There are now more than 27 million people who work at home doing freelance, freelance webdesigner, freelance graphic artist, freelance web developer, freelance writer or at least part-time, according to a survey by the International Data Corp. The number grows about eight percent each year. It is no doubt that more and more people prefer the home-office set up than the traditional eight to five job in the office, where you had to reach through commute. The problem with a home-office work is that most people who opt for this ignore the need for acquiring the right office furniture, especially when it comes to seating.

An office chair if not the most, is an important office furniture you will ever purchase. Injuries — from stiff necks to severe conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome — are related to computer work, and your seating furniture. According to Ellen Kolber, a New York-based ergonomic consultant, a chair is very crucial in an office environment. A firmly cushioned chair on rollers that has adjustable everything: seat height and tilt, back angle, and arm rests, is the ideal piece. She also added that a chair should help you maintain good alignment.

This proves the suggestion that ergonomic office furniture like a chair can benefit employees who experience back or body pain while sitting at work. The same applies to a person who works full-time or part-time at home. It does not matter where you work, but what aids you, or what furniture you use in your job. The problem remains when you choose a wrong chair: health problems due to sitting without support. Remember that a human body is not designed to sit in one place in that position for a very long period of time.

However, you can stay strain-free while sitting and working in front of the computer. Just follow the tips on the healthy way to sit:

• The keyboard must be below the work surface and tilted slightly downward, so the wrists are positioned naturally in a straight alignment.
• The elbows should be angled at 90-degrees or greater. Any position below the recommended elbow angle can cause discomfort after a few hours.
• The top of the computer screen should be angled or tilted to meet the eye (eye-level position) when you look at the computer monitor straight ahead.
• Feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest if they don’t reach. This prompts balance and even body circulation.
• The seat height should put thighs parallel to the floor. Make sure the knees are level with or slightly below the hips.
• In case you will be receiving phone calls while typing, then you will need a headset for that. It stresses body faster like no other when you sandwich the phone between the head and the shoulder.

Investing in a good ergonomic chair and observing the healthy way to sit are your most precious weapons in preventing stress and injury to invade the office – especially when you want your home-office environment completely comfortable like home.