If you’ve ever found yourself contemplating taking a sick day, you’re not alone. There are many reasons why people take time off work, from genuine illness to those more creative excuses. However, when we zoom out and look at the bigger picture of workplace absenteeism, one key factor that often goes unnoticed is the impact of poor workplace ergonomics on health and wellbeing.
The Health Risks of Prolonged Sitting and Standing
It may surprise you to learn that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illness. These disorders often result from prolonged periods of standing or sitting at a desk, contributing to a range of health issues. At COBA, we’ve taken a close look at this issue, conducting our research and producing a White Paper on the connection between standing at work and absenteeism, the study was done at the Darmstadt University in Germany where students were asked to stand on mats for a period of time vs. without anti-fatigue mats and document their findings. The finding, alongside other studies, paints a clear picture: the toll on worker health is significant.
We’ve also done a survey that revealed 34% of respondents suffered from back, leg, or foot pain due to prolonged standing at work. When compared to European statistics, the situation is even more striking. According to the 5th European Survey on Working Conditions, nearly 25% of workers experience back pain, 22.8% have muscular pains, and 45.5% report working in painful or tiring positions. MSDs are also a heavy financial burden, with estimates suggesting that up to 2% of Europe’s GDP is lost annually due to the direct costs associated with MSDs.
The Solution: Standing Desks and Anti-Fatigue Mats
Standing has been proven to be better for our health than sitting for long periods, but standing itself comes with risks if not done properly. That’s where anti-fatigue mats come into play. So how does anti-fatigue matting work? In short, the subtle underfoot cushioning helps support healthy circulation, which is good for our hearts and helps to reduce the onset of muscular pain.
Our latest research confirms that 75% of respondents reported positive effects on staff well-being when anti-fatigue mats were used, and 23% noted a reduction in absenteeism due to the mats. This is backed by several other studies done through HSE, which further emphasise the value of standing while working, as well as the positive effects of anti-fatigue mats in both industrial and office environments.
Standing and Sitting: The Importance of Balance
Standing for any length of time does carry its own set of risks, which is why it’s critical to balance periods of standing and sitting. It’s all about promoting healthy circulation and posture throughout the day. Research shows that simply sitting less and incorporating regular posture changes can have a significant impact on reducing the risks associated with both prolonged sitting and standing.
At COBA, we take this seriously. Yes, we do provide our staff with anti-fatigue mats, even in the office environment. And the benefits are clear – using standing desks and anti-fatigue mats in the workplace supports healthier, more productive employees.
The Growing Popularity of Sit/Stand Desks
Sit/stand desks have gained popularity across various industries, not just in factories but also in office settings. This shift towards dynamic workstations is a step in the right direction, promoting a healthier, more flexible work environment. COBA has responded to this trend by introducing the Orthomat® Office into our range of anti-fatigue mats. This addition is designed to support those using sit/stand desks in the office, allowing workers to alternate between sitting and standing comfortably.
A Healthier Future for the Workplace
Instead of making today about taking a sick day, why not focus on improving your work environment? Now is the perfect time to reevaluate your workstation. How can you reduce the time you spend sitting and encourage standing more frequently? Incorporating workplace matting is a proven way to support employee health and reduce absenteeism.
We at COBA are here to help you make this change. With over 45 years of experience in anti-fatigue matting, we are experts in creating healthier workplaces that suit your application. Whether you’re in an industrial, office, retail environment, or industrial setting, we have the solutions you need to enhance both comfort and productivity.
Let’s work together to make sick days a thing of the past. By investing in anti-fatigue improvements, we can help create a healthier, more engaged workforce—today and into the future.
Discover the comfort of our amazing Anti-fatigue products today!
