Let’s be honest, most of us don’t give much thought to our office chairs until our backs start complaining and our neck aches.
But take a closer look and you’ll realise that your office chair reveals more about you than you think. From your posture to your chair type, your seating style can say a lot about your habits, priorities, job role and your work personality.
What your chair says about your working style
Below, you’ll find a few working traits that reveal the type of chair you’ll love best, whether you work from home or in a collaborative co-working space.
The creative thinker
If you’re creative and your job involves moulding words, shaping visuals, capturing moments or bringing ideas to life, whether you’re a designer, photographer, illustrator or writer, your workspace plays a huge part in how that creativity flows.
You probably have a beautifully designed chair that looks just as good as it feels. Ergonomic and thoughtfully engineered, your chair fits into your inspiring workspace that fuels your ideas and becomes part of your personality. You appreciate how much good design matters.
The multitasker
You’re about a space that moves with you, depending on the job at hand. For focused tasks, your home office is the ideal space, and you spend your time in a chair that supports every angle, height and shift in focus. Sometimes, you choose no chair at all and make the most of your standing desk. Sometimes, a beanbag is all you need.
The laid-back dreamer
You think best when you’re comfortable, so your chair probably has a bit of give, maybe even a recline function, that allows you to lie back and let your thoughts in. It helps you feel at ease when you’re brainstorming and makes you feel calm when there’s lots going on. You know that the best ideas come when you’re most relaxed.
The focus fiend
Comfort + good posture = focus. For you, an ergonomic and supportive setup that’s perfectly aligned with your desk is just what you need for maximum productivity. You value function and design in equal measure (a bit like us) and a mesh office chair is a winner for you. You’re proactive, detail-oriented and you value self-care as part of your work ethic.
What your chair setup says about your personality
Did you know that it’s not just about your chair but the way you sit in it that could also give a little insight into your personality? Posture, placement and the general state of your seat can provide clues as to how you operate at work.
The ergonomic sitter
Feet flat, knees at a 90 degree angle, back fully supported. Congratulations, you completed your DSE assessment and took its suggestions to heart. You’re the model employee and this setup shows both discipline and self-awareness. You care about creating a healthy, productive environment and you know that looking after your body keeps your brain working at its best.
The casual sloucher
There’s always that one person in the office, leaning back so far in their chair it looks like it’ll topple backwards. Slouching suggests that you’re a laid-back, comfortable person who isn’t fussed about appearances. You just want to be relaxed and get your work done in your own way.
The leg-crosser
Crossing your legs shows that you’re relaxed and at ease. You enjoy your job and find the work fulfilling without feeling the stress.
However, if you’re more of an ankle-crosser, it could mean something different. This is a pose adopted by women in the royal family, so it’s more formal and regal. It suggests that you prefer formalities and you treat the office environment with respect (not blasting music through your computer or talking loudly on the phone unnecessarily for hours).
What your choice of chair in a meeting says about you
Imagine you walk into a conference room that has a long, rectangular table. Sat at the head is your manager, and there are nine other seats available to choose from. Psychologists have stated that the seat you choose says a lot about your personality.
The opposite seat – the challenger
If you choose the seat directly opposite your boss at the other head of the table, it means you aren’t afraid to push back. You are bold and committed and aren’t afraid to challenge authority when needed.
The seats beside the boss – the loyal advisor
Should you choose either of the seats next to your boss, you may be closest and most loyal to them. You’re respectful of the hierarchy and act like an advisor to them. You like to stay close to the action while also offering your own opinions and values. You enjoy being part of decision-making and are usually the go-to person for new ideas.
The middle seats – the mediator
Think of yourself as the bridge between teams, the calm among the chaos. Sitting midway up the table shows balance. Potentially, you’re approachable and diplomatic and you like to keep the peace.
The far-end seats – the observer
If you choose the seat furthest from the head of the table, you would rather watch from afar than get involved. You like to take everything in before offering your own views and opinions, or may prefer to simply listen. You’re thoughtful, analytical and great at spotting details other people might miss.
Who knew your office chair could reveal so much about your personality? No matter how you choose to sit at work, it’s important to invest in the right chair that offers comfort and support. So is your chair helping you to be your best self at work? If not, it could be time for an upgrade.
