The strain of standing for hours
If you ever spent hours on your feet, you know it can take a toll; aching legs, sore feet, and a stiff back. Now imagine that you have to stand on your feet for hours every day for work. Then these discomforts can quickly turn your workday into a tough shift.
Whether your employees are behind a hotel reception, prepping food in a busy kitchen, or work on the factory floor, long hours standing up can genuinely impact how they feel and work, and can cause physical complaints in the long run.
The impact of standing for long periods of time
1. Muscle and joint complaints
When you stand (still) for a long time, your muscles remain constantly strained. This applies especially to your legs, lower back, neck and shoulders. The lack of movement causes fatigue and muscle cramps. Joints such as knees and ankles also suffer from constant strain without rest periods.
2. Poor circulation
Standing still hinders blood circulation, especially in the legs. As a result, blood can accumulate in the lower legs, leading to swollen feet, varicose veins and, in more serious cases, even problems with the flow of blood back to the heart.
3. Overuse of the back
The low back absorbs most of the shock created by standing still on a hard floor. This can lead to incorrect posture, reduced flexibility and, in the long run, back pain or herniated discs.
Increased risk of long-term complaints
Standing for hours every day not only causes discomfort at the time, but can also lead to permanent physical complaints over time, such as:
- Chronic low back pain
- Knee problems (such as wear and tear of cartilage)
- Varicose veins and other circulation problems
- Reduced mobility later in life
How to reduce strain on the body
But now comes the good news. Using the right ergonomic mats for your employees to stand on, can support their body, relieve their leg and back muscles, promote circulation and protect joints. This lowers the risk of chronic symptoms.
How?
They encourage micro-movements. This causes you to actively use small muscle groups, which promotes blood circulation and reduces muscle fatigue.
They provide pressure distribution. Instead of your feet, knees and back doing all the work, an ergonomic mat distributes pressure more evenly across your body. That lowers the strain on joints and muscles.
But which mat is suitable for which environment?
Anti-Fatigue Mats: made for tough jobs
In industrial areas, factories, or kitchens, floors can be cold, hard, or slippery. Our anti-fatigue mats are the perfect solution for these types of demanding environments. They are also known as ergonomic mats because they contribute to an ergonomic workplace and are specially designed for demanding environments. Made from robust 100% nitrile rubber, they are durable enough to withstand oil, grease, and constant foot traffic without wearing out. They are also easy to clean, which is very important in areas where food is prepared, for example.
What makes the Anti-Fatigue Mats stand out:
- Gentle on your body: special shock absorption reduces pressure on your legs, joints, and lower back. You will notice a clear difference at the end of the working day.
- Safe and reliable: anti-slip and anti-static properties (EN 6356) reduce accidents. You can move around machines or ovens more quickly and safely.
- Warmth and comfort: they insulate against cold concrete floors and promote blood circulation, so you no longer get cold feet.
- Fire-safe: certified for fire protection, adding an extra layer of safety to high-risk workplaces such as industrial workspaces.
- Great for factories, kitchens, and industrial areas.
For chefs in busy restaurants or production workers in factories, these mats significantly reduce daily fatigue, making them feel better throughout the day.
Healthy Standing Mats: comfort for customer-facing roles
On the other hand, healthy standing mats are perfect for environments where comfort and appearance go hand in hand, such as shop counters, hotel receptions, or airports. They combine a sturdy nitrile rubber backing with a soft, twisted nylon top, which ensures a comfortable feel and an attractive appearance. What's more, they can be customized to match your brand or interior.
Why Healthy Standing Mats make your workday better:
- Customized: you can customize the look of the mat to match your brand's style, improving both comfort and appearance.
- Keeps you moving: the soft cushioning encourages gentle movement of your legs and feet, improving circulation and keeping you comfortable for longer.
- Ideal for front desks, stores, restaurants, or any customer-facing location.
For receptionists who spend long periods of time standing behind the reception desk, or for staff who stand behind the checkout in a boutique, these mats ensure that they remain comfortable and retain their energy, which often leads to better interactions and more satisfied customers.
Take good care of your employees and choose the right ergonomic mat. This will boost comfort, productivity and employee satisfaction.
Would you like advice on which mat is best suited to your work environment? We will be happy to help you find what you are looking for.