In the era of ever-evolving work environments, the demand for adaptability and flexibility can’t be overlooked. Despite the ongoing transition towards ergonomic and employee-centred office design, there remains a persistent issue affecting workers – the challenge of prolonged sitting and standing during work.
While standing is often considered a more active and engaging working posture compared to sitting, it can have adverse effects on an employee’s health and wellbeing if not managed correctly. Just as sitting has been dubbed the “new smoking” for its health risks, research indicates that prolonged standing isn’t a perfect solution either.
Occupations in sectors such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality often necessitate employees to spend extended hours on their feet. Achieving a balance between sitting and standing throughout the day is crucial for improving comfort, productivity, and overall wellbeing.
Through the selection of suitable footwear, maintaining proper posture, taking regular short breaks, and engaging in self-care, individuals who are required to stand for extended periods can mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal issues, circulatory problems, and other health-related concerns.
Health Implications of Prolonged Standing
Studies conducted by the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto have demonstrated that prolonged standing can elevate the risk of cardiovascular problems as well as lead to discomfort, including strained back muscles, sore legs, and painful feet.
Standing for prolonged periods may seem harmless, but it can lead to various health issues if not managed properly. One of the most common issues associated with prolonged standing is musculoskeletal problems, as standing for long periods can impede blood circulation, leading to swelling in the legs and feet. Reduced circulation can also increase the risk of blood clots. This is why people who stand for extended durations should be vigilant about maintaining good circulation as it can affect their work performance and overall wellbeing.
Tips for Prolonged Standing Comfort
With risks and warnings out of the way, it’s time share some practical tips to enhance comfort and wellbeing for those who spend their workdays standing.
Choose the Right Footwear
Selecting the right footwear for prolonged periods of standing during work is of utmost importance in order to minimise discomfort and prevent potential health issues. To begin with, ensuring a proper fit is essential. Your shoes should not be excessively tight or too loose, as poorly fitting footwear can lead to discomfort and potentially serious foot problems.
It’s advisable to opt for shoes that offer superior comfort, such as those equipped with cushioned insoles featuring memory foam and adequate arch support. These features can help alleviate pressure on your feet and lower back. It can also be beneficial to choose lightweight footwear or boots, as they can reduce the effort required to lift your feet with each step, ultimately leading to less fatigue.
Use Anti-Fatigue Mats
Anti-fatigue mats are a specially designed cushioned and supportive surface designed to help people who stand for extended periods. These mats are constructed from a variety of materials, including rubber, foam, and gel, and are engineered to reduce the impact on your feet, legs, and lower back.
By providing a comfortable and shock-absorbent surface, these mats help minimise discomfort and fatigue associated with prolonged standing. These mats often come with slip-resistant surfaces to enhance safety in places prone to spills or wet conditions.
Shift Your Weight
Incorporating weight shifting into your standing routine at work is another way to help ensure comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. Try to avoid putting all your weight on one leg for an extended period and shift your weight from one foot to the other and back again.
This subtle adjustment can relieve strain on one side of your body and enhance blood circulation. Regularly shifting your body weight between your feet and making posture adjustments can help alleviate stress on specific muscles and joints, preventing stiffness and lowering the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Beyond its physical advantages, weight shifting can also foster mental breaks and mindfulness, offering a brief opportunity to refocus and clear your mind, ultimately boosting problem-solving abilities and creativity.
Many anti-fatigue mats incorporate subtle differences in texture and firmness to encourage weight shifting behaviour.
Maintain Good Posture
Maintaining good posture is critical in most work environments whether they require physical labour or not, as good posture can assist in preventing work-related injuries. Proper body mechanics have an important role in lowering the risk of strains and injuries caused by activities such as lifting, bending, or repeated motions.
Prolonged slouching or hunching may compress the chest and restrict deep breathing, leading to discomfort and exhaustion. To maintain correct posture when standing and working, it is critical to be aware of your body placement, use ergonomically designed furniture and equipment, and incorporate frequent breaks and stretches into your daily routine.
Take Short Breaks
Much like prolonged sitting, standing in the same position without breaks can lead to negative outcomes. Taking short breaks while standing can boost your productivity and concentration.
According to a study published in the journal Applied Ergonomics, short breaks during standing work can lead to increased productivity and decreased mental fatigue. By integrating short pauses into a standing work routine, individuals can significantly reduce the negative effects associated with prolonged standing and maintain a healthier and more productive work environment.
