Sore feet, a painful lower back and tiredness – these are all things people who are on their feet all day at work experience in abundance. This is why it is so important that you invest in anti fatigue mats for offices – they’re a real game changer for anyone who stands all day. But what are these mats? Who uses them? And do they actually work?
What are these mats?
They are basically floor mats with ergonomic properties. They’re designed to provide support for your body, reduce fatigue whilst you’re working and provide your feet with comfort. They can actually make your job seem easier and keep you focused on the task at hand. They are commonly used in kitchens, at the office and in other environments that require a lot of standing and walking.
Why do we need these mats?
The main reason for investing in these mats is your health. Standing still for long periods is very unhealthy, as our bodies are meant to be on the move. Back, leg or foot pain and headaches can really affect our work – not only do we lose focus, we can become grumpy and unpleasant. Customers expect a friendly environment, so you need to make sure you deliver.
What are the benefits?
These mats actually offer a number of benefits. They’re designed to prevent many kinds of injury and to provide comfort when stood upon. They provide better resistance and shock absorption (particularly important if you have concrete floors). They provide better circulation for your body. And they reduce compression of the spinal cord.
What sorts of mats are available?
Believe it or not, many different mats can be manufactured with anti fatigue properties. They can be made from foam (a popular choice for homes), foam rubber (often used in workshops), hard rubber (used mostly in industrial compounds) and even gel (perfect for homes and offices). The properties of each type differ slightly, so be sure to make the right choice.
What should I look for?
If you’re interested in anti fatigue mats for offices, there are a number of things you should look for to ensure you’ve made a quality choice. They should have a warranty of at least 5 years, should have a pressure that exceeds your own weight, should pass condition testing, should be pleasing to the eye, should be at least ¾ of an inch thick, and should be large enough for the area.