Task Chair vs. Executive Chair vs. Ergonomic Chair: Which Fits Your Office Setup Best?

Choosing the right office chair can have a bigger impact on your workday than most people expect. The right chair can improve comfort, support posture, and help you stay productive. The wrong one can make your office feel cramped, leave you uncomfortable after a few hours, and make long workdays harder than they need to be.

Many shoppers compare task chairs, executive chairs, and ergonomic chairs without fully understanding how they differ. While these categories overlap in some ways, they are designed for different needs.

If you want the simplest answer, here it is.

  • Choose a task chair if you want a compact, affordable chair for lighter daily use.
  • Choose an executive chair if you want a larger chair with a polished, professional look.

Choose an ergonomic chair if you want better support, more adjustability, and a chair built for long hours.

This guide explains the differences between the options, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best office chair for your setup.

Photo by Infralist.com on Unsplash

Quick Answer

If you are deciding between a task chair, executive chair, and ergonomic chair, the best option usually depends on three things:

  • How long you sit each day
  • How much space you have
  • Whether you care most about budget, appearance, or support

Here is the short version.

Best for small spaces

Task chair

Best for a traditional executive office look

Executive chair

Best for long workdays and support

Ergonomic chair

For most people who work at a desk full-time, an ergonomic chair is the best overall choice. For smaller offices or occasional use, a task chair often makes more sense. For formal spaces where visual style matters, an executive chair may be the better fit.

What Is a Task Chair?

A task chair is a practical office chair designed for everyday desk work. It usually has a smaller frame, rolling casters, swivel movement, and basic height adjustment.

Task chairs are often used in home offices, shared workstations, classrooms, reception areas, and flexible workspaces.

Common task chair features

  • Compact design
  • Swivel base
  • Seat height adjustment
  • Rolling casters
  • Basic back support
  • Limited recline or armrest adjustment on some models

Best for

  • Small home offices
  • Shared workstations
  • Students
  • Occasional desk work
  • Budget-conscious buyers

Benefits of a task chair

Task chairs are usually more affordable, easier to move, and easier to fit into smaller spaces. They are a practical choice when you need function without a large footprint.

Limitations of a task chair

Many task chairs offer fewer adjustments than ergonomic chairs. Some are comfortable for shorter periods but may not provide enough support for all-day sitting.

What Is an Executive Chair?

An executive chair is a larger office chair designed to offer a more substantial look and a more cushioned feel. It often includes a high back, padded armrests, and upholstery such as leather or faux leather.

Executive chairs are commonly used in private offices, conference rooms, and settings where appearance matters as much as comfort.

Common executive chair features

  • Tall backrest
  • Thicker seat and back padding
  • Padded arms
  • Wider frame
  • Leather or faux leather upholstery
  • Formal, professional appearance

Best for

  • Private offices
  • Executive or manager spaces
  • Style-focused offices
  • Users who prefer a plush seat

Benefits of an executive chair

Executive chairs usually look more luxurious and create a stronger visual presence in an office. They often feel soft and substantial right away.

Limitations of an executive chair

A larger chair is not always better for long-term support. Some executive chairs prioritize appearance and cushioning over adjustability and posture. They can also feel bulky in small rooms and warmer during long sitting sessions.

What Is an Ergonomic Chair?

An ergonomic chair is designed to support the body during desk work, especially over longer periods of time. Its main purpose is to improve comfort, posture, and adjustability.

Unlike basic chairs, ergonomic chairs are usually built to adapt to the user rather than forcing the user to adapt to the chair.

Common ergonomic chair features

  • Adjustable lumbar support
  • Adjustable armrests
  • Seat height adjustment
  • Recline and tilt control
  • Seat depth adjustment on some models
  • Headrest on some models
  • Breathable mesh or performance materials

Best for

  • Full-time desk workers
  • Remote workers
  • People who sit for long hours
  • Users who want more personalized support
  • Buyers focused on posture and comfort

Benefits of an ergonomic chair

Ergonomic chairs are usually the best option for daily support, adjustability, and long-term comfort. They are especially helpful for people who spend most of the day seated.

Limitations of an ergonomic chair

They can cost more upfront. Some also have a more technical look than executive chairs, which may not fit every office style.

Task Chair vs. Executive Chair vs. Ergonomic Chair: Key Differences

Here is the clearest way to compare them.

Task chair

A task chair is usually best for basic desk work, smaller rooms, and lower budgets. It is often the simplest and most space-efficient option.

Executive chair

An executive chair is usually best for visual appeal, plush seating, and a traditional office look. It often prioritizes style and cushioning.

Ergonomic chair

An ergonomic chair is usually best for long hours, body support, and adjustability. It is often the strongest choice for day-to-day performance.

Which Chair Is Best for Your Office Setup?

The best office chair is not just about the product category. It is about how that chair fits your actual workspace.

Photo by Forlll De Rad on Unsplash

Best Office Chair for a Small Home Office

If your desk is in a bedroom, apartment corner, or compact office, space matters. A large chair can make the room feel crowded and make movement harder.

A task chair is often the best fit for smaller spaces because it has a smaller footprint and a lighter visual presence. A compact ergonomic chair can also work well if you need more support without taking up too much room.

Best choice: task chair or compact ergonomic chair

Best Office Chair for a Full-Time Home Office

If you work from home every day, your chair needs to support longer periods of sitting. This is where an ergonomic chair usually stands out.

More adjustments can help you fine-tune the chair to your desk height, posture, and work habits. Over time, that can make a real difference in comfort.

Best choice: ergonomic chair

Best Office Chair for a Private Office

If appearance matters and you want a chair that looks substantial and polished, an executive chair can be a good match.

If you also spend long hours at your desk, you may want an ergonomic chair with a more refined design so you get both support and style.

Best choice: executive chair for appearance, ergonomic chair for long-term function

Best Office Chair for Shared Workstations

When multiple people use the same desk or workstation, adjustability becomes more important. An easy-to-adjust chair can work better for different body types and preferences.

Best choice: ergonomic chair

Best Office Chair for Hybrid Work Setups

If you split your time between home and office, your chair should be versatile, comfortable, and easy to use day after day.

Best choice: ergonomic chair

Which Chair Is Best Based on How Long You Sit?

The number of hours you sit each day is one of the most important factors when choosing an office chair.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Under 4 hours a day

A task chair is often enough for lighter use, occasional work, video calls, or short, focused sessions.

Best fit: task chair

4 to 6 hours a day

At this point, comfort and support matter more. A higher-quality task chair may still work, but many users will benefit from an ergonomic chair.

Best fit: ergonomic chair or high-quality task chair

More than 6 hours a day

For long workdays, an ergonomic chair is usually the best choice. This is where lumbar support, arm adjustments, recline control, and seat depth make a bigger difference.

Best fit: ergonomic chair

Task Chair vs. Ergonomic Chair

This is one of the most common office chair comparisons, and for good reason. Many buyers are deciding between a smaller, lower-cost option and a more adjustable, support-focused option.

A task chair is usually better if you want a:

  • Lower price point
  • Smaller footprint
  • Simpler chair for lighter use

An ergonomic chair is usually better if you want:

  • More support for long hours
  • Better posture alignment
  • More ways to adjust the fit
  • Stronger long-term comfort

The main takeaway is simple. A task chair can work well for many people, but an ergonomic chair is usually the better investment if your chair is a major part of your daily work routine.

Executive Chair vs. Ergonomic Chair

This comparison often comes down to style versus support.

An executive chair is usually better if you want:

  • A traditional office look
  • More padding
  • A larger chair with visual presence

An ergonomic chair is usually better if you want:

  • More adjustability
  • Better support during long sitting sessions
  • A chair designed around posture and comfort

Some executive chairs do include ergonomic features, but many do not offer the same level of adjustment as a true ergonomic chair.

Task Chair vs. Executive Chair

This comparison is usually about practicality versus presentation.

A task chair is usually better if you want:

  • Affordability
  • A compact design
  • Easy movement in small spaces

An executive chair is usually better if you want a:

  • Larger chair
  • Premium appearance
  • More cushioned feel

If your office is small or you only need a chair for moderate use, a task chair is often the smarter choice. If your office is larger and appearance is important, an executive chair may make more sense.

What Buyers Often Get Wrong

Many people buy office chairs based on first impressions rather than daily use. That often leads to the wrong fit.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

More padding does not always mean more support

A chair can feel soft at first and still fall short during long workdays.

Not every task chair is ergonomic

Some task chairs offer decent support, but many have fewer adjustments than a chair specifically designed for long sitting sessions.

Not every executive chair is ideal for long hours

A premium appearance does not guarantee better posture or support.

Expensive does not always mean better

The best chair is the one that fits your body, your space, and your work habits.

How to Choose the Right Office Chair

If you want to choose the right chair with confidence, follow these five steps.

1. Measure your space

Make sure the chair fits your room, desk height, and movement needs.

2. Estimate your daily sitting time

The more hours you sit, the more support and adjustability you are likely to need.

3. Decide what matters most

Think about whether your top priority is price, appearance, comfort, support, or flexibility.

4. Look at the adjustment features

Pay attention to lumbar support, armrest range, seat height, recline, and seat depth when available.

5. Think long term

A chair you use every day should be evaluated based on long-term comfort and value, not just initial cost.

Best Chair by Buyer Type

Here is a simple way to decide based on your priorities.

Best office chair for budget shoppers

Task chair

Best office chair for long workdays

Ergonomic chair

Best office chair for style-focused offices

Executive chair

Best office chair for small spaces

Task chair

Best office chair for back support

Ergonomic chair

Best office chair for flexible or shared workstations

Ergonomic chair

Photo by Lasse Jensen on Unsplash

Final Verdict

If you are choosing among a task chair, an executive chair, and an ergonomic chair, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

A task chair is usually best for lighter use, lower budgets, and smaller spaces.

An executive chair is usually best for a polished appearance and a more traditional office feel.

An ergonomic chair is usually best for long hours, posture support, and everyday comfort.

For most full-time desk workers, an ergonomic chair is the best overall investment. For occasional work or compact spaces, a task chair often makes more sense. For offices where style is a top priority, an executive chair can still be the right choice. If you are ready to compare styles for your workspace, browse our full selection of office chairs to find options for small offices, executive spaces, and long workdays.

The best office chair is the one that matches how you actually work. If you spend most of your workday seated, our guide on how to choose the best office chair for long hours can help you narrow down the features that matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a task chair and an ergonomic chair?

A task chair is usually a simpler office chair designed for general desk work. An ergonomic chair is designed with more support and adjustability for longer sitting periods.

Are executive chairs good for back support?

Some are, but not all. Executive chairs often focus on appearance and cushioning. If back support is your top concern, an ergonomic chair is usually the better choice.

What is the best office chair for a home office?

For occasional use or smaller spaces, a task chair can work well. For full-time, work-from-home setups, an ergonomic chair is usually the better option.

Which chair is best for long hours at a desk?

An ergonomic chair is usually the best choice for long workdays because it offers more support and adjustment options.

Is an ergonomic chair worth it?

For people who spend several hours a day at a desk, an ergonomic chair is often worth the investment because it can offer better comfort, support, and long-term value. For more affordable options, check out our top ergonomic office chairs under $300 in 2026.

How to Make the Office Comfortable for Employees Returning to Work

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Why a Comfortable Office Setup Matters for Returning Employees

Many companies and organizations are in transition, with offices reopening and remote and hybrid employees returning to on-site work. Employees who have become accustomed to their personalized home setups need their employers’ support as they return to in-person work.

This trend indicates that comfort matters more than ever in the workplace and that employees expect the same level of flexibility, thoughtfulness, and physical support they received while working from home. Fortunately, ergonomic office solutions go beyond mere consideration and are valuable investments that boost employee productivity, morale, and retention.

OnTimeSupplies.com offers employee-focused office comfort tips to support employees returning to the office after working from home. With the right furniture, accessories, and mindful adjustments, you can quickly and effectively make meaningful improvements to ease the transition.

Start with the Right Seating to Support Productivity

If you’re not sure where to begin recreating a comfortable office setup for your returning employees, seating is an excellent place to start. Seating is the foundation of all ergonomic office solutions, as employees spend hours at their desks each day. Poor seating arrangements can quickly lead to discomfort, fatigue, and long-term pain.

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Why Seating Quality Matters

An uncomfortable chair will impact an employee’s posture, circulation, and energy levels throughout the day. Over time, uncomfortable chairs can cause stiff shoulders, sore hips, back pain, and reduced mental focus.

Your employee chairs many need attention if:

  • Your employees are constantly shifting in their seats to get comfortable.
  • Your employees report neck, back, or shoulder pain.
  • Your employees show signs of fatigue after long work days.

Ideal Chair Options for Every Employee

OnTimeSupplies.com offers a wide range of seating solutions for every employee returning to in-person work at your office.

Here are some of the ergonomic office solutions we provide to ensure long-term comfort and durability:

Ergonomic Office Solutions for Collaborative and Shared Spaces

However, it’s important to remember that a comfortable office setup extends beyond employees’ individual desks. In today’s workplaces, many people spend significant time in shared spaces, collaborative offices, conference rooms, and waiting areas.

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Ensuring Comfort for Both Guests and Employees

Employees frequently use shared spaces for training, meetings, brainstorming, and breaks. Meanwhile, guests visiting your office, as well as clients and prospective hires, form impressions of your company based on the visual appeal and comfort of the areas they visit.

Ultimately, comfortable seating supports better focus, more meaningful discussions, and a more professional working environment as you run your business.

Versatile Chairs for Collaboration Areas

For any areas of your office shared by multiple people, consider office comfort tips that balance comfort with versatility to deliver a cost-effective approach.

At OnTimeSupplies.com, we can help you select the best office waiting room chairs for your environment.

You might also wish to browse our selection of folding chairs for flexible meeting zones.

Optimize Chair Functionality with Key Parts and Accessories

As you consider upgrades to your office setup, it may be reassuring to know you may not need to replace entire chairs to keep your employees comfortable and healthy. In fact, updating simple parts and accessories can often restore functionality and improve comfort in your existing chairs without a complete overhaul or a large investment.

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Extend the Lifespan and Comfort of Current Chairs

Over time and with regular use, office chairs wear down and may even break.

Here are some of the most common areas of wear in office chairs:

  • Worn-out casters that don’t roll smoothly on the floor
  • Difficult to move chairs back and forth on carpet or hard floors
  • Broken or non-adjustable armrests
  • Insufficient back support

Budget-Friendly Chair Updates          

Fortunately, OnTimeSupplies.cm offers a wide range of chair parts to help you address common issues at a reasonable cost, without having to buy an entirely new set of office chairs.

Here’s how to make return-to-office adjustments with updated chair repair parts:

Personalized Return-to-Office Adjustments

All of these office comfort tips work best when employees can adjust their workstations to suit their unique bodies and tasks. As a business owner, manager, or mentor, you can guide your staff towards healthier workplace habits by simply taking a few minutes to fine-tune their office setups.

Photo by Lasse Jensen on Unsplash

Key Ergonomic Adjustments for All Employees

When you provide adjustable furniture to your employees returning to work, you empower them to take control of their environment – much like how they did when working from home in the past.

Here are some ergonomic adjustments to teach your employees how to do for improved comfort:

  • Proper office chair height should keep the feet on the floor and the knees at about hip level.
  • Position armrests so the shoulders remain engaged yet relaxed.
  • Align lumbar support with the lower back to support the back and prevent pain.
  • Place chair mats under chairs to ensure smooth movement without unnecessary strain.

Ergonomic Tools That Make a Real Difference

OnTimeSupplies.com products, such as ergonomic office chairs and office mats, support specialized personalization while maintaining consistency across the entire office. Even minor return-to-office adjustments can lead to fewer aches and pains, better posture, higher energy, and fewer missed workdays.

Office Comfort Tips Beyond Just Seating

Office seating is just one piece of the puzzle; there are many ergonomic solutions to address other aspects of the workplace. For example, a comfortable office setup may also require updates to office desks, food service equipment, breakroom supplies, and janitorial and cleaning products.

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Adjustable Desks and Workstations

Ergonomic desks and workstations should provide sturdy, organized surfaces that encourage movement throughout the day while reducing pressure points and pain. At OnTimeSupplies.com, we can help you find the optimal desk organizers and standing desks to improve mobility and comfort for your returning-to-work employees.

Breakroom Comfort and Convenience

Breakrooms and lunch areas are where employees come to relax and recharge during the day. Therefore, it’s beneficial to keep them stocked with essentials such as plates, cups, and utensils.

Keeping your office’s “downtime areas” stocked with breakroom supplies shows your employees you care about them as people and appreciate their time and well-being beyond productivity.

Support for Health and Cleanliness 

It’s also crucial to keep your employees healthy by maintaining a clean, sanitary environment throughout the workday. That’s why a critical component of any comfortable office setup is having janitorial and cleaning supplies on hand to prevent the spread of germs and prevent sickness in the office.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Gain a Competitive Advantage with a Comfortable Workplace 

As more and more employees return to the office from at-home working arrangements, comfort isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential for employee health and a strategic advantage for your business.

When you invest in the proper seating, accessories, supplies, and ergonomic office solutions, you create a workplace environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to do their best work. Rather than feeling like a chore or a risk, returning to the office can be an opportunity to reset expectations and turn the corner toward a more sustainable workplace.

With OnTimeSupplies.com on your side, employee comfort can be part of the foundation for your next steps.

How to Recycle Used Ink & Toner Cartridges – And Why Cartridge Recycling Is Worth It

Every single page you print leads to an empty ink or toner cartridge. It might be quick and convenient to toss those empty cartridges into the trash after a long work day, but there’s a better way.

When you recycle used printer cartridges, you help reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and support a circular economy of reusing materials as much as possible. Whether you work in a corporate or home office, cartridge recycling programs, like the one from HP, are simple yet meaningful ways to live and work sustainably without disrupting your daily operations.

On Time Supplies is committed to helping you find a cartridge recycling service that works for your teams and enables you to run an organization to be proud of.  

Why Cartridge Recycling Matters

Ink and toner cartridges might look small, but they add up fast in landfills worldwide. People toss millions of them into the trash each year, and the plastics they contain can take hundreds of years to decompose into the soil.

Fortunately, recycling helps break this cycle of waste by recovering the valuable materials for future reuse, such as metals, plastics, and residual toner. Some cartridge manufacturers, such as HP, have developed advanced programs to separate, clean, and refine components, enabling them to be transformed into new cartridges or other valuable products. By partnering with these programs, you help keep non-biodegradable materials out of landfills and reduce the need to source new raw materials from the Earth.

For businesses looking to meet their sustainability goals, cartridge recycling programs are also an easy, cost-free way to benefit your company’s reputation and the planet.

How HP’s Planet Partners Program Works

HP is a leader in sustainable printing and cartridge recycling. HP’s Planet Partners program sets the standard for responsible recycling.

HP’s program involves a multi-phase recycling process that starts with collecting original HP cartridges through bulk recycling boxes, drop-off locations, and mail-back envelopes. HP ensures that the used cartridges are disassembled and that metal, plastic, and other materials are effectively separated.

The company combines recycled plastics from these cartridges, water bottles, and other materials. Then it manufactures original HP cartridges made from new and reformulated plastics, which are available for sale.

It’s free to get boxes, envelopes, and mailing labels from HP so your business can conveniently collect used cartridges for recycling. Simply contact HP for easy pickup of the cartridges and track your sustainability goals with reports, knowing that you’re making a difference with a partner in sustainable innovation.

More Ways to Recycle Cartridges

There are also additional ways to contribute to a more innovative, sustainable supply chain by recycling old ink and toner cartridges. If you use brands other than HP, you can look into manufacturer return programs from brands like Canon, Brother, and Epson.

Many retailers accept used cartridges for recycling at their stores. Meanwhile, local recycling centers and municipal programs in some communities host recycling drives to collect cartridges as part of their broader e-waste initiatives.

Find out how to recycle toner cartridges

How to Incorporate Cartridge Recycling Into Your Business

If you own or manage a busy office or facility, you might be convinced that you don’t have the time or energy to facilitate cartridge recycling along with everything else you have going on daily. However, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to implement cartridge recycling in any workplace with minimal effort.

Here are some example ideas to consider for your business:

  • Set up a recycling collection bin near your printers or copy station
  • Contact HP to participate in its HP Planet Partners program
  • Share this article with your employees to educate them about the importance of cartridge recycling
  • Post clear and understandable signage in your office to remind employees about how and where to recycle cartridges
  • Track recycling program data to share on your company’s sustainability reports

One Small Step Toward Greener Printing

The process of recycling ink and toner cartridges may seem like a minor contribution in a world with a growing pollution problem. But collectively, small actions like supporting HP Planet Partners add up and can make a significant impact in reducing waste and building a more sustainable printing ecosystem.

Photo credit: HP

At On Time Supplies, we’re proud to support the eco-conscious initiatives of the brands we offer on our website. Together, we can make your printing jobs a little greener and even give old, empty cartridges a new beginning. 

To learn more, please call our customer service team at 866-501-6055, contact us online, or start a live chat on our website.

Prevent Messes and Injuries with the Right Entrance Mat

The floor mat at the entrance of your office or building does more than just provide employees and guests a place to wipe their shoes. Entrance mats are an essential safety feature for businesses, making a subtle yet lasting first impression that sticks with everyone who passes through your door.

Photo credit: Crown Matting Technologies

Safety is paramount when choosing a floor entrance mat, as the National Safety Council reports that two million injuries occur annually due to flooring issues. Surprisingly, most slip-and-fall accidents happen on a level surface and not on stairs like you might expect.

Lynda Chudzinski, the territory sales manager for Crown Matting Technologies, explained in a YouTube video why it’s essential to have the correct type of floor mat for your space. Crown Matting Technologies is a leader in this industry, manufacturing floor matting solutions for commercial and industrial applications.

In her video, Lynda described how, beyond just mat size, it’s crucial to consider the different fibers and styles before choosing an entrance mat.

She went on to explain the types of mats that are part of a three-mat system:

  1. An outdoor scraper mat,
  2. An indoor scraper/wiper, and
  3. A final wiper mat that can absorb the final bits of debris from shoes before they step on the main flooring surface.  

Crown Matting Technologies’ Dust-Star is the third step in this three-mat system and is ideal for capturing moisture and fine dust particles that the first two steps don’t address. The Dust Star is a cut-pile mat that utilizes thermal grip back technology and features a high-low waffle pattern.

Photo credit: Crown Matting Technologies

The Dust Star stands out for its excellent moisture absorbency. Alternatively, if you choose a heavy-duty needle punch mat, those fibers aren’t as effective in retaining moisture. So, water remains on the top of the mat and can be carried out onto your floor and throughout your facility.

Regardless of what type of business you run, it’s beneficial to pay attention to the different fibers and styles of floor matting options to minimize slip, trip, and fall risks at building entrances.

For example, the Dust Star mat has exceptional dust retention properties due to its polypropylene microfiber construction, which keeps dust particles from polluting the air because the microfibers are positively charged. Meanwhile, the Dust Star mat has a ThermoGrip backing to protect your floors and holds about three times more liquid than standard wiper mats.

But although the Dust Star mat is impressive in itself, it is not enough to lay just this single mat down on your entrance floor. As Lynda emphasized in her video, it’s the final step in a three-mat system and pairs well with an outdoor scraper mat and an indoor scraper/wiper, like the Super Soaker.

Photo credit: Crown Matting Technologies

When you shop with On Time Supplies, you’ll find a variety of entrance mats to choose from. For example, you can conveniently find the 36” x 72” Crown Mat-A-Dor Entrance/Antifatigue Mat and the 24” x 32” Crown Mat-A-Dor Entrance/Scraper Mat on our website.

You might also be interested in learning about our Genuine Joe Clean Step Scraper Floor Mats, designed for outdoor use and featuring a unique pattern that effectively wipes dirt and grime off shoes.

Photo credit: On Time Supplies

If you need help choosing the right mat for your building, please call us at 866-5016055 or start an online chat with our customer service team on our website. We’ll be happy to explore different mat options with you and guide you toward the ideal product to keep your floors clean and people safe from accidents and injuries.

Game-Changing Ergonomic Upgrades for an Epic Workspace

October is just around the corner and also National Ergonomics Month, which gives us the perfect opportunity to share with you the latest and greatest trends in office ergonomics today. Now is the time to start shopping around for ergonomic solutions that work for you so that you can finish the year off strong, happy, and healthy.

Fellowes is an industry leader in ergonomic products and has developed solutions to help you prevent and overcome the most common health issues related to workplace design.

If you’ve been settling for the same, standard office setup for years without giving it a second thought, the unexplained pain you experience may be due to your workstation.

Here are some of the most common ergonomic issues that our customers approach us about and how Fellowes products can help you feel better and be more productive throughout the day.

1. Ease Your Tight Back

Back tension is very common among office workers due to poor posture and slouching or hunching over throughout the work day. Fortunately, foot and back supports can remedy this problem, easing tension and helping you work more comfortably.

Foot supports benefit the back because they promote good circulation and back alignment. Fellowes offers standard, mid-range, and ultra-comfort foot supports that revive tired feet, relieve back stress, and encourage movement.   

You can further support your back with a back support device made with mesh or memory foam. Fellowes’ products contour to the body, allow airflow, and provide lumbar support where you need it most.

2. Support Your Hardworking Wrists

If you type all day for a living, your wrists are under a lot of constant strain and pressure. Wrist supports and keyboard trays are ergonomic solutions to consider to keep your wrists properly lifted and aligned to prevent pain and fatigue.

There are various wrist support products that you can try using with your mousepad and keyboard so that your forearms remain horizontal and your wrists stay in a neutral position. There are gel wrist supports with non-ski backings and also products covered in a soft, breathable material for ultimate comfort.

Keyboard managers also help you maintain a neutral forearm and wrist position for ideal muscle and joint alignment. A Fellowes keyboard manager offers height and tilt adjustments with soft wrist support and antimicrobial protection to reduce germs.

3. Keep Your Neck Relaxed

Another common workplace ergonomics issue is a stiff neck because staring straight ahead at a computer screen all day causes neck strain. However, you can support your neck while maintaining an optimal screen-viewing position with monitor arms and laptop lifts.

Monitor arms reduce neck discomfort by elevating your computer to an ideal viewing angle. Some of these Fellowes products come with quick-release plates, tool-free height adjustments, gas spring technology, and even USB ports. To choose the right monitor arm for your setup, consider the number of screens you use, the various mounting options available, and the level of movement you need.

Monitor risers bring your computer’s elevation up to reduce neck strain and have multiple height adjustments, with premium options even including cup holders and media storage drawers. Laptop risers have the same effect but just with a laptop rather than a desktop computer.

Meanwhile, document holders can help protect your neck from strain while reviewing a paper document alongside your computer. A good document holder will be made of sturdy, impact-resistant materials and maybe 100% recyclable with the capacity to hold up to 250 pages.

4. Stay More Active Throughout the Day

Office workers typically find it challenging to take breaks and get up to move very much between the hours of 9 and 5. However, you can be more active by simply adjusting your working position and seeing noticeable changes in how you feel.

Sit-stand workstations allow for multiple working positions to introduce movement to your day. These are significant ergonomic upgrades but worth the investment if your goal is to stay more active and healthy. They are available at a range of price points based on the technology features and convenient perks, such as built-in wireless charging stations and USB ports.

Meanwhile, floor mats provide an extra layer of support between your feet and the hard floor. A Fellowes floor mat is an economical, ergonomic update designed to promote stretching and movement with beveled edges to prevent trip hazards.

Contact Us for More Ergonomic Solutions

From our team at OnTimeSupplies, we hope you’ve found this guide to workplace ergonomics helpful and that you now have a better understanding of how to feel better as you work with a few simple upgrades.

If you have questions about the ergonomic products we offer or how they work, we’re here to answer them. Please contact us online, call us at 866-501-6055, or live chat with us to learn more!

5 Ingenious Ways to Use a Label Maker

If you’d love to get more organized in your personal or professional life, you’re certainly not alone.

At least two-thirds of Americans crave more organization in their lives, thereby driving the home organization industry up past the $12 billion mark.

In a viral video, a long-time professional organizer named Christen Fackler (@iorganize) shared her tips for using a Brother P Touch D400 label maker to level up your space.

Christen describes how the label cartridges you buy for it come in different colors and how the labels are commonly weatherproof and waterproof.

“I think I’ve had this label maker for about 10 years now,” she said, a testament to the product’s reliability and longevity.

There are many other models of Brother label makers available, too, which you can learn about and compare in Brother’s Quick Guide to Label Makers & Label Printers:

If you’re a little overwhelmed by the options available, we would love to help you find the label maker and label-making supplies that are best for your business or household. We have the most knowledgeable and friendly customer support team in the industry and are here to get organized better than ever before.

Here are 5 reasons why you might reach out to OnTimeSupplies and give label-making a try for yourself:

  1. Keys – never grab the wrong set and get locked out again
  2. Folders & binders – keep better track of your important documents
  3. Meal prep – labels foods for canning and freezer storage
  4. Plants – ensure proper care for your home and office plants
  5. Cables & cords – remember what’s plugged into where and what extra chargers go with

Ready to get your own Brother label maker and get organized? Give us a call at 866-501-6055 or contact us online today!

A Buyer’s Guide to Reopening Classrooms Amid COVID-19: 15 CDC Guidelines

The transition to online teaching was difficult — but you did it! Now that many communities are getting the spread of COVID-19 under control by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), school systems across the country are getting ready to reopen their classrooms to in-person learning.

OnTimeSupplies.com wants you to know you’re not alone in this next phase of adaptation. Our mission is to support educators with a large inventory of high-quality supplies and the best customer service experience in the world.

To help you reopen your classroom safely, we break down the 15 guidelines put out by the CDC for modifying your space to promote healthy behaviors and minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Read on for tips on social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, physical barriers and including best practices in your curriculum to reduce student anxiety while increasing compliance.

15 Guidelines from the CDC for Modifying Your Classroom

1. Create social distance. Measure to make sure desks or workstations are at least six feet apart. Have students sit in the same assigned seat every day and suggest standardized seating charts across all classrooms to make this simpler.

2. Face everyone the same direction. Rather than having desks face each other, turn all desks or tables to face the front of the room. Have students sit on only one side of worktables, adding more to your room if necessary.

3. Modify group stations and activities. If working in groups is necessary, put fewer students in each group so they can maintain proper social distancing. If there isn’t enough room to leave six feet between group members, use physical barriers like partitions and panels to keep everyone safer.

4. X marks the spot. Use colorful masking tape on tables and other work areas to let students know where they cannot sit to maintaining six feet of distance from others. These X marks mean “no sitting here!”

5. Make one-way paths. Create clear, one-way paths for entering, exiting and moving around your classroom while maintaining social distance. Keep emergency exit procedures in mind when marking the floor with colorful tape, and remind students to keep the length of a bicycle between themselves and others when they need to sharpen a pencil or go to the restroom.

6. Set up multiple hand sanitizing stations. Unless your classroom includes a sink with running water, create hand sanitizing stations at the door and near your desk. Keep a steady supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer available and remind students to rub it into their hands for at least 20 seconds.

7. Model healthy hygiene. Sanitize your own hands every time you enter the classroom, after touching furniture or other objects and as you exit the room. Use disinfecting wipes and other cleaning products as necessary, always explaining how and why to the young people learning from you.

8. Store disinfecting supplies safely. Make sure all your cleaning and disinfecting supplies are stored safely. As is appropriate to their age, you might want students to disinfect their own work areas at the beginning and end of each school day.

9. Maintain a “teacher zone.” Mark off an area around your desk that allows you to maintain six feet of distance when interacting with your students. Discuss with your class why this “teacher zone” is needed and what your expectations are for respecting and maintaining it.

10. Create kid-friendly barriers. If the size or configuration of your classroom prohibits a safe zone around your desk, consider installing an acrylic barrier on your desk. These clear panels allow visual interactions while inhibiting the spread of droplets.

11. Let the air in. Good ventilation is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Whenever possible, open a classroom window to bring in fresh air and leave interior doors open. However, if opening windows exacerbates safety risks, as from falling or triggering asthmatics, keep the windows closed.

12. Keep the air moving. Place box fans either in an open window or strategically around the room to increase ventilation.

13. Separate shared supplies. Separate each student’s belongings into labeled containers, desks or cubbies. Discourage or prohibit sharing books, calculators and other items by making sure there are enough for each student to have one. High-touch school supplies — like pens, markers, highlighters, paints, sports equipment and musical instruments — should be limited and thoroughly disinfected after each use.

14. Post reminders. Set your students up for success by displaying posters and signs that remind them how to stop the spread of germs. The CDC offers several free printable posters on topics like wearing a mask, proper hand washing, social distancing and more.

15. Include COVID-19 lessons in your curriculum. Reduce anxiety while reducing the spread of the coronavirus with informational videos from the CDC and other educational elements about the pandemic. Adding age-appropriate discussions, art projects or writing assignments on the topic can help get everyone on board with mitigation procedures and alleviate some of the stress of returning to the classroom.

And to help you find some qualified cleaning products right here at OnTime Supplies, here are 4 great choices for sanitizing wipes that are listed on the EPA List N Products with Emerging Viral Pathogens AND Human Coronavirus claims for use against SARS-CoV-2:

Why Buying in Bulk is Worth it

Bulk buys are large orders of personal protective equipment, medical supplies or disinfecting/cleaning supplies. Most offers are FOB the manufacturer and we will need to calculate specific shipping rates and delivery time for actual quotations. Since most of these items are sent directly from the manufacturer and most items are in high demand we will need to check current pricing and product availability.

8/27/20

Deal 1: We have heard that a lot of the sanitizers coming from China have been rejected recently at the ports. These 12oz gel bottles from Viridipharm are US made and ready to ship now.  $1.99

One of our suppliers, Viridipharm, is changing sizes on their Hand Sanitizer Gel with 70% Alcohol and they are closing out their 12oz size. This is high quality gel made in an FDA regulated facility in the US.  Currently they have 43 pallets, 4269 cases, 51,229 pieces of the 12 oz bottle (image attached).

There are 100 cases or 1,200 units per pallet, 30 pallets or 36,000 units per truck.

Normal wholesale price is around $4.75 delivered but we can offer these to you while supplies last for $1.99 each FOB CA if paid for by wire transfer or $2.05. They typically retail $12.99 to $14.99.

There is a 5-pallet minimum order which is 6,000 units for just $11,940 plus freight and credit card fees.

Deal 2: Mascon Medical is now taking pre-orders for one of their newest products, their Professional Electrostatic Sprayer (see the manual attached).

They will have 34 available shortly and are accepting pre-orders at $2,299.00 (regularly $2,499.00)

Electrostatic Backpack Sprayer – Available on backorder

  • Can be used for indoor / Environmental disinfection / Cleaning / Epidemic prevention / Public place / Hospital / Building / etc.
  • Core lithium battery
  • Tank capacity 2.27 Gallons (10 L)
  • Working times
    • 3.5 hour, outdoor using with fan open
    • 9-10 hour, indoor using without fan open
  • Charging time 4.5 hours
  • Effective range
    • 3-6 m, electrostatic with fan open
    • 1-2 m, electrostatic with fan off
  • Due to Covid-19 protocol, All Sales are Final

These are great for cleaning banks, schools, etc. 

Please call 866-501-6055 and ask for “Bulk Ordering Team” or you can contact us via e-mail if you are interested. 

We are happy to help!

Home Office Set-Up Essentials for Remote Workers

This year has been an adjustment period for many workers across all industries, with employees all over the world adapting to a work-from-home lifestyle due to COVID-19. If you’ve been adjusting to working remotely, you may notice quite a few changes to your daily routine. Luckily, some smart additions to your home office setup could make all the difference in your productivity.

Here are just a few office supply essentials from OnTimeSupplies.com to help improve your home office setup and get you back on track with this new normal.

A Comfortable, Supportive Computer Chair

While your company may provide you with a supportive desk chair, at home, your tired desk chair will start to feel quite uncomfortable after a long day of working. Upgrade your computer chair with something smart and supportive to improve your posture and cut down on back pain.

An ergonomic computer chair with an adjustable tilt and a contoured seat cushion is a much more comfortable alternative to your traditional chair. Many of these modern desk chairs offer height and width adjustments for people of all sizes, and optimal lumbar support will keep you sitting at just the right position for all-day comfort and productivity.

A Modern Home Office Desk

If you’re adjusting to working from home for the long haul, you may even want to invest in a new desk for your home office setup. Many modern desks offer smart organizational solutions, improved ergonomics and other features that will greatly improve the way you work remotely. This may even be a great time to invest in an adjustable sit-standing desk if you prefer to get out of your desk chair for part of your day.

A Stylish Daily Planner

Having trouble staying focused at home? If you find it difficult to meet deadlines or keep track of video calls and virtual meetings, a daily planner may help you plan your days and set goals for your remote work. While many remote workers use smartphone calendar apps or digital reminders, there’s just something about jotting down notes and penciling in items on a calendar that makes it really stick.

Name Brand Printer Toner and Ink

Since you won’t have access to your company’s printer or copier, you’ll need to improve your printing capabilities in your home office setup. Stock up on name brand toner and ink for your printer. Whichever brand you prefer, you’ll find a very wide selection at OnTimeSupplies.com with bulk discounts to help you stick to your budget.

An Over-the-Head Telephone Headset

Finding yourself on phone calls and virtual meetings for most of your day at home? Working remotely means that your in-person meetings are now phone calls, so you might want to invest in a convenient telephone headset that allows you to take notes and navigate your computer while you talk on the phone.

We carry a great selection of over-the-head telephone headsets that are compatible with most phones. Many of these feature noise-cancelling microphones, so if your home office setup is also a busy, noisy family home, you can be certain that you won’t miss a beat — even if your afternoon meeting coincides with your kids’ playtime.

Guide to Properly Disinfecting Your Office

Whether you’re working from home or heading back to your office after a few months of safer-at-home measures, you’re likely quite concerned with keeping your workspace clean and disinfected. These are stressful times for all people, but with some foresight and proper disinfecting techniques, you can make sure that you and your co-workers are cutting down on the spread of COVID-19.

Here is a helpful guide on how to disinfect the office, from cleaning your desk to moving freely throughout the larger office without spreading germs. We’ll include smart disinfecting techniques as well as recommended products to use to keep your office safe.

Keep Yourself Safe with Masks and Disposable Gloves

Before tackling your office, you’ll want to properly protect yourself from the spread of germs. This means wearing a mask before entering your office, even if no other people are present. You’ll also want to invest in a supply of disposable gloves to wear while cleaning so that you can safely touch surfaces in common areas. Choose gloves in the proper size for your hands to avoid slippage, and make sure to wear disposable latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves that you can safely dispose of after cleaning. If you’re uncertain about choosing the right disposable gloves, check out our Disposable Gloves Size Chart & Buying Guide.

Disinfect Your Hands Throughout the Day

In addition to cleaning your office and wearing masks and gloves, you’ll also want to clean your own hands to cut down on the spread of germs. Each time you come into your office from outside, use the restroom, interact with a co-worker or touch a shared item or surface, simply wash your hands or clean them with a waterless hand sanitizer. Similar to disinfectant wipes, you’ll want to store a few bottles of hand sanitizer around the office in large containers to ensure that everyone is able to sanitize their hands as much as possible.

Cleaning Office Areas with Soap and Water

Before using heavy disinfectants, you’ll want to wash all surfaces (such as your desk, doors, walls and common areas, such as the kitchen) with soap and water. This removes dirt and impurities on the surfaces within your office, as well as reducing the number of germs that may exist there currently. Use a general, all-purpose cleaner in a bucket of warm water, then gently but thoroughly wipe surfaces with a clean rag.

Disinfect Surfaces with a Heavy-Duty Disinfectant

Next, once your office is clean and free of dirt and dust, go back through and disinfect all surfaces with a multi-purpose disinfectant, such as Clorox or Seventh Generation. This will kill all remaining germs now that the surface is clean.

Routinely Clean Frequently Touched Surfaces

Surfaces like your laptop keyboard, computer mouse and cell phone, plus common use items like doorknobs and bathroom faucets, should be routinely cleaned to ensure that you don’t pick up any germs or pass any to your co-workers. For this type of routine disinfecting, we recommend using multipurpose disinfectant wipes, which are easy to carry with you and use on a wide variety of surfaces. Simply display a few containers of disinfectant wipes throughout the office so that you can easily grab one each time you touch a doorknob or use the restroom. With these tips for how to disinfect office spaces in mind and posted around your workspace, you’ll help keep you and your team safe.