Who You Are Is Where You Sit: Jason’s Journey and the Unspoken Language of Office Chairs

“It’s not just your business card that tells who you are — it’s also where you sit.”

When Jason was 27, just starting out as a software dev at a Melbourne startup, he sat down in his very first leather chair. It was a hefty, high-back black leather number that creaked when he moved. Not exactly the comfiest, but it made him feel like he belonged. After long nights coding until 3am, leaning back in that chair, watching his code run successfully — it was probably that chair  that first made him feel he was truly part of the team.

What Jason didn’t realise was that chair was more honest about his place than his employee ID. It said, “You’re stepping into this system.”

Chairs Speak Louder Than You Think in the Office

We often say “location is everything,” but in the office, your seat is more than just a spot to park your bum. Jason quickly learnt that the chair you get — and where you sit — signals what role you play.

One meeting, he was asked to stand in for his team. Without thinking, he took a plain chair in the corner near the wall. A senior manager walked in late, scanned the room, then asked, “Are you just observing?”

Jason couldn’t argue. No one said it outright, but that chair’s position and style had already spoken for him: you’re not the main player here.

In Aussie offices, big, high-backed leather chairs usually belong to managers, while hot desks, shared seats, and conference room chairs are for project staff, interns, or contractors. Chairs are quietly shouting out who holds power, influence, and presence.

Watch the Seats and You’ll Read the Office Politics

Over the years, Jason started noticing more: who always sits at the head of the table? Who never leans back but stays forward? Who brings their own fancy ergonomic chair? Who quietly sits closest to the boss?

These seats and postures reveal ambition, standing, even mindset.

At a cross-department meeting, he spotted a detail: the sales director never reclined and was always leaning in; the analyst sat by the window in his own chair; the new project assistant sat low on a temporary stool, feet barely touching the ground.

These silent seating choices tell you who’s where — and how secure they feel.

Want to see the real power map of your workplace? Watch where people sit, what they sit in, and how settled they look. It says more than any org chart.

What Chair You Choose Changes How People See You

When Jason got promoted, his company gave him a small office — and a new big leather executive chair. At first, he felt a bit weird, like he was putting on airs. But things changed fast.

People started knocking before coming in. During meetings, colleagues stopped interrupting him. He noticed his own posture shifting — from shrinking in his seat to leaning back confidently, from hesitant to leading.

That chair became part of his authority and identity.

In the workplace, your seat isn’t just functional — it’s a symbol of recognition and being recognised. When you sit there, you’re telling others: “I’m ready to own this role.”

And how you sit — your posture and your chosen spot — quietly influences how others perceive you.

Jason’s Wake-Up Call: Choosing Your Own Space

Jason used to habitually sit on the edges, avoiding attention. But he realised if you always take the “audience seat,” you’ll never be treated like the “lead.”

He began intentionally sitting closer to the centre of things; fought for better chairs for his team; made sure new starters had proper seats. His motto? “To be heard and seen, you first need a chair that holds you up.”

Visiting his old man’s place, Jason sat in a battered leather swivel chair — worn, scratched by the family cat. As he spun around with his daughter laughing on his lap, he realised: chairs aren’t just tools, they carry identity, growth, and legacy.

Office Chair vs Task Chair: What’s the Real Difference — and Why It Matters for Your Health

In Australian workplaces, the terms “office chair” and “task chair” are often used interchangeably, but they do carry some subtle yet important differences. An office chair usually refers to a more formal, feature-rich chair — think high-back leather executive chairs — designed for managers or professionals who spend long hours at their desks. Task chairs, on the other hand, are typically simpler, highly adjustable, and focused on practical ergonomic support, ideal for general staff who need flexibility and comfort for sustained periods.

Regardless of whether it’s a plush office chair or a practical task chair, the bottom line is that they’re designed with people in mind. These chairs must prioritise ergonomic design to support healthy posture, reduce strain from prolonged sitting, and help maintain wellbeing throughout the workday.

As noted by Design & Research of People-Oriented Office Chair:

“The choice between an office chair and a task chair ultimately depends on individual needs and work environment, but comfort and ergonomic support should always be the top priority. A chair isn’t just furniture — it’s a health partner for most of your working day.”

So when picking your chair, don’t just focus on style or brand — make sure it genuinely supports your body and work habits. After all, the right chair is the one that keeps you comfortable, productive, and healthy all day long.

The Takeaway: Where You Sit Shapes How You’re Seen

Chairs might seem ordinary, but they’re one of the most overlooked symbols at work. They stand for power, recognition, and they mirror how we view ourselves and want others to see us.

Next time you walk into a meeting or start a new role, ask yourself:

• Where am I sitting?
• What does this chair say about me?
• Does it match who I am, or who I want to be?
• Am I ready to take a seat that matters?

Looking for an office chair that truly backs your professional identity?

POVIMO crafts genuine leather executive chairs that combine style with presence — for Aussies ready to sit like they mean it.

Check out the range here: POVIMO Genuine Leather Executive Chairs
Start with your seat. Own your space.