These office chairs may help those with ADHD focus
Finding the perfect office chair can be challenging for anyone, but it is especially difficult for those with ADHD. While “fidgeting” behaviors aren’t a part of every ADHDer’s symptoms, they are for many. The ability to change position frequently can be a huge benefit to establishing focus, paying attention, and maintaining a happy work life.
While there are some great flexible seating options out there for lounging at home and helping kids focus, many of these can feel unprofessional for adult users. They may be impractical for many office settings, and even feel too casual for those working from home who need to stay on task.
Luckily, there are some great ADHD office chairs out there that look professional while providing an abundance of options for sitting positions. Below you’ll find 13 popular ADHD chairs for adults, alongside tips to ensure you’ve got the right one for your needs.
What to look for in ADHD chairs
While every person has their own needs to consider when it comes to work-friendly and ADHD-friendly seating, there are a few factors every shopper should keep in mind when making their purchase.
Prioritize the ability to change position often
Your seat should offer the flexibility to sit however you find most conducive to focus. This might be more limited at an in-person office than a space where you work from home, since you may not be able to fully pretzel yourself into your chair while wearing most traditional work attire.
Generally speaking, you should look for chairs that you can put one or both feet on comfortably and are adjustable in ways that can help you switch up how you’re sitting.
Ergonomic options keep your back positioned well
People with ADHD often have comorbidities such as scoliosis and hypermobility, which can make it extra important to have ergonomic seating options.
Unfortunately, sitting in the ergonomic-approved way, with your back straight and feet on the floor, can feel excruciating for many of us. To avoid that sensation, it’s best to identify where you need the most support and prioritize that in your seat.
Ideally, one should have a chair that supports the body in the “proper” way for bad health days, but that can be flexible for all sorts of strange positions on other days.
For instance, since my back is my main pain point, I tend to look for chairs that support my back that also let me sit in odd positions.
A professional style keeps you productive
Let’s be crystal clear: Flexible seating and other accommodations aren’t unprofessional—they’re easy and necessary steps to help neurodiverse and disabled employees work at their highest potential.
That being said, it’s reasonable for your employer to want you to have the same level of professionalism with your seating as you do with your dress code. For a super casual office, something like a yoga ball might be fine, but for a fancier setup, you might be better off dressing things up a little.
Your chair doesn’t have to be boring, but it should have an aesthetic that suggests you take your work as seriously as those around you.
4 types of ADHD chairs to consider
We’ve broken our suggestions down to a few categories that should help you narrow the style of chair that suits you best.
Standard office chairs with footrests
One of the simplest and cheapest solutions for ADHD-friendly seating is finding a comfortable office chair with a footrest. These chairs come in a variety of styles with different levels of ergonomic support, letting you choose what works best for you while providing options for sitting in ways that maximize your focus.
Consider how much space you have around and under your desk, and make sure your chosen chair works well with any other furniture.
Many of the chairs in this style come with retractable, adjustable, and/or folding footrests, letting you move them out of the way when not in use.
Edx Ergonomic Office Chair
This chair offers a breezy back, making it perfect for those in hotter climates (or those who just sweat easily).