Standing Desk vs Sit-Stand Desk: Do You Still Need an Anti-Fatigue Mat?

In the drive for healthier, more active workplaces, standing desks — and especially sit-stand desks — have become ubiquitous across Australian offices, government hubs, and education workspaces.

They promise to:

• Reduce sedentary time
• Improve posture
• Encourage movement
• Support workplace wellbeing

But many procurement officers and fitout designers face a common question:

“If I’m buying a height-adjustable sit-stand desk, do I still need an anti-fatigue mat?”

The answer — based on current ergonomic science and real-world outcomes — is an emphatic yes.
A standing mat for standing desk use remains essential to maximise comfort, productivity, and injury prevention.

In this article, I’ll unpack why, and provide practical guidance on choosing the right mat for your standing workstation.

Understanding How Sit-Stand Desks Are Used

First, it’s critical to understand actual user behaviour:

• Many users stand for long periods without transitioning regularly.
• Some users adopt a “mostly standing” posture because they want to avoid sitting.
• Most flooring in Australian offices and public spaces is hard and unforgiving — concrete, vinyl, tile, or low-pile carpet.

Without a standing mat:

• Foot, leg and lower back fatigue develop rapidly.
• Productivity and concentration decline.
• Workers may adopt awkward postures to relieve discomfort.
• MSD risk increases over time.

A standing mat for standing desk use directly addresses these risks.

How Anti-Fatigue Mats Work

An anti fatigue mat provides a slightly compressible, supportive surface that encourages:

• Subtle weight shifts → stimulating circulation
• Better pressure distribution → reducing heel and foot strain
• Dynamic standing → preventing static muscle fatigue

Without a mat:

Effect	Outcome
Blood pooling in legs	Swelling and discomfort
Static muscle contraction	Lower back fatigue and soreness
High pressure on heels and forefoot	Foot fatigue and pain
Reduced postural variability	Increased MSD risk

With a mat:

Effect	Outcome
Stimulated circulation	Improved endurance
Dynamic micro-movements	Reduced muscle fatigue
Even weight distribution	Greater comfort and focus
Encouraged posture shifts	Reduced risk of cumulative strain injuries

Do Sit-Stand Desks Remove the Need for a Standing Mat?

No — and here’s why:

While sit-stand desks promote postural variation, standing periods still occur — and when they do, the flooring remains critical.

Studies show:

• Users typically stand for 20–60 minutes per session.
• Cumulative standing time often exceeds 2–4 hours per day.
• Even brief standing periods on hard floors cause discomfort.

A standing mat for standing desk users significantly reduces fatigue during these standing periods.

The Science Behind Standing Mats for Sit-Stand Desks

1️⃣ Winberg et al. (2022), Applied Ergonomics

• Anti fatigue mats reduced low back pain by ~50% in standing tasks.
• Promoted dynamic standing, reducing MSD risk factors.

2️⃣ Ünver & Orğan (2023), Applied Ergonomics

• Healthcare staff standing for prolonged periods reported major reductions in foot, leg and back discomfort when using standing mats.

3️⃣ King (2002), Applied Ergonomics

• Anti fatigue mats delayed the onset of standing discomfort better than shoe insoles alone.

Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe Victoria recommend:

“Anti fatigue mats should be used wherever prolonged standing on hard floors is required, including in combination with adjustable height desks.”

Benefits of Using a Standing Mat with Your Sit-Stand Desk

1. Enhanced Comfort and Focus

• Less fatigue → improved focus and productivity.
• Workers can stand comfortably for longer without strain.

2. Injury Prevention

• Reduced cumulative strain on lower back, legs and feet.
• Lower MSD risk → fewer injury claims and better WHS outcomes.

3. Supports Safe Standing Practices

• A mat encourages natural posture shifts and prevents “lock-legged” static standing.
• Promotes healthy movement patterns while standing.

4. Employee Satisfaction and Engagement

• Comfortable staff are more engaged and productive.
• Demonstrates employer commitment to wellbeing.

What to Look For in a Standing Mat for a Standing Desk

Feature	Why It Matters
Correct thickness & firmness	~15–20mm optimal; prevents instability but supports dynamic movement.
Beveled edges	Prevents trip hazards when moving between standing and sitting.
Non-slip backing	Critical for safety on hard floors.
Durable construction	Withstands daily transitions between standing and sitting.
Surface texture	Allows subtle foot movement without causing slips.
Size	Covers natural foot placement at the standing desk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cheap foam mats → compress rapidly and offer little support.
• Skipping the mat entirely → Even 1–2 hours of standing on hard floors causes fatigue.
• Choosing a mat that’s too soft → Excessive cushioning causes instability and fatigue.
• Not training staff → Encourage alternating postures frequently and correct mat use.

Integrating Standing Mats into Sit-Stand Desk Workflows

Best Practice Workflow:

1. Adjust desk to standing height.
2. Position standing mat correctly under feet.
3. Stand dynamically — shift weight subtly, change positions.
4. After standing session, move mat aside when transitioning to sitting.
5. Alternate between standing, sitting and moving throughout the day.

Human Observation

In fitouts I’ve advised on for councils, state departments and universities, it’s common for teams to install sit-stand desks but initially omit standing mats.

Within weeks, users report:

• Foot and leg fatigue.
• Reduced standing endurance.
• Discomfort that discourages standing.

Adding standing mats for standing desks transforms the experience. Staff stand longer, more comfortably — achieving the true benefits of sit-stand workstations.

No drama — mats make all the difference.

FAQ

Are standing mats needed if I’m standing only 20–30 mins at a time?

Yes — even short standing periods on hard floors cause fatigue. Mats improve comfort and reduce risk from the first minute of standing.

Can I leave the standing mat under the desk all the time?

No — it should be moved aside when switching to sitting. Many quality mats are lightweight and easy to reposition.

Do standing mats replace the need for supportive shoes?

No — best results come from combining good footwear with a standing mat.

Are there standing mats suitable for home offices?

Yes — many aesthetic, home-friendly mats are available for sit-stand desks in home workspaces.

Conclusion

Standing mats for standing desk use remain absolutely essential — even when your workspace is equipped with the latest sit-stand desks.

They:

• ✅ Reduce standing fatigue
• ✅ Help prevent MSDs
• ✅ Improve focus and productivity
• ✅ Support WHS compliance
• ✅ Boost staff satisfaction

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