An Office Chair That “Slaughtered” Millions of White-Collar Elites?
What Makes Big Tech Companies Different from Others?
One interesting answer: the chairs.
It’s said online that Tencent uses 3,000 RMB Debolly chairs, while international giants like Microsoft, Estée Lauder, Meta, Citibank, and Hilton all go for Herman Miller chairs—each costing over 10,000 RMB.
Who would’ve thought that chairs could carry a hint of status symbolism? Even in the realm of office chairs, there’s now a long and proud “hierarchy of disdain.”
With spinal issues such as scoliosis and lumbar disc herniation on the rise, more office workers have started caring about their sitting posture and are willing to “support their backs” with a good chair. Employers, eager to attract talent, have even launched “chair wars.”
The exhaustion of the workforce has spawned a massive market. According to data from the Guanyan Research Institute, China’s demand for office chairs in 2020 reached 230 million units, with a market value of 26.5 billion RMB. This figure is expected to grow steadily, reaching 37.6 billion RMB by 2026.
So—are those 10,000 RMB ergonomic chairs just an IQ tax? And how should office workers choose their very first ergonomic chair?
The Rise of the Ergonomic Chair
In a normal, healthy state, the spine serves as the body’s main support, with each vertebra evenly bearing weight and stabilizing the upper body. Poor sitting postures—such as slouching, hunching, collapsing the lower back, or leaning the head forward—might feel relaxing, but in reality, they place enormous pressure on the lower back and spine, causing uneven stress and multiplied strain.
Prolonged sitting can lead to health problems like scoliosis, lumbar disc herniation, and cervical spondylosis. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2020, 619 million people worldwide suffered from lumbar spine disorders—a 60.4% increase compared to 1990.
China has long emphasized a “culture of sitting,” with different chairs for different occasions—such as the Taishi chair, Guanmao chair, and Rose chair. But in modern life, with hectic work schedules and limited space, what’s needed most is a chair suitable for both working and resting—a good office chair has become essential.
What Workers Want from Their Chairs
Office workers typically have two basic needs:
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When working at a desk, they need to stay focused without feeling fatigued after sitting for hours.
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When taking a break, they want to relax—maybe even nap comfortably.
This is where the ergonomic chair comes in. As the name implies, it’s designed based on ergonomic principles. Featuring unique lumbar and back support, adjustable seat cushions, headrests, armrests, and footrests, it provides comprehensive support for the body, helping to correct posture and maintain the spine’s natural curvature.
With the rise of remote work and the trend toward higher-quality lifestyles, the demand for ergonomic chairs has surged. People now appreciate their benefits in easing back pain and reducing tension.
The infusion of technology has driven up prices—and profits. The market now offers a wide range of products across different price tiers, from budget models costing a few hundred RMB to luxury ones priced over 10,000 RMB, depending on brand, features, and materials.
In office environments, a good chair is seen as a key factor in improving productivity. Some even claim that the comfort level of a chair directly affects overtime hours, efficiency, and turnover rates. Hence, in the “office chair hierarchy,” ergonomic chairs sit firmly at the top.
The “Hermès” of Office Chairs: Herman Miller
When it comes to ergonomic chairs, one name can’t be avoided—Herman Miller.
Founded over a century ago, Herman Miller is widely regarded as the best ergonomic chair brand in the world. When it comes to pleasing your backside, no one takes it more seriously.
That said, it’s generally agreed that chairs under 1,000 RMB rarely offer real comfort. The higher the price, the better the materials, technology, and adjustability. Yet many office workers are deterred by the steep prices and instead choose budget-friendly alternatives—something that’s easy on both their backs and their wallets.
Differences between price tiers are significant. In the high-end market (above 5,000 RMB), brands like Okamura and Uplift stand out. Their chairs are ready to use out of the box, easy to adjust, and made with premium materials. For instance, Okamura’s Sylphy ergonomic chair is known for its pressure-distribution design and high-density foam seat.
Mid-range chairs (2,000–5,000 RMB) usually feature segmented pressure systems and spinal support structures, offering a good balance between comfort and durability—though some may have issues such as squeaks, odors, or safety concerns, so buyers should be discerning.
Quality and Safety Concerns
A recent inspection by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation revealed that 23.3% of office chairs on the market had quality issues, including broken bases, detached wheels, excessive formaldehyde, and even explosion risks. Consumers should carefully check safety and quality before buying.
Domestic vs. Foreign Brands
Foreign “premium” brands may lead in technology, but they often lack headrests—unsuitable for Chinese office workers who like to nap at their desks. Domestic brands, on the other hand, offer better cost performance and designs tailored to Chinese body types and habits.
That said, no chair alone can save your spine. Office workers still need to move around regularly and manage their time wisely. And perhaps, just perhaps, it’s time for more bosses to invest in better chairs for their employees!