Office chair takes a laid-back approach to desk life

If you struggle getting out of bed in the morning for work, this work station could be the solution for you.

Bucking the trend toward the increasingly popular standing desk, startup company Altwork has created a virtually horizontal work chair with a built-in desk.

The invention, which resembles a dentist chair, allows people to work on their computer while completely reclined. Your computer is secured at a tilt, and the keyboard and mouse are supported at an angle by magnets. The chair is also completely customisable, converting from a standing desk, to a traditional sitting desk, and finally to the recline position. 

As to how comfortable and practical the workstation is, reporter Katherine Scwab from Fast Company recently tested the chair to mixed reviews. Scwab said although playing around with the configurations was “fun” her back ached because “using the mouse and keyboard in that position really strained my shoulders.” “And if I was reclined, it was a little embarrassing to be stretched out in such a vulnerable position among coworkers,” she said.

The work chair was created by company co-founder John Speicer who could only work comfortably on a recline after injuring himself in a car accident. But its cofounder and CEO Che Voigt, believes it’s a great investment for anyone who works primarily on a computer. 

He says some of the largest tech companies in the world have already placed orders, but wouldn't say which companies. It’s likely this is their target market considering one of these indulgent chairs will cost you around US$5900 for the bare-bones model, not including the hefty delivery fees or the customised fabric option for another $1000 – somehow we can’t see this one taking off in home offices.