In office environments, employees spend most of their working hours sitting in front of computers. A study shows that “80% of office workers in Vietnam experience issues related to the spine, neck, shoulders, or eyesight due to prolonged poor sitting posture”(Nguyen Hoang, 2025).

These problems go beyond “personal health” concerns—they directly impact work performance, employee engagement, and even a company’s operational costs.

As a result, factors related to posture and physical support during work have become an essential consideration in workplace design. This raises an important question: “Are ergonomic chairs truly an effective solution and a worthwhile investment for improving employee well-being and workplace performance?”

Join APES as we explore this topic in more detail.

1. What Is an Ergonomic Chair and What Makes It Different?

An ergonomic chair is designed based on the principles of ergonomics—the science of how the human body interacts with its working environment. Its purpose is to support proper sitting posture while reducing pressure on the spine, neck, shoulders, and hips during long working hours.

Compared to conventional office chairs, the key differences of an ergonomic chair include:

• Supporting the natural curve of the spine
• Offering flexible adjustments (seat height, reclining angle, armrests, etc.)
• Using breathable materials that help reduce heat buildup, especially suitable for Vietnam’s climate
• Being optimized for long sitting periods of 6–8 hours per day

The goal of using an ergonomic chair is not only to create a more comfortable sitting experience, but also to reduce physical strain during continuous work.

2. The Real Benefits of Investing in Ergonomic Chairs for Businesses

2.1 Reducing Office-Related Health Issues and Hidden Medical Costs

Research on workplace health shows that the average office employee takes approximately “3–5 sick days per year due to musculoskeletal problems and spinal degeneration”.

Using ergonomic chairs helps reduce the risk of these physical health issues by providing better posture support during long working hours. As a result, businesses can help employees maintain healthier working conditions, extend productive working time, and minimize unexpected absences.

2.2 Improving Employee Productivity

When employees work on conventional office chairs that feel uncomfortable or overly rigid, they often need to constantly adjust their posture or stand up frequently, interrupting their workflow and reducing concentration.

By contrast, ergonomic chairs help employees maintain comfort and focus for longer periods of time. This creates a more stable working experience and can improve average productivity by approximately **10–15%**.

2.3 Retaining Employees and Reducing Recruitment Costs

Today, job candidates are not only concerned about salary and benefits—they also pay close attention to the quality of the working environment.

Research from Gallup shows that “70% of employees want a modern workplace that prioritizes health and well-being”. In addition, businesses that create health-conscious working environments can reduce employee turnover rates by up to 30%.

Ergonomic chairs are one of the workplace elements that demonstrate a company’s care for employee well-being. This contributes to a better overall work experience, higher employee satisfaction, and lower turnover rates—ultimately helping businesses save on recruitment and onboarding costs over time.

3. Why Many Businesses Still Hesitate to Invest in Ergonomic Chairs

Despite the many benefits ergonomic chairs offer, they are still often viewed by businesses as an “optional expense” that can be reduced or postponed. This hesitation usually comes from several common concerns:

• Higher initial investment costs: Compared to standard office chairs, ergonomic chairs are significantly more expensive, typically ranging from around 1.5 million VND to over 10 million VND per chair depending on the brand and features.
• Benefits are not immediately visible: Unlike aesthetic upgrades that create an instant visual impact, the benefits of ergonomic chairs appear gradually over time, making their effectiveness harder to measure in the short term.
• Lack of understanding about proper usage: Ergonomic chairs may not deliver their full benefits if they are not adjusted correctly to fit the user’s body and working posture.

4. A Practical Approach for Businesses

To maximize the benefits of ergonomic chairs, businesses should consider a more strategic approach:

• Prioritize investment by workspace zones: Instead of implementing ergonomic chairs across the entire office at once, businesses can prioritize key working areas first—especially teams or employees who spend long hours continuously working at desks.
• Integrate ergonomic chairs into the overall workplace design: An ergonomic chair is only one part of the workplace ecosystem. Its effectiveness is significantly improved when combined with properly designed desks, well-planned lighting systems, and a thoughtfully organized workspace layout.
• Provide guidance for employees on proper usage: Correct adjustment of seat height, reclining angle, armrests, and posture plays an important role in maximizing the chair’s ergonomic benefits.

5. Recommended Ergonomic Chair Options for Businesses

Below are some of the most popular ergonomic chair types currently used in modern office environments:

5.1 Breathable Mesh Ergonomic Chairs

With a price range of under 2 million VND, breathable mesh ergonomic chairs are designed with a compact mid-back structure that helps optimize space and improve flexibility within the workplace.

The durable plastic frame combined with breathable mesh material helps reduce heat buildup, while smooth caster wheels allow easy movement across different flooring surfaces.

(Becton Dickinson Office – Photo credit: Nguyen Thai Thach – Thien Thach Photo) 

5.2 Ergonomic Chairs with Headrest 

Priced between 2 million VND and 5 million VND, ergonomic chairs with headrests are designed with high-quality plastic back frames and breathable mesh materials that provide both durability and comfort during long working hours.

These chairs are typically equipped with adjustable 2D headrests that allow users to modify height and angle positions, helping create better support for the neck and head while maintaining a more comfortable sitting posture.

(KONE Hanoi Office – Photo credit: Nguyen Thai Thach – Thien Thach Photo)

These are currently two of the most commonly used ergonomic chair categories in office environments today. Depending on operational needs and budget direction, businesses can choose the most suitable option to balance employee experience with long-term investment efficiency.

6. APES and Ergonomics in Workplace Design

At APES, ergonomics is considered an essential part of the overall workplace design strategy. Every furniture selection for an office—including chairs—is carefully evaluated based on the nature of the work, duration of use, and the real experiences of the people using the space.

Our goal is to create work environments that are intuitive to use, comfortable over long periods of time, and naturally supportive of employee performance.

APES provides full-service office interior design and build solutions focused on user experience, employee well-being, and operational efficiency. Contact us today to create a workplace environment that truly fits the way your business works.