24-hour office chair: Control center & shift work in focus

Those who work in a three-shift system don't need a "nice office chair," but rather a piece of equipment that functions day and night. A standard, run-of-the-mill office chair is about as suitable for a control center as a camping chair in the cockpit of an ambulance: you can do it – but it's not sensible.

This text is aimed at those responsible in control centers, security centers, control rooms, IT monitoring and industrial control centers who want to understand

• what makes a true 24-hour office chair,
• what really matters when buying
• and how that compares to a high-quality ergonomic chair like the Sihoo Doro S300 can be combined.

What is a 24-hour office chair?

A 24-hour office chair (often called a control room chair, 24/7 chair, or control room chair) is a heavy-duty, continuous-use chair designed to be used around the clock – significantly longer than the usual 8 hours or so for which standard office chairs and their associated standards are typically designed.

Typical features of 24-hour chairs:

• very robust mechanics and gas spring
• reinforced components, some with a higher load-bearing capacity (130–200 kg)
• durable, highly resilient padding and covers
• Clear suitability for multi-person and continuous operation (24/7)

They are primarily used where workplaces must never be empty:

• Emergency call and security control centers
• Police, fire department, rescue services
• Surveillance and IT monitoring centers
• Control centers in energy supply and industry

At the same time, it's important to note that standard ergonomic office chairs conforming to DIN EN 1335 are generally designed for approximately 8 hours of daily use and a body weight of around 110 kg. If people sit on them for longer periods or are heavier, the chair must be demonstrably designed to accommodate these needs.

My personal position: As soon as a chair is used by several people in shift work and the workplace is permanently occupied, a true 24-hour chair is no longer a question of comfort, but a question of responsibility – towards health, safety and budget.

The 7 most important criteria when buying a 24-hour office chair

When I select a 24-hour chair for a control center, security, or control room, I essentially ask myself only one question: Will the chair really withstand the daily demands of shift work for my people – and for years to come?

• Load capacity: The chair must fit the heaviest team member, not the average one – anything else is wishful thinking.
• Genuine 24/7 approval: The manufacturer must clearly state that the chair is suitable for continuous use, otherwise it is not suitable for me.
• Mechanics: A sensible synchronous mechanism, precisely adjustable to body weight, is mandatory, not optional.
• Adjustability: Seat height, seat depth, backrest and armrests must be adjustable to the next person in under one minute.
• Upholstery & Cover: Firm, dimensionally stable upholstery and robust covers are more important to me than soft "living room upholstery" that is worn out after a year.
• Service & spare parts: Without replaceable casters, gas springs and armrests, a defect quickly becomes a total loss.
• Cost-effectiveness: What matters is the cost of the chair per year and workplace – not just what is shown on the first invoice.

The bottom line for me is: A good 24-hour office chair is less of a cost factor than insurance – for the health of the employees and for a control center operation that doesn't fail because of the chair.

Our recommended models compared (as decision logic)

For the demands of prolonged sitting in everyday office and shift work, we deliberately focus on one model in this article: the Sihoo Doro S300 , our flagship ergonomic chair with anti-gravity mechanism and pronounced back support.

Key strengths of the Sihoo Doro S300

• anti-gravity mechanism
  A special mechanism made of aerospace-grade fiberglass allows for a particularly smooth, "floating" tilting motion without having to constantly lock the backrest.
• Floating tilt in everyday work
  Seamless transition between upright and reclined positions – ideal for long periods of screen work with frequent changes in posture.
• Dual, dynamic lumbar support
  Wing-like, double lumbar support with gas lift adjustment (approx. 90–105°) that adapts to different body shapes and sitting positions and specifically relieves the lower back.
• Coordinated support for back, seat and armrests
  When leaning back, the seat cushion and 6D armrests follow the movement of the backrest, ensuring that the body remains stable in every position.
• Elastic mesh with a soft feel
  Mesh made from specially developed materials combines high elasticity, durability, ventilation and noticeable comfort during long periods of sitting.
• Pressure-relieving seat with suspension
  An integrated suspension system in the seat distributes pressure and supports changing seating positions.
• Adaptable and durable
  Adjustable backrest for different body sizes, high stability and a maximum load of 136 kg, additionally secured by BIFMA and SGS tests.
• Excellent and certified
  The Doro S300 received a "very good (1.2)" rating in CHIP's individual office chair test and was awarded the German Design Award Special 2023. This is complemented by TÜV SÜD ISO 9001 certification, further safety and quality tests (BIFMA, SGS), and certifications according to the Global Recycled Standard for selected materials.
• Strong framework conditions
  A 30-day money-back guarantee and an extended 5-year warranty offer additional security in your decision.

For anyone who sits for many hours at a time in an office or shift work and wants to noticeably relieve their back, the Sihoo Doro S300 is exactly the chair we rely on in everyday life.

FAQ about 24-hour office chairs

How does a 24-hour office chair differ from a normal office chair?

A standard office chair is designed for one person, approximately 8 hours a day, and a person of average weight. A 24-hour chair is designed for continuous use, multiple users, and significantly higher loads – technically and in terms of materials, it's in a different league.

Do I really need a 24-hour chair?

In a typical office or home office, a good ergonomic chair is usually sufficient. However, in control centers, security centers, and anywhere else where workstations are occupied around the clock, I would definitely recommend 24/7 chairs – anything else is a gamble in the long run.

Which standards play a role in office chairs?

The most important standards are DIN EN 1335 (dimensions, safety, durability) and the requirements of workplace regulations and DGUV recommendations. Good 24-hour chairs not only meet these standards but are also tested for continuous and heavy-duty use.

How long does a 24-hour chair last?

It depends on quality, load, and maintenance, but a solid 24/7 chair is designed for many years of continuous use. Cheap, standard chairs often give out quickly in shift work – and in the end, it's more expensive.

How do I adjust a chair appropriately for shift work?

A few simple rules are enough:

• Feet fully on the ground, knees at approximately 90 degrees.
• Adjust the seat height so that your forearms rest comfortably on the table.
• Adjust the seat depth so that there is a hand's width of space in front of the back of the knee.
• Adjust the backrest so that the lower back is noticeably supported.

If each shift stops briefly at the beginning, the team is much more relaxed throughout the day.

Conclusion

For typical office workstations and home offices, a good ergonomic chair is often sufficient. However, as soon as control centers, security centers, command posts, or other 24/7 workstations are involved, a standard chair is, in my opinion, simply inadequate.

• 24-hour chairs protect against technical wear and tear and unnecessary replacement purchases.
• High-quality ergonomic chairs like the Sihoo Doro S300 noticeably relieve the back during long screen times and frequent changes in posture.
• The combination of clearly defined 24/7 chairs where people actually sit around the clock, and ergonomic premium chairs for intensive office work is a very sensible approach.

Those who consciously invest in quality at this point are not only deciding on the lifespan of the chair – but also on the concentration, health and satisfaction of the people who sit on it every day.