What is an Ergonomic Stool?

Ergonomic stools are specially designed stools that provide greater support and thus minimize the chances for discomfort or the development of fatigue when remaining in a sitting position for long periods of time. In a manner similar to an ergonomic chair, the device is often used in offices and factories as a way to minimize the amount of physical stress experienced by employees who must remain in the same basic position for extended periods of time. Many stools of this type are constructed to fold up for easy storage when not in use.

As with any type of ergonomic seating, the ergonomic stool functions by minimizing stress on the upper and lower back. A comfortable seat that conforms to your body while still providing support is often paired with a back that relieves stress on the lower back. As a result, the stool can help increase productivity by ensuring employees are more comfortable and are not distracted by pains in the lower back or buttocks area.

Along with a seat and back with excellent support qualities, there are some designs for ergonomic stools that are also equipped with arms that are similar to those found on the ergonomic chair. The presence of the arms is particularly helpful when the stool is used as backup seating in a conference room or when inviting a coworker to share a computer station. As with the back, the armrests also lend additional support to the upper body and help to reduce the incidence of fatigue during the workday.

One of the side benefits of using an ergonomic stool is that the seating option helps to promote proper posture. This can have long term ramifications for the individual using the stool. Improved posture while using the chair often translates into maintaining better posture when sitting at home, at the movies, and while riding in a moving vehicle. By promoting better posture, the opportunity for the back and spinal issues to develop is decreased significantly.

Finding truly ergonomic stools is much easier than in years past. As employers have become aware of the increased productivity that results from using stools and chairs of this type in the workplace, the number of retail outlets carrying the devices has expanded. Today, it is possible to purchase a high-quality ergonomic stool at most office furniture supply stores as well as many stores that sell general office supplies. Along with the wider selection, the ergonomic stool has become more cost-effective as more people choose to purchase this type of seating for the workplace and for home use.