You may have seen an ad about an ergonomic chair. People with smiles on their faces (maybe AI-made, maybe not) sitting.

Big promise: “You’ll never have back pain again!”

Sounds good. But even after a few weeks of working from home and the office, your back still hurts. Sometimes it hurts even more.

So what’s the problem? Is it the chair? Or is it how you’re using it?

For years, I’ve been giving desks, chairs, and office cubicles and partitions to government agency, BPOs, and people who work from home.

These are the real mistakes I keep hearing and what I’ve seen work:

Myth 1: If it says “ergonomic,” it must be comfortable.

Not all the time. Ergonomic does not mean soft. It doesn’t mean fancy. And it doesn’t mean expensive at all (if that’s what you were thinking, haha).

Ergonomic means that the chair supports your body in the right way. Some ergonomic chairs feel hard at first. But that’s not a bad thing. It might seem strange, but the first day of pain relief doesn’t always feel comfortable. That stiffness is what keeps your spine straight and stops your muscles from working too hard.

People have said to me, “Ma’am, the chair is too hard.” So I ask, “Have you already changed the lumbar support?” Most of the time, the answer is “What?” What is that?

You need to set up your chair correctly for it to work.

Quick tips here:

• Feet flat on the ground. If they’re hanging down, like a 3-year-old’s feet, something is wrong.
• Another tip, a lot of people miss this one. Knees should be about level with hips.
• And the chair’s backrest should fit your back.

Myth 2: Mesh seats are better than leather chairs

I used to always suggest mesh seats, but then I heard complaints from people with sensitive lower backs.

Mesh seats are great especially in the Philippines. They breathe, and you feel comfy with them. You don’t get to feel your sweaty butt. They also appear new.

But always better? Not really.

It’s not good for people who like additional padding or have sensitive lower backs.

Some managers I’ve talked to like hybrid designs. They are the chairs with mesh backs to let air flow and well-cushioned chairs for comfort. They’re great but they’re hard to find, and they cost a lot of money.

Instead of asking which one is better, ask yourself what you really need.

If your office is hot most of the time, look for mesh. If you share seats, like in a 24/7 BPO, mesh is also good.

Myth 3: Standing workstations can help with back pain

I personally believed this myth. I put a standing desk in my little workplace. Used it for a few weeks. And you know what? It ended up in the Facebook marketplace a few months later. Well, it didn’t help.

Some people think standing while doing office work is good for health. Well, that maybe true, but it would be only for a few weeks until they find out their knees swelling and hurting. And they’ll discover that the pain went away, yes, from their back to their feet and knees. That’s mine, haha.

The problem, really, wasn’t about standing desks, it’s about balance. I mean, you don’t stay the whole working day standing in front of your PC. You may alternate between standing and sitting. Or you move around after your 30 minute standing, then back to work, sitting this time.

After learning how to use these workstations correctly, we did provide them to some clients who wanted them.

But one day a client said to me, “I bought your standing desk to save my back, but now my legs are hurting.”

We fixed his workstation to the optimum height and told him to change positions and move around every now and again. Slowly, the pain went away.

Myth 4: A chair with a headrest is better for your back.

Headrests seem nice, but they don’t help with back strain.

They only work if you lean back a lot, like when you’re on the phone or in a conference. The headrest won’t touch your neck too often if you have to type all the time or look forward.

Instead, pay attention to these 2 important things. First, support for your lower back should match your spine. and second, the depth of the seat should let your back rest completely.

The headrest is just a nice add-on to see.

Myth 5: You need a new chair if your back hurts.

Well, maybe. But if you sit for too long, slump, or lean to one side all the time, even the nicest chair won’t help.

It would be just better to move around every now and then. No matter how premium your chair is, pain would eventually creep in.

A BPO client bought a 12-seater conference table and also got rid of their two hundred outdated chairs and replaced them with ours (good order, yes, for us). But after a few months, some employees still said they had slight back pain. We told them to take small breaks every hour and do quick stretches.

No more problems after a few weeks.

Myth 6: Everyone has the same ergonomics.

A tall person and a short person will never be able to use the same chair settings and adjustments. The height, tilt, lumbar depth, and position of the armrests should all be adjustable.

A 2017 study (Journal of Physical Therapy Science, Vol. 29, Issue 9, pp. 1649–1652) found that after an hour of sitting, people without active lumbar support showed more lower-back fatigue and stiffness while a lumbar support that gently changes shape helped keep their backs steadier and less strained.

If you share a desk (which is frequent in call centers and even small offices) or switch between home and work, take a minute every day to adjust your chair before you start working.

If you’re short, lower your seat at work. At home, adjust your monitor at eye level. And If you’re still working from home with your dining chair, get what suited for you, and not that dining chair.

Your back and hybrid work

Hybrid work transformed the way we sat.

Just about 10 years ago, everyone had the same office setting. But now many people work at kitchen tables, coffee shops, or even in the corners of their bedrooms. Because of these changes, your posture and furniture keep changing. That irregularity puts stress on your back.

You don’t need to build up a whole business at home. You only need the right basics:

• Chair height: You elbows should be at a right angle when typing.
• PC monitor: The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level.
• Keyboard: around the length of one forearm.

If you need to, use a tiny box or footrest to keep your feet flat.

A freelancer informed me once that she had been using a dining chair for two years. “I thought back pain was part of the job.”

We provided her a mesh chair for her mid-back that is good for her back. She vibered me about two weeks later to say thank you and that she was thrilled.

Myth 7: Furniture that is good for your back is expensive

That’s not true.

But going too cheap is a bigger waste. Because you’ll replace it faster and you’d be paying it with your back.

You can get a solid adjustable ergonomic chair for around ₱6,000–₱10,000, and if you set it up properly, it can last you for years.

Steelcase is a great high-end brand, but there are also good mid-range brands like Sihoo and Ergonomic, as well as our own GREATWORKS ergonomic mesh chairs.

The goal isn’t to get the most expensive one. It’s to get the one that matches your body and the time you’ll be using it.

What really helps your back

I didn’t get this information from brochures. People complained and then came back, so I learnt it. This is what works:

• Every 30 to 45 minutes, stand up, stretch, and walk.
• The right height for a desk. No bending, no reaching.
• Strong support. Soft isn’t always the best choice.
• Being aware. Change something, the seats, the tilt, armrests, whatever, if it hurts.

After years of delivering chairs to call centers, offices, and home workstations, I’ve noticed the same thing over and over.

Most of the time, the chair isn’t the real problem.

We’ve installed expensive ergonomic chairs and people still complained. Then we’ve installed simple mesh chairs and people were totally happy because they were easy to adjust.

It was seldom about the brand or the price. What mattered most was whether the person moves, change positions, and pays attention to her body

Hybrid work made this even more plain. One minute you’re on an office chair, next you’re on a dining chair, then you’re hunched over a coffee table and your body feels it instantly.

So yes, office furniture helps but your daily habits matter more, even if you’re sitting on the best chair money can buy.

Hot Seat? Not Anymore. Why Mesh Chairs Are the Coolest Thing in the Office

Should You Get an Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair?  Buyers, whether they’re call center managers, startup owners, or freelancers  walk in, see the mesh chairs, and ask:

“Is it comfy?”
“Why mesh?”
“Will this last?”
“Okay ba ’to for long hours?”

So let’s sit down (pun) and talk.

 

The Old Chairs vs. the New Setup

If you’ve been an office girl for sometime now, you’d have seen or tried  those big, boss-type leather chairs. The ones that look impressive, huge, but make you sweat like you’re in front of a barbeque stand waiting for your stick.

They’re good for short meetings. But if you’re working, on the chair, sitting from 6 to 8 hours a day? Not good.

That’s where ergonomic mesh chairs come in. They’re not just a trend. They solve real problems, especially if you’re sitting most of the day.

 

Why Mesh?

Simple. It breathes. Literally. Less sweat.

Not like leather, even if it’s the original German leather, or thick foam, mesh lets  air pass through. Mesh is good even if your office gets mainit because the aircon is not working,  or if you work long hours (overtime), your back stays cooler. That alone is a big difference.

Also, a good mesh supports your back. It adjusts when you lean, it holds you upright, if with a good lumbar support. It also keeps you from slouching, which most office workers are prone to. That’s very important if you’re working 8 to 5, or always on OT. Overtime, that is. Yep, not OverTa…

 

Will It Last? For How Long?

If you’re buying from Shopee, Lazada, or lately from Temu,  or some random seller offering P1,500 office chairs, don’t expect much. Those cheap ones? I would call them Mesh Tears. Wheels, whether swivel or rigid types easily fall off. The starbase, one that straddles to support the chair, breaks. The gas lift? the part below connected to a lever, that when flipped, moves you up or down gives out. You’ll be shopping again in a few months. The below P1,000 category? 6 weeks is long.

But the mid- to high-end mesh chairs? Those are built for serious work. We’ve installed them in 24/7 call centers, and they’re still holding up after years. Just the movable parts, casters and gas lifts need changing now and then.

It’s not only about price. It’s about use. How often will it be used, by how many people, the size of the people (pardon) occupying and for how many hours per day it is used.

 

What to Look For

If you’re buying one chair or a hundred, these are the things that matter:

• Height adjustment– You want your feet flat on the floor. Not hanging, not stretched.
• Lumbar support– That curve in your lower back? This supports it.
• Tilt function– So you can lean back and breathe in between tasks.
• Adjustable armrests– Keeps your shoulders relaxed while typing.
• Seat shape– Rounded front edge = better blood flow.

Those are the basics you should be looking for. Headrest? Ah, nice to have, especially if you lean back often. But not essential for everyone. It just adds the price. Haha.

 

What If You’re on a Budget?

We get it. Here’s a quick guide:

Price Range	Who It’s For
₱3,000–₱5,000	Light use, home office, students
₱6,000–₱10,000	Daily work, startups, standard office use
₱11,000–₱20,000+	Long hours, shared use, 24/7 environments

If it’s for short use, fine, go for budget. Ye sure, you could also go for branded high-end chairs from Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Knoll. Last time I checked the Karman Mesh Ergonomic chair of Steelcase, it was $1,114.00.

But if people are sitting all day, or in shifts, think 24/7, 95kg agents sitting, slurping milk teas, then invest in something better. You’ll avoid complaints, injuries, and see maintenance guys smiling and of course avoid extra expenses later.

 

Who Needs This Kind of Chair? The Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair?

We’ve worked with all sorts of clients. Some examples:

• BPOs and Call Centers

These are the heavy users. Offices that run 24/7. When a BPO calls us, we already know we’re not dealing with light use. We’re dealing with three 8-hour shifts, many users per chair, and constant movement. These chairs don’t rest.

And they’re right to be picky. Sometimes, they need a product demo. We bring the chairs to their office for them to try and check. Sometimes, it gets rejected, and we bring again a second batch of demos for their approval.

Because here’s the reality, if a chair breaks, the agent can’t work. If five chairs break, that’s five idle agents. Multiply that by hours of lost calls. Downtime hurts. And broken chairs?  No way!

That’s why most of our BPO clients go for mid to premium mesh chairs. It’s not because they want something just fancy, but because they need something reliable. A chair that won’t collapse after 3 months of daily abuse by their 90kg milk tea slurping staff (joke!).

Usually, these are office furniture savvy guys and they look for:

• Strong mesh – holds up through heat, sweat,& long sitting
• Durable frames– usually nylon or reinforced aluminum
• Adjustable lumbar– so agents on different shifts can adjust the back support to fit their body
• Gas lifts and wheels– for heavy heavy use

We once had another call center in Eastwood 70+. Their agents worked 3 shifts, 7 days a week. We recommended mesh chairs with reinforced starbases, wide seats, and adjustable backs. The last time (about 2 years later)I visited to chitchat with the boss, they’re still using them, with only minor part replacements (the casters which they got from Wilcon).

• Home-based Workers

Freelancers, tutors, TikTok sellers. These are the home-based. The ones who make their spare bedrooms, dining corners, and tiny nooks into workspaces. A couple of partition panels will do the work as a divider.

And when they message or call us, sometimes late at night (I hate it. Haha), sometimes during lunch breaks, they usually start with something like:  “Ate, I just need a chair that’s comfy. Not too big. And sana hindi complicated.” And, the usual, “yung hindi mahal ha”

They don’t have huge office floors.  Space is tight, so the chair has to fit. But comfort still matters, especially when you’re editing videos, tutoring students, or doing livestreams for hours.

All of them wanted something reliable without hugging the whole room. We usually point them to mesh chairs with basic ergonomic features—adjustable height, a flexible back, and good lower back support. No complex levers or what. Just the basics.

One TikToker told us, “I’m online six hours a day—kung masakit likod ko, hindi ko kayang ngumiti sa camera.” So we sent her a mid-back mesh chair, compact size, with soft armrests.

• Office Managers and Architects

These are people who don’t just think about how a chair feels, for most of them, they think about how it looks in the room, how it fits with their walls, the lighting, even the flooring. You’ll hear them say, “We want it to match our theme here”

They’re not being ma-arte. They just know that when someone walks into an office, the furniture speaks more. And yes, the wrong chair can ruin the impression.

Black ergonomic mesh office chairs? Timeless. Clean. Professional. They work well in corporate offices, law firms, and boardrooms where the look is more formal.

Some office managers are picky and meticulous when buying chairs to match their conference tables. Of course we understand that meetings, signing contracts, and other important gatherings take place here. Most of the time, they pick executive chairs to match their elegant conference rooms.

We once had a client, an interior firm redesigning an IT office in BGC. Once we got into their office and asked for their specific chair needs, they just gave us the freedom but said : “We don’t want chairs that look like they came from a call center in 2015.” So we gave them sleek, low-profile white mesh chairs with a curved back and gray seats. Well, It turned out beautiful naman.

 

Care and Maintenance

Mesh chairs are easy.

• Wipe with a damp cloth. No need for strong cleaners.
• Vacuum the back every now and then.
• Don’t use as a step stool. Yes, people do this.
• And if something squeaks? A bit of silicone spray does the job.

 

Should You Try One?

If you:

• Sit for long hours
• Get lower back pain
• Work in a hot or poorly ventilated room
• Or just want something that feels better than the usual padded chair…

Then yes, it’s worth a try.

Start with one. Use it for a week. Then you’ll know.

 

Before You Buy (Your Guide)

Ask your supplier a few things:

• Is the lumbar support adjustable?
• What’s the warranty?
• How many hours a day is it built for?
• Is it in stock or made-to-order?
• Are parts replaceable?

Don’t buy blind. And don’t just go by looks.

 

Want Help Choosing?

We’ve delivered mesh chairs, office desks, partitions, and various furniture for companies and office all over the country. From Ilocos, Marinduque, Palawan, Cagayan De Oro, Zamboanga, to name a few. From banks to BPOs to small tutoring centers.

If you’re not sure which one fits your space, or your budget, call us. No hard sell. Just honest advice.

A chair won’t solve all your problems.

But a bad one? That can create more.

 

Your time in the office is 8 hours and most likely the time spent in your office chair would be at least 6 hours. How is that? Now if given the chance to pick your own chair, you have to look for one that is back friendly. Yes, an ergonomic office chair, if you would.

Given such long hours of work can affect your back, spine, or even your shoulders. But how do you pick the right chair when there are so many to choose? Just google and you’ll get hundreds of pictures of chairs along side other furniture like filing cabinets, sofa, and executive chairs.

Listed below the features to look for in a good ergonomic chair.

There are 5 of them. And you will get to be familiar with these as we will talk about these 5 in detail. Here they are:

1. Adjustable Lumbar Support
2. Mesh type
3. Depth and width of seat, height adjustable
4. Armrest and Headrest
5. Tilt Mechanism and Recline

We’ll take up the first one.

Adjustable Lumbar Support for Ergonomic Office Chair

 

The lower part of your back is naturally curved. For a chair to be ergonomically designed, it must mimic the curvature of your back. But if you might have noticed, most of the chairs are just straight, I mean, the backrest is flat-out straight, no curvature.

This could potentially damage your back. Problems like herniated discs and spondylosis are the most common result. The lumbar support is intended to keep that natural curve of your spine.

And yes, you might see a lumbar support in every other chair, but they are not the same. This is not what you want. You don’t want a one type fit all lumbar support. What you want is an adjustable lumbar support. This is the type that reinforces and keep your spine aligned.

What Adjustable Lumbar Support Does

This adjustable lumbar support lets you change the curvature of the backrest to fit your body shape and posture.

Personalized comfort. Now what it does is it gives you personalized comfort. Yes, because everyone’s spinal curvature is different. Here’s how it benefits you. You can adjust the height and depth of the lumbar pad to match the natural curve of your back.

Less Strain. The natural curvature of the spine should be kept. In this way the muscles, the nerves and bony joints don’t have to work as hard.

Improved Posture. This one is impactful for me. When seated, there is almost always a tendency for me to slide into the seat and slouch. Why, it seems that your body feels rested in a slouch position.

When your lower back is fully supported because the backrest adjusts to your back’s movements, there is less tendency to hunch over or slouch. Good posture is about safeguarding your spine against long-term damage.

The Science Behind Lumbar Support

The lower back typically curves inward, which is called lordosis (yes, though I’m a furniturally – what a word! inclined individual, I also do some readings on this topic|). It is important to keep this curve for good posture.

If you sit for long periods without adequate support on your back, there is a strong tendency to slouch. This can alter the natural curve of your spine and put a lot of stress of your nerves, muscles and other bony elements of your back.

Applied Ergonomics (2018) published a study which says that chairs with lumbar support were way better at reducing stress and lower back pain than chairs without it. It also emphasized that a good lumbar support reduces fatigue and thus improves work productivity.

The design of the chair’s lumbar support varies. There’s the one-size-fits-all, then there’s the personalized support. According to the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2017), the personalized lumbar support is way better than one-size-fits-all designs.

There is also this research from the Cochrane Collaboration (2011) on workplace interventions for preventing and treating lower back pain. It says that ergonomic adjustments, which primarily includes lumbar support, can reduce the risk of chronic back pain.

What to Look for in the Adjustable Back Support

There are some chairs with adjustable back support that are better than others. When buying, keep these things in mind:

1. Height adjustment. The lumbar pad should be able to move up and down to fit the curve of your lower back. The change depends on who sits on the chair. If he is taller, the pad is moved upwards a bit as compared to a shorter person.
2. Adjustable Depth: There are chairs that let you change how far the lumbar pad protrudes. See those people with deep curvatures of the back? This works well for them. Then there are some who may not have this body curves, the depth have to be adjusted.
3. Firmness control. Look for chairs where you can change how stable the back support is. If it’s too soft, then you won’t get the support you need, and if it’s too hard, you might you may hurt your back instead.
4. Built-In vs. Add-On Support: Choose the built-in type. This is more durable than just the add-on removable pads.

Top Chairs with Adjustable Lumbar Support

Here are my top 2 picks that got the adjustable lumbar support game. The first one is on the expensive side and the second is on the budget-friendly side.

Herman Miller Embody. The lumbar support is movable, as you move, it moves with you. This keeps your lower back comfortable. They called this tech “Embody’s Backfit technology.” This lumbar support instantly adjusts to your natural curve of your spine. Other competing brands must be adjusted. Since it follows your spine’s movement, this reduces stress and improves the flow of your blood. It also helps you from getting too rigid as it is okay to have movements. As among the high end in office chair category, the Herman Miller Embody’s lumbar system is a mix of science-backed ergonomics and innovative design. Most of the high end conference tables are also paired with these as conference chairs. If you spend a lot of time sitting and of course if budget permits, then get this one. It’s made for workers who spend a lot of time inside their cubicles office sitting down. It provides unmatched lower back support without the need to make constant adjustments.

Sihoo M57. Economical Comfort with Adjustable Lumbar Support. This is what the  Sihoo M57 offers exactly—without going broke. As some of you may know the adjustable lumbar support is a feature usually reserved for more expensive ergonomic chairs. Only very few have this feature in the budget-conscious class. The Sihoo M57 lets you adjust the height and depth of the lumbar support, thus ensuring an exact fit for your lower back. Most of the budget-friendly chairs have fixed lumbar designs. The sturdy but flexible lumbar pad helps keep good posture, so less strain and discomfort results from extended work hours. The support of the lumbar part stays engaged as you lean back, therefore preventing gaps between your lower back and the chair. This is so good a feature as it prevents slouching. You know, slouching is one of main case of lower back pain among office workers.

Tips for Maximizing Lumbar Support

Now the best chairs won’t help your back if you simply don’t know how to use it correctly. What you need to do to get the most out of your adjustable lumbar support is as follows:

• Adjust as Needed: Change the adjustments as necessary. Throughout the day, alter the lumbar support so that it matches your posture. This is necessary especially if this is the first time you use the chair.
• Pair with Good Habits: Well, you might be confident that you have this beautiful, adjusted chair and you can sit there all your office hours. You still have to take good advice from my good chiropractor (yes, I have one). He said take breaks, stretch every 30 – 45minutes, and maintain proper sitting posture to balance your chair’s support.
• Consult an Expert: If you’re unsure how to adjust your chair, ask an ergonomics expert or an office furniture guy for guidance. Well, the shop attendant where you bought your chair may be good in selling but may not be the best adviser in the proper use of the chair to get a healthy back.

For now, that is all about the lumbar support which is one of the most important feature of an ergonomic office chair. In the next post we will untangle the mesh in mesh office chairs. Yes, in the Philippines, the mesh type is better suited over the foam padded seats.