Are you feeling overworked and exhausted after you finish your shift? Does it feel like your feet always hurt and your neck muscles are always stiff? Believe it or not, by installing anti-fatigue mats in your workplace, you will notice significant improvement. These mats can help you feel more comfortable while you work and they can also make your workplace much safer. If there are areas at work where you’re required to stand for longer periods of time, adding these mats will help you feel better while doing so. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect to see after you start using them:

They improve blood circulation

Let’s face it – the main reason we see so many concrete and cement floors in the industry is because they are tough. Such floors can withstand a lot of pressure and they are non-porous, meaning they will last for very long. However, these durable hard surfaces aren’t exactly comfortable to walk and stand on, especially for longer periods of time. Floor surfaces such as these don’t offer any cushioning, which makes them incredibly uncomfortable even when you’re wearing high quality shoes or work boots. Anti-fatigue mats are elastic, which means they are able to absorb shockwaves you make when from walking. Similarly, they can ease pressure points when you are standing on them. The rubber in these mats helps improve blood circulation because it’s softer and more comfortable.

They are cleaned easily

We are in the middle of global pandemic and we have no idea when it will change. This makes people very aware of germs and bacteria that are present everywhere. This is one of the main reasons why workers in healthcare are so fond of anti-fatigue rubber mats – it’s easy to clean and even sterilize them. When patients’ lives are at stake, any spreading of germs and bacteria should be prevented, because this will also keep healthcare workers safe. Anti-microbial treatment will leave these mats safe to use by stopping the germs, viruses, as well as bacteria from potentially harming someone in the facility. The good news is that mats can also be autoclave sterilized – this will result in a lifetime protection against bad odors and prevent degradation.

They make you more productive

Even if you’re not standing on concrete floors but on a carpet, it will take a toll on your health. This is especially important for those who are working behind standing desks or find it easier to concentrate while pacing around the room. When you are looking for rubber anti-fatigue mats for your home office, go for those that are flexible and durable. Because you will feel more comfortable, it will be easier to focus on your work instead of thinking about aching back and neck. Being in pain and uncomfortable will decreases you ability to concentrate on your job, and you don’t want to worry about that.

They can prevent slips, trips, and falls

Sadly, people tripping, slipping, and falling in the workplace often results in injuries; sometimes minor and sometimes major. Those who get injured will take a leave of absence from work, and some might even ask for compensation. Because anti-fatigue mats are made of rubber, they aren’t slippery; and there are even some mats that have a non-slip texture. If you are working in areas that sometimes get wet or oily, non-slip matting is a must. There are also mats that are designed to drain any liquids that get spilled and keep the surface as dry as possible.

They keep the cold away

While we wouldn’t exactly go so far as to claim that these mats are able to keep you warm, they can so something similar. They are thick and made of rubber which makes it easy to keep the cold of concrete floors away from your feet. Anti-fatigue mats are very effective insulators, thus making them necessary in cold conditions. Good news for business owners is that their ability to insulate will also help reduce heating costs in the workplace, and you will be able to save a significant amount of money over the course of a year.

They can reduce fatigue

Prolonged standing on hard surfaces eventually leads to the feeling of discomfort in the feet and legs, but also back, neck, and shoulders. To make things worse, standing on hard surfaces for a long time is also linked to postural muscle fatigue, making your posture bad in order to save energy. People who work in such conditions often complain about bone and muscle pain, they have varicose veins and disorders of lower limbs. Instead of suffering in silence, you should consider installing anti-fatigue mats around work premises (or perhaps around work stations only). This small change till significantly reduce the fatigue that workers are feeling, and in the long run, prevent a lot of serious problems with bones and muscles.

Scientifically proven

We told you about many different benefits of anti-fatigue mats, but if you still find it hard to take our word for it, you don’t have to. It’s scientifically proven that anti-fatigue mats are beneficial for people’s health in the workplace. Years ago, esteemed professors at Loughborough University completed a study of different anti-fatigue mats. They compared several types of mats in a special laboratory that’s been created for the purpose of this test. In this study, 14 participants were asked to stand on either concrete floor, or on one of anti-fatigue mats. They had to do this for 90 minutes over a period of five days. Their results show that with anti-fatigue mats, participants reported feeling more comfortable while standing, and their neck and back muscles didn’t hurt as much.

It doesn’t matter if you’re working in a warehouse, flower shop, or your home office, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort. If you notice that you’re getting tired more easily and that you have neck and back pain, consider getting anti-fatigue mats. This small addition to your workplace will make a huge difference, and you will notice that you can focus on work much better.