Anti-fatigue mats in black and orange.
Comfort mats are needed by almost all businesses where employees are required to spend long work days standing on hard flooring. People who work in these types of jobs often suffer from leg and back pain, fatigue and even musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). These types of chronic health issues lead to more sick days, decreased production and unhappy staff.
Comfort mats like anti-fatigue kitchen mats are inexpensive ways to reduce employee discomfort and the onset of serious medical problems while keeping them, healthy, energized and focused on their jobs.
According to a productivity study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), November 12, 2003 – Volume 290, No. 18: “Lost productive time from common pain conditions among active workers costs an estimated $61.2 billion per year [in the U.S.]…while at work. Imagine what that number is today?
Comfort mats have other beneficial uses as well. Mats can be placed in entryways or other areas that may need increased traction to avoid falls. Be strategically set to keep sound levels down or even used as runners in high traffic areas. They are definitely multipurpose!
What are Comfort Mats?
The concept is actually quite simple. Comfort mats, commonly called anti-fatigue mats, are thick and flexible to encourage those who stand on them to be constantly moving. This promotes circulation and reduces the contraction of the muscles that cause pain.
Comfort mats also provide insulation from cold floors. Accidents can be reduced by providing non-slip areas. Mats are also easy to clean. They come in many shapes and sizes and are suitable for use in a wide range of industries. Think of them as shock absorbers for people!
What Types of Businesses Use Comfort Mats?
Actually, all types of businesses can benefit from using anti-fatigue floor mats. Factories, restaurants, salons, office buildings, retail outlets etc… can benefit from the use of anti-fatigue floor mats. These mat come in a variety of shapes and sizes so it’s easy to find the right one for your location.
The Benefits of Comfort Floor Mats
Standing on a comfort mat
Reduce Pain
You likely know yourself how uncomfortable it can get when standing in one place for too long. Now multiply that times a full work day, then a full work week, a full work month and so on. People who work in this type of environment can eventually suffer from a whole slew of health issues which range from minor back and leg pain, spinal issues, varicose veins, and the above mentioned MSD.
Anti-fatigue floor mats are designed to keep the person standing on them moving. Their feet are basically forced to adapt to the cushioned, soft surface which encourages the same type of muscle contraction and blood flow you would gain from taking a walk. This gets the heart pumping which reduces fatigue, as well as forces better posture preventing back, leg and hip problems. It’s almost like they are exercising at work!
Safety
OSHA estimates that 15% of deaths in the workplace are a result of accidental falls. Anti-fatigue floor mats provide traction, thus preventing slips. Used as entryway mats (or at other locations throughout your business) you protect not only your employees but customers too!
Increase Energy and Positive Attitude
We have known for years that the endorphins humans get from exercise boosts energy and decreases stress. Because anti-fatigue floor mats promote movement, workers experience a higher energy level and an overall better attitude in the workplace. A happy employee is a productive employee!
Reduce Sound
Besides improving the physical well being of employees, anti-fatigue floor mats can also bring other benefits to your business. A natural by product of the comfort mats is they reduce sound as well. Instead of loud noises bouncing off your hard surface floor, the anti-fatigue floor mats absorb that sound which makes for a quieter, more comfortable work environment
Cut Down on Inventory Damage
You probably never thought that you could actually decrease the amount of damage to materials and inventory with anti-fatigue floor mats. Surprise, you can! The comfort mats act as a cushion and impact absorbent. Fragile objects dropped may not always break when they hit the comfort floor mat. If the object does break, the mat makes it easier to clean up.
Save Money
Studies placing anti-fatigue work mats in the workplace is beneficial not only to the overall health of your employees but also to the business bottom line. Fewer sick days, lower workman’s comp claims, more productive employees and even less damage to inventory leads to better output and higher profits. What’s not to love about that?
How Do I Decide What Type of Comfort Mats I need?
Comfort mats are available in a variety of sizes, materials, shapes, and colors to help you with the selection process. AbsorbentsOnline.com has a great selection.
The first thing you need to determine is where you plan to place anti-fatigue floor mats. What purpose will they serve? Do you need anti-fatigue floor mats that drain? Do you need to have mats with safety stripping? What size is the area you want to place them in? If you are not quite sure or have additional questions, our experts are ready and willing to help you choose. All anti-fatigue floor mats are custom made to fit your exact needs!
To recap:
Now that you know the how’s and why’s of comfort mats there really is no reason why you shouldn’t evaluate the need for these products in your place of business. In the end, comfort mats are an incredibly worthwhile investment.
Your employees will have fewer chronic health issues, they will have more energy – resulting in higher productivity. They will be less stressed out and the overall work environment will be a much better place to conduct business. This is a win-win for you, your staff and your customers!
AbsorbentsOnline.com carries a wide range of comfort mats, listed as anti-fatigue floor mats, suitable for any type of business. We are always available to discuss your options, provide expert advice and guide you in the right direction. Feel free to call us at 800-869-9633 or contact Travis at travis@absorbentsonline.com or Angie at angie@absorbentsonline.com. We look forward to serving your needs!