Comprehensive Research Report: Anti-Fatigue Mats for Safer, Healthier and More Productive Workplaces

 

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. In fact, Safe Work Australia reports that in 2023–24, MSDs accounted for nearly 36% of serious injury claims nationwide.

This Comprehensive Research Report presents the latest global and Australian 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.

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
Australian Workforce	36% of serious injury claims linked to MSDs (Safe Work Australia, 2024)
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

Comparison: Standing With vs Without Anti-Fatigue Mats

Feature	Without Mats	With Mats
Fatigue	High	Low
Back Pain	Common	Reduced
Productivity	Lower	Higher

Key Insight: Workers using anti-fatigue mats report significantly less discomfort and higher task performance compared to those standing on hard floors.

Scientific Evidence

• Winberg et al. (2022, Applied Ergonomics): 50% reduction in standing-induced low back pain with mats.
• Ünver & Orğan (2023, Applied Ergonomics): Significant reductions in foot, leg and back discomfort.
• King (2002, Applied Ergonomics): Mats outperformed shoe insoles for fatigue reduction.
• Speed et al. (2018, Systematic Review): Supported 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.

Safe Work Australia highlights that every $1 spent on workplace ergonomics returns $3–$6 in reduced absenteeism and higher productivity.

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 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 (mats complement height-adjustable 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 with drafting stools

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

Global office innovators are already trialling AI-enabled mats, expected to reach Australian workplaces by 2026. These 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 sit-stand desks.
• High-quality mats should be included in hybrid and home working equipment packs.

Browse our Anti-Fatigue Mats Collection

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Explore Drafting Stools for Labs and Education Workspaces

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