Authoritative Evidence for Business, Government and Education Sectors in Australia
Introduction
Standing desks, collaborative zones, government counters — standing work is now a feature of most modern Australian workplaces.
But prolonged standing on hard floors is a well-documented risk factor for fatigue, discomfort, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) — which remain the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in Australia.
This Comprehensive Research Report presents the latest global evidence on how anti-fatigue mats support worker health, wellbeing and productivity — and why they should be standard ergonomic equipment in standing work areas across business, government and education environments.
You can also download the full PDF version of this report here.
Why Address Standing Fatigue at Work?
Prolonged static standing on hard surfaces can cause:
- Lower back pain
- Leg and foot fatigue
- Varicose veins
- Circulatory problems
- Postural fatigue
- Loss of concentration and productivity
The Risks
| Worker Group | MSD Prevalence |
|---|---|
| EU Workforce | 24% back pain; 22% limb pain |
| Canadian Hairdressers | >50% chronic back pain |
| US Manufacturing | 52% foot/ankle symptoms |
| Surgeons/Nurses | 47% knee pain; 42% low back pain |
| UK Office Workers (Sit-Stand Desks) | 68% MSD symptoms reported |
Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe Victoria clearly identify standing fatigue as a workplace risk that must be controlled.
How Anti-Fatigue Mats Reduce Injury Risks
Anti-fatigue mats are designed to:
- Encourage subtle foot and body movements
- Stimulate blood circulation in the legs
- Reduce muscle fatigue in the legs and lower back
- Improve standing comfort and endurance
Scientific Evidence
- Winberg et al. (2022): 50% reduction in standing-induced low back pain with mats.
- Ünver & Orğan (2023): Significant reductions in foot, leg and back discomfort.
- King (2002): Mats outperformed shoe insoles for fatigue reduction.
- Speed et al. (2018): Systematic review supports use of mats for reducing MSD risk factors.
For a full breakdown of how anti-fatigue mats prevent MSDs, read: Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Really Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders? The Science Explained.
Business Case: Productivity and ROI
Standing fatigue affects not only injury risk, but also:
- Concentration and accuracy
- Task performance
- Productivity and engagement
Key Outcomes
- 2–5% productivity gains reported in studies using anti-fatigue mats.
- Reduced micro-breaks and standing discomfort → improved focus.
- Demonstrates employer commitment to staff wellbeing.
For buying tips, see: 7 Key Features to Look For in an Anti-Fatigue Mat for the Office.
Ergonomic Standards and Compliance
Australia & New Zealand
- AS/NZS 4442:2018 promotes posture variation and fatigue reduction.
- Safe Work Australia recommends anti-fatigue mats for standing tasks.
- WorkSafe Victoria lists mats as an effective engineering control.
UK & Europe
- BS EN ISO 9241-5 promotes cushioned flooring or mats for standing comfort.
- UK HSE explicitly recommends anti-fatigue mats for public-facing counters and standing roles.
USA
- ANSI/BIFMA G1 and NIOSH guidelines recognise mats as a preferred ergonomic intervention.
Where Anti-Fatigue Mats Should Be Used
Corporate Offices
- Sit-stand desks
- Reception desks
- Project zones and collaborative areas
For practical selection advice, read: Choosing the Best Standing Desk Mat for Australian Offices.
Government Workplaces
- Council service counters
- Court registry desks
- State department reception areas
- Library info desks
How Anti-Fatigue Mats Support Safer Government and Education Workspaces.
Education Workspaces
- School admin desks
- Library circulation desks
- University labs and teaching stations
Home and Remote Work
- Sit-stand desks in home work setups
- Flexible remote working environments
Standing Desk vs Sit-Stand Desk: Do You Still Need an Anti-Fatigue Mat?
Future Trends: Smart Anti-Fatigue Mats
Emerging smart anti fatigue mats integrate:
- Embedded sensors to track posture and standing patterns
- AI-driven feedback to promote healthier standing behaviours
- Dynamic surfaces that adjust cushioning and encourage movement
This new generation of mats will support hybrid work, activity-based working, and smart office ecosystems.
Future Trends: How Smart Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Shape Tomorrow’s Workspaces.
Summary of Key Benefits
- Reduces fatigue and discomfort
- Prevents MSD risk factors
- Improves productivity and focus
- Demonstrates compliance with WHS and ergonomic standards
- Supports wellbeing and morale in flexible work environments
- Provides excellent ROI — low-cost intervention with high impact
Practical Recommendations
- Government, education and corporate employers should deploy anti-fatigue mats at all standing workstations exceeding 1 hour of standing time.
- Mats should meet best practice standards for thickness, edge bevel, anti-slip performance, durability and cleanability.
- Staff should be trained in healthy standing practices and encouraged to combine mat use with posture variation and movement.
- High-quality mats should be included in hybrid and home working equipment packs.
Explore our range of Anti-Fatigue Mats & Standing Desk Mats
Learn more about our Ergonomic Design Fit-Out Services
References
- Safe Work Australia
- WorkSafe Victoria
- Winberg et al. (2022), Applied Ergonomics
- Ünver & Orğan (2023), Applied Ergonomics
- King (2002), Applied Ergonomics
- Speed et al. (2018), Applied Ergonomics
- UK HSE Ergonomics Guidance
- AS/NZS 4442:2018
- BS EN ISO 9241-5
- ANSI/BIFMA G1
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