An ergonomic workplace provides various health benefits to the members of an organization. That is why, today, innovative professional breakthroughs create trends that leverage productivity and success. One such innovation is the anti-fatigue mats, which can help increase the comfort experienced when working.
What Are Anti-Fatigue Mats?
Anti-fatigue mats are defined as the types of mats designed to reduce fatigue due to standing for long periods on cement floors and other hard surfaces. These mats can be made of different materials such as vinyl, carpeting materials, and wood.
Common Uses of Anti-Fatigue Mats
Anti-fatigue mats are commonly used to lower foot and lower limb conditions for people who mostly stand in one position for long hours. But it is also important to remember that using a mat may not really solve the whole problem.
Various factors contribute to conditions like tiredness, discomfort, knee and hip pain, sore feet, and leg fatigue. These factors include but are not limited to the flooring material, the worker’s kind of footwear, and work nature. Several studies have been made and revealed that standing for long hours can be stressful and cause fatigue in the body.
The Purpose of Anti-Fatigue Mats
Anti-fatigue mats’ primary purpose is to relieve the pain caused by standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. The most commonly affected are those individuals whose job requires standing in the same position. This causes immobilization and shrinks leg muscles. This can also restrict blood flow and eventually cause pain.
Not only that, further studies show that extended standing could also make people feel lethargic. The body loses energy since the heart makes it harder to pump blood to the muscles. Good thing, anti-fatigue mats help widen the muscles and make them active again because the normal blood flow is again stimulated. These results show a decrease in fatigue.
Another benefit that people can acquire from anti-fatigue mats is that they can save more. Because fatigue and joint stress will be eliminated, and their work productivity will increase. Sick leaves and absences are also decreased.
When Should You Use Anti-Fatigue Mats?
According to some experts, there are two ways to eliminate foot discomfort due to standing. The first is to use anti-slip mats. This helps provide increased foot safety and comfort. The only disadvantage is that the workers may experience foot soreness. This is because the non-slip properties of this matting may cause their shoes to grab on the flooring suddenly. When that happens, their feet tend to slide forward inside their footwear. The friction inside the footwear creates heat and results in soreness. Using non-slip resilient insoles can help decrease the feeling of discomfort.
Another option is using an anti-fatigue matting. These types of mats absorb the shock caused by walking. The cushioning effect and other features of an anti-fatigue mat decrease the foot fatigue that can be experienced by the worker.
However, just like any other ergonomic equipment in the workplace, using anti-fatigue mats must be used with caution. It can cause tripping and other accidents when not correctly placed or positioned.
Using anti-fatigue mats or installing carpeting on the floor does not totally eradicate foot soreness. But it can improve working conditions when used with quality footwear and proper ergonomics.
Anti-Fatigue Mats: The Trends Keep Innovating
In a press release published on Marketwatch.com, it mentioned that:
“The global anti-fatigue mats market size is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period.”
The report gives real insight and clearly provides the assumption that more and more people will be interested in using this type of mats in the workplace.
Still included in the report is the list of types of anti-fatigue mats that will continuously dominate the market. They are as follow:
- Rubber;
- Vinyl;
- Wood;
- Other.
Anti-fatigue mats are expected to be continually utilized and applied for commercial, household, and industrial purposes.
In another press release published by Technavio via Business Wire, it was discussed that online sales of flooring products would be included in the global anti-fatigue mat market’s significant trends from 2019-2023.
According to Technavio experts, one of the main factors for the global anti-fatigue mat market demand is the employers’ and employees’ increased focus towards a healthier work environment.
As the discoveries of various occupational health issues become rampant, companies become more aware of their people’s welfare. They strive to set and implement measures to establish a healthy workplace environment.
They also utilize various ergonomic types of equipment and tools to promote proper risk management. In connection to that, the introduction of anti-fatigue mats has been a trend in most offices and other workplaces.
Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Really Work?
Yes. Anti-fatigue mats are known to be an effective solution to issues such as fatigue and pain due to standing for long periods. They aid in stimulating blood flow, reducing fatigue in your legs, feet, and ankles, as well as increasing oxygen levels in the body.
There will be a noticeable boost in the health and performance of the members of an organization. Thus, those benefits make the anti-fatigue mats an excellent choice for industrial, commercial, and home use.
Planning to Buy an Anti-Fatigue Mat? Here Are Tips You Should Know
Workplaces nowadays are becoming more aware of the benefits of anti-fatigue mats as well as other ergonomic equipment. That is good because this will help the employees to boost productivity and success in the workplace. This will ensure that their health will also be protected.
The following are some of the crucial factors to be considered when it comes to buying anti-fatigue mats for home and office use.
#1 Durability
Durability is one of the most important concerns when purchasing an anti-fatigue mat. Check the materials used and how it is manufactured. The more renowned the brand is, the more it will last. The real value of the mat will be known for its effectiveness and longevity. The mat should also fit the design and conditions of the workplace.
#2 Resiliency
Another critical factor to consider is resilience. This factor can really impact the comfort level of the worker. An excellent anti-fatigue mat must provide good blood circulation to the leg muscles. When a mat is too hard or too soft, it can cause leg muscle discomfort, which leads to fatigue and decreases an employee’s effectiveness.
Always choose a quality anti-fatigue rubber mat that can provide a balance of comfort and convenience. The mat should also protect a cushioned surface in case of a fall or accident.
#3 Safety
The mat should also ensure that it is secured on the floor to avoid slips and trip hazards. Always check for reviews, so you’ll know if they will be a good purchase. The best way to look at reviews is to identify the mat’s shortcomings and compare that with what’s important to you.
If, for example, you are looking for a really good quality mat and some users say that they are not happy with the quality, keep that in mind.
#4 Price
Price is important, but it isn’t everything. A great anti-fatigue mat should be reasonably priced though. There may be some cheaper mats out there but do not be tempted to buy one just because it is a lower price. Make sure to check the materials used to manufacture the item. Quality should always be reviewed together with price. And if you don’t have a big budget to spend, at least make an effort to search for the best mat you can buy with what you can afford to make it worth your while.
Conclusion
Start creating an ergonomic workplace today. Include anti-fatigue mats in your list and boost productivity in work and success. These mats are a great tool to make your work life easier and to help you feel less tired but more productive and efficient. The great thing about shopping online is that if you buy a fatigue mat and decide that it is not for you, you can usually return it free of charge. However, we are fairly certain that once you buy one, you’ll never go back.
