Some workplaces have employees that spend long hours standing. In some offices, this is a daily event, and in others these long hours standing wax and wane during the year depending on exterior events like tax season or holiday shopping or internal events like big sales or product deadlines.
Whatever the reasons are that your employees are standing for long hours, there are things you can do to combat fatigue.
- Get some anti-fatigue mats. If at all possible get some anti-fatigue mats for the employees. These mats make a big difference with employee comfort and cut down on joint wear and tear. When you increase employee comfort and decrease employee fatigue, then you simultaneously cut down on lost-work days. Anti-fatigue mats come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. We have them for all applications.
- Appropriate footwear. Make sure employees are wearing appropriate footwear. It doesn’t make sense to have a strict dress code that requires employees to wear uncomfortable shoes if the employees are standing all day.
- Breaks. All employees need breaks, and employees always on their feet need more breaks and regular breaks. This is one of the few effective ways to give their feet a rest.
- Hunger and thirst. Make sure the employees are eating and drinking—especially water–regularly. Dehydration makes everything worse and can even cause confusion. Employees on their feet all shift need to hydrate themselves. So, remind them.
- Is a chair possible? In some cases, a chair or stool can help. Obviously, a chair is not possible in all cases, but if it’s possible then let employees sit or have the choice of a stool. Making employees stand just for the optics don’t do your bottom line any good. It’s hard to be standing all day.
- These are little things that can make a big difference. Standing all day is not just hard on the feet, but it’s also hard on the knees, hips, back, and neck. Plus looking after your employees inspires loyalty among staff. Make a few changes and everybody wins.
Do you have other questions? It’s easy to contact us, and we’re happy to help you. You can always call us at (877) 333-1018 or email us at sales@eaglemat.com for more information or if you aren’t sure what you need.
