Even standing does not alleviate the problem because it leads to sore feet. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem: ergonomic anti-fatigue mats. They help alleviate sore feet, backaches, and stiff neck, especially when you are using a standing desk. However, you might be asking if they actually work.
If you are wondering whether an ergonomic anti-fatigue mat is worth the investment, keep reading our guide. Here, we will discuss the benefits of anti-fatigue mats, how they work, and whether they are right for you.
What Is an Ergonomic Anti-Fatigue Mat?
As the name suggests, these mats are designed to reduce fatigue and aches in the body caused by standing for long periods of time. Most people who use standing desks have to stand on cement floors, which are quite hard. This is why it is very common for them to experience sore feet after standing for so long.
While standing has incredible benefits for workers, such as reducing calories, staying active, and being more productive, it can still lead to a few problems. One such problem is the aches and stress on your lower body. However, anti-fatigue mats are designed to alleviate this problem since they are made from rubber, wood, vinyl, and more.
Due to these materials and the ergonomic design of the mat, they reduce the stress on your lower body from standing for so long.
Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Really Work?
The concise answer is, yes, anti-fatigue mats really work.
When you are standing on a concrete floor for hours, the tension in the muscles increases. This irritates the nerve, blood pressure, tendons, and ligaments. As a result, you might experience aches in the back, neck, knees and ankles, and shoulders. Moreover, the likelihood of poor blood circulation problems, heart disease, and blood clots increases over time.
However, when an individual is standing on an ergonomic anti-fatigue mat, they don’t face any of these problems. This is because it is made out of flexible and soft materials like memory foam. However, that is not all; the mats are designed in such a way that they contract your legs and muscles ever so slightly to help keep your blood flowing.
This is done through small micro-movements in the mat that allow your muscles to keep contracting and expanding. Hence, your muscles are consistently relaxing and tensing. And so they are not locked in a stationary position for too long.
When the blood keeps flowing, it delivers more oxygen throughout your body. This way, you stay more active and alert and feel less tired since you continuously receive blood and oxygen. Furthermore, the mat is also designed in such a way that it distributes your weight evenly. People also report that they do not feel uncomfortable or tired when they are standing on an anti-fatigue mat.
Who Should Get an Anti-Fatigue Mat?
If you have a job that requires you to stand for long hours, such as if you are cooking or a cashier, you should invest in an anti-fatigue mat. Anyone with such a job can benefit from an anti-fatigue mat.
Those who specifically use standing desks should definitely get these mats. This is because using a standing desk involves standing in one position for a long. As a result, your muscles get locked. However, the soft cushion and slight movement from the mat can help reduce any aches.
Furthermore, these mats are great for anyone who has back and neck aches as well. They will absorb some of the pressure in your lower body from standing so that you experience less pain.
Why Are Anti-Fatigue Important To Use With Standing Desks?
Employers who want to create an ergonomic space for their workers tend to incorporate both standing desks and ergonomic anti-fatigue mats into their office spaces. The two are typically used together since standing desks require individuals to stand for long hours while working.
Standing while working is excellent to incorporate physical activity into your day and reduce the chances of a stiff neck, backache, and soreness in the legs. However, this brings with it other problems: discomfort and fatigue.
As we mentioned earlier, while standing is beneficial, it does keep your muscles locked in one position. This reduces blood flow and oxygen in the body. Hence, an individual might experience aches and soreness in the feet and feel more tired. They would also not feel extremely comfortable while working this way.
But when you use an anti-fatigue mat with a standing desk, you help enhance an employee's comfort and make them feel less tired. Such a mat is specifically designed to enhance blood flow, increase stretching, and reduce fatigue while standing. All health experts recommend getting an anti-fatigue mat with a standing desk for these reasons.
All in all, this is a small investment with your standing desk that can make a significant difference to your productivity and health.
Benefits of Anti-Fatigue Mats
Many features of anti-fatigue mats make them an excellent choice for individuals who are standing while working. Anti-fatigue mats, specifically the ones from FlexiSpot, provide tons of benefits. These include the following:
Preventing Fatigue
Of course, the most prominent and obvious benefit of using anti-fatigue mats is that they prevent tiredness and fatigue from standing for so long. They provide excellent cushioning and help your muscles contract and relax ever so slightly. Additionally, they help balance your weight evenly.
All of this helps reduce fatigue in employees.
Reducing Impact on Joints
Standing for hours can cause strain and pressure on your joints because they feel temporarily stuck. Over time, this could even lead to tissue and tendon damage.
However, the cushioned surface of an anti-fatigue mat helps you stretch your calves, stand with a wider stance, and reduce the overall pressure on joints.
Preventing Posture Problems
Standing helps you keep a proper posture than sitting, which is why employees are encouraged to get standing desks. However, standing can also lead to back problems. An anti-fatigue mat can help with that. It will help you distribute weight evenly so that your spine remains firm and straight. This is why you will face no posture problems and will be standing comfortably.
Prevents Slips, Falls, and Other Injuries
Employee injuries caused by slipping and falling are quite common in certain offices and industries, especially in oily and wet areas. However, installing anti-fatigue matting on the floor reduces the chances of such injuries considerably.
This is mainly because these are made from a non-slipping material, such as rubber. They also provide cushioning from falls due to the softness of the foam in these mats.
Enhances Employees’ Health
Prolonged standing leads to discomfort in employees and a range of health problems. Some of these include muscle tension, bone and muscle pain, lower limb disorder, joint and spine compression, and more.
However, using anti-fatigue mats can help considerably reduce the chances of these health problems. It will help enhance employees' health in the long run. In fact, even research confirms all of these health benefits for employees.
Increased Productivity
When employees face discomfort from either standing for too long on a hard surface or sitting while working, it can considerably affect their productivity. As aches and pains develop, they might not even show up to work.
However, employees can work easily and with comfort with an anti-fatigue mat. This will also help them work more efficiently since their morale will be raised.
Provides Insulation from Cold Floors
You might be surprised to know, but cold concrete floors can be a significant source of discomfort for employees who have to stand and work for hours. This discomfort can also reduce their productivity.
Anti-fatigue mats can function as excellent insulators during colder conditions. You might even cut down on heating costs if you have these mats in the workplace.
Final Words
All in all, anti-fatigue mats are an excellent ergonomic addition in offices because of the many benefits they provide. They enhance employee health, efficiency, morale, and productivity. Due to the ergonomic design and the soft materials used to design these mats, they are certainly worth the investment.
Moreover, anyone who uses a standing desk while working should also invest in an ergonomic anti-fatigue mat. You should get an anti-fatigue mat that fits your needs, is suitable for your work environment, and fits your budget.
If you are looking for a suitable one for your office, we recommend taking a look at the anti-fatigue mat from FlexiSpot. It is designed for maximum comfort that helps massage your feet while standing. To learn more about this incredible product, visit their website today!
