If you spend hours sitting at a desk, you know that a supportive, comfortable chair isn’t just a piece of furniture – it’s an investment in your health and productivity.
Choosing the right chair can make all the difference in how your back feels at the end of the day, and that’s where the class* range of 1-, 2- and 3-lever office and operator chairs come in.
They’re ergonomically designed with different levels of adjustability to keep your posture comfortable and your back properly supported. Let’s see how each type of chair looks after your back through a full working day.
1-Lever Office Chairs – simple, reliable support
A 1-lever office chair is the most basic option, with the single lever typically controlling seat height, allowing you to set your chair at the right level for your desk.
These single-lever typist chairs typically have a smaller backrest to provide lower back support. When you adjust the chair height so that your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle, your spine stays in a more natural position — reducing strain on your lower back.
However, 1-lever chairs often lack backrest tilt or independent back angle adjustment, which means less flexibility for posture changes. They’re best suited for short-term sitting, meeting rooms, or home offices where you don’t sit all day.
2-Lever Office Chairs – adjustable comfort, better posture
The 2-lever office chair adds another layer of ergonomic comfort. One lever adjusts the seat height, and the second controls the backrest angle (sometimes called the back-tilt mechanism).
This flexibility lets you change your sitting position throughout the day, supporting your spine whether you’re leaning forward to focus or leaning back to relax. By adjusting the back angle, you can give your lumbar region the right level of support — helping to prevent stiffness and back pain that can build up from long hours at your desk and continually sitting in one position.
If you’re looking for an affordable chair that offers decent ergonomic support, a 2-lever ergonomic office chair is a great middle-range choice.
3-Lever Office Chairs – full ergonomic control
When it comes to all-day comfort, a 3-lever office chair is the gold standard and is recommended by physio- and occupational therapists. It gives you independent control over seat height and seat-tilt as well as backrest angle.
That third lever makes a big difference. The seat tilt adjustment helps maintain your spine’s natural curve, improving posture and reducing lower back pressure. Tilting the seat forward also improves blood circulation within your legs by removing pressure points and keeps your core engaged throughout the day — ideal for anyone working 8+ hours at a desk.
With a 3-lever ergonomic chair, you can fine-tune your position for comfort and productivity. Switch between upright “focus mode” and a slightly reclined “relax mode” to keep your back muscles active and avoid fatigue.
In fact, The Government Property Office (which is who we work with for the AoG scheme) stipulates that the minimum requirements for a chair are:
- Height adjustable at least 420mm to 515mm, preferably 370mm to 560mm.
- Seat pan and back rest should have ability to tilt.
- Back rest must be height adjustable.
Chairs must meet the standards listed on the Standards New Zealand website.
Our Spectrum 3-Lever operator chair meets all these standards.
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide which chair suits you best:
| Chair Type | Adjustments | Ideal For | Back Support Level |
| 1-Lever Chair | Seat height only | Short-term sitting, shared spaces | Basic |
| 2-Lever Chair | Height + back angle | Regular desk work | Moderate |
| 3-Lever Chair | Height + back angle + seat tilt | Full-day office work | Advanced |
Remember – no matter which kind of lever chair you choose, taking regular breaks from sitting is crucial. Even the most ergonomic chair can’t replace standing, stretching, or walking for a few minutes every hour.
Our full range of chairs comes with other options too: many models offer you the option of armrests, and the seat back can vary too: Low-back, as the term implies, supports the lower back. Mid-back supports both central and lower back, while High-back chairs support the entire length of your back to ensure day-long comfort.
A well-designed office chair doesn’t just make you more comfortable — it helps protect your spine, improves posture, and boosts productivity.
Whether you choose a simple 1-lever office chair or a fully adjustable 3-lever ergonomic chair, investing in the right support for your back pays off every single day.
Your back will thank you, and so will your work performance.
