more than 15 mins. Take advantage of natural light and try and steer clear of spots and other high energy bulbs where possible.

The Mantra of the 3 Rs

Ditch the individual printer and go communal

Get a networked multi-functional printer, MFP- they tend to use fewer resources all around and are a great focal point to catch up on all the office gossip.

Send toner cartridges for refill or recycling depending on your service agreement.

Create a scrap paper pile near the printer

Set the printer to print double-sided where possible and use draft quality. However, make sure this is well known, and if you have an IT department who are happy to do more than ask you to “switch it on and off again” then ask them to label it as such. The same applies to filling one draw with used paper. There is nothing worse than rushing into a client meeting with a sheet of impressive stats and an internal email on the back saying what an incompetent fool the project manager is.

Speaking of Paper

Why not take the plunge and go completely paperless. If you do decide to go down this route try and select a cloud service provider that will stay in business and that won't charge you fees that will put you out of business. However, make sure you establish a secure and sustainable off-site backup.

If you can go paperless, use pdfs, digital signatures, etc., why not?

Last year meant that even the last technophobes and holdouts(like myself) had to take the plunge. There are a host of apps and clouds that allow team development of documents and projects.

If you need to print, try to recycle the paper you use and seek out recycled paper. If possible go for FSC certified, chlorine and mercury-free options.

Re-useable Cups

Once, it was just the coffee encrusted trusted companion that got you through the morning commute but never left the car. Then it evolved into the highly desirable(read overpriced) or avoidable “keep cup” depending on which side of the hipster fence you sit on. Before, finally, reaching its current form; the ubiquitous unassuming aid to helping the environment and getting caffeine into your flagging workforce. Globally, we throw away 16 billion disposable coffee cups annually. The office can be a great place to make a dent in that frightening figure.

Enough of Being Single

Buy in bulk, single serving sachets are wasteful for the environment and your pocket, according to research done by the University of Portland, buying your coffee in bulk could lead to dramatic savings in expenditure and packaging.

A word to the wise, it might be worth investing some of the savings in some well-designed dispensers to avoid a passive-aggressive post-it war over teaspoon etiquette.

Plastic Straws and Stirrers

Just- no.

Introduce recycling bins and compost bins for food waste.

Clearly labeled, preferably color-coded, bins can help people see the difference they are making. Plastics and paper are a great place to jump off from, but if you feel like removing the training wheels, you could add glass and compost bins for food waste.

Planting the Seed

The health benefits of greenery in the office are often touted. In fact, we may have quoted some people much wiser than us doing so not so very long ago. Some  offices have taken to combining the office composting with nurturing the office foliage. This might be a time commitment a bit too far for many.If it is don’t be discouraged, the mere presence of plants in the office provides a pleasant reminder of why we are all striving to make these changes.

Water

Blowing bubbles and a Royal Flush

Aerators on taps can help to reduce water flow from 2.2 gallons per min to as little as 1.5-0.5 gallons. Aerators can also be retrofitted to over 90% of old taps, and they should pay for themselves within the first month.

There is, of course, the option of waterless urinals and re-plumbing toilets to use captured rainwater. However, this requires significant investment and disruption. In the meantime, you might consider retrofitting a short flush, WaterSense labeled alternatives, or just the old brick in the cistern. Older models can use 3.5 - 7 gallons per flush. a modern system can reduce that to just 1.6 gallons.

These few simple measures could help you reduce overheads, appeal to customers, increase efficiency and productivity, and they might just be good for the planet too.

OFFICE FURNITURE ON A BUDGET

If you have looked at office chairs and seen the stately looking pictures or glanced at the imperious price tags of some of them, and decided this is not for you at the moment. Then you might be able to console yourself with two facts :

1. There are actually, some extremely reasonable options available.

2. Alternatively, there are some pretty passable short-term DIY hacks.

If you have searched yourself you might have found some that are downright wacky and others that are frankly dangerous. We can’t claim the credit for any of these much more workable hacks. Here is a collection of a few of them:

The Standing Desk

The ironing board table combo, is a marriage made in… a crazy weekend in Vegas, but one  that somehow stands the test of time. (Pun rather ashamedly intended.)  As long as you are careful not to press the quick release lever, this setup allows you to slowly and carefully raise and lower your entire set up. Letting you switch between standing and sitting without all the hassle of moving everything to a higher/lower surface.  If, however, you are looking for a more stable and hassle-free option—standing desk.

If ever there was a solution for our times this could be it, because an ironed shirt and loungewear pants are just so passé.

Click here to know about deeper meaning of health and happiness.

The lumbar support

If ever there was a practical workaround this is it!

A rolled-up towel seems to be preferred over a cushion as it can be rolled up to fit your Lordosis. Don’t get carried away, this should, as the name suggests, support the natural curve of your back. Be sure to secure it so that you don’t need to keep re-rolling it.

The Footrest

This may sound like a new level of indolence, resting your tired feet after a few hours sitting down, but if your chair isn’t the right height, then it is highly recommended.

One clever solution that really caught our fancy was a foot hammock. Who doesn’t love the idea of a hammock at work?

Take a hand towel/scarf.

Fold over the last 1.5- 2 inches and sew.

Thread a thick piece of string through this pocket.

Attach to each end of the desk. (Using hooks capable of supporting the applied weight.)

Attach the hammock to the hooks at the appropriate height.

Alternatively, a balance board or mini-football/basketball, inflated or deflated to measure, can help you to kill two birds with one stone. If figurative avicide is your thing then this hack allows you to keep your feet at a comfortable height and encourages you to change position. Something that is highly recommended.

The Ergonomic Chair

This might end up being like a confused failed Hollywood prequel/sequel that no one ever really wanted anyway. The trouble is a quality ergonomic chair covers so many bases, it’s the Yogi Berra of office furniture.

Part 1- Improvised

Lumbar support

See above

Seat Base

Ideally, you are looking for cushioning that offers support for your long hours seated but not so soft as to encourage poor posture. A memory foam pillow might be an option.

Headrest

The best we could come up with, without resorting to a range of power tools and a trip to E.R. was the tried and tested neck support pillow. There are a number of very clever videos online showing you how to sew your own. If you are this dextrous we can only salute you and invite you to share pictures of your creative genius with us.

Part 2- Assembled

Lumbar/padded backrest pillow

As mentioned in previous articles while the backrest should be comfortable, it should be firm enough to support and even promote good posture.

Seat base

There are a range of cushioned base options the better among them can, to some degree, also promote good posture.

(You need to make sure the cushions are securely fastened. If they are not in the correct position, they might not have the desired benefit.)

Headrest

(Clip-on/ screw-on/ headrest)

As long as you can find one with just the right dimensions and keep it in place, this can be quite a good option for resting your weary head. If you have a high-backed chair, you might be able to pair it with a neck support pillow. Thanks to our love of comfort while driving, you should be able to pick up one of these quite easily.

This article is a Smörgåsbord of options for those amongst us who embrace ingenuity and have the time and patience to make it work. Alternatively, you could browse our suggestions of ergonomic chairs under $350.

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