How a Simple Mat Can Reduce Absenteeism & Up Productivity

Worker standing on anti-fatigue mat in workspace

 

Many industries worldwide utilize anti-fatigue mats. However, do they actually work, and can they improve productivity while reducing absenteeism? In this post, we'll explore how anti-fatigue mats work and all the benefits of using them. 

 

Swan Dust Control offers mat rental services for several businesses across Canada, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about maintenance or replacement. We’ll handle the demanding work, so you don’t have to.  

 

Let’s get right at it. 

 

Anti-fatigue Mats Increase Team Morale 

It can be challenging to manage low morale and team members who are less than pleasant, but it's clear that this has a significant impact. According to Forbes, toxic environments often form quietly, as small behaviours and deeper systemic issues slowly chip away at morale and productivity. When team members feel that their company is not supporting them, they are less likely to remain loyal over time.   

 

Proper, ergonomic anti-fatigue mats have been proven to help support employees and reduce the chance of injury. Standing on hard floors can be rough on the legs, feet, and back. Anti-fatigue mats help improve energy levels and enable employees to feel more productive while working. Both physically and emotionally, anti-fatigue mats show your employees that you care about their well-being. Anti-fatigue mats are specialized floor mats created to minimize fatigue and discomfort caused by prolonged standing on hard surfaces. 

 

Anti-fatigue Mats Increase Productivity 

Anti-fatigue mats have been proven to increase productivity; when employees aren't feeling fatigued or sore at work, they're simply more productive. This can have a significant impact on your bottom line. When you factor this across your business, the productivity increase can be significant over time. Workers can be more efficient when they’re not in pain.  

 

Anti-fatigue Mats Reduce Overall Absenteeism 

When your employees are regularly in pain, they’re more likely to call in and be absent. This situation can be frustrating for both the employee and the employer, especially if absenteeism is impacting your bottom line.  

 

Workers who are in regular pain aren’t just skipping work for the sake of being “lazy” – they’re trying to take care of their bodies and make sure they avoid potential injury. Injuries can cause employees to miss work over the long term, which not only affects your business, but also the employee’s ability to earn money.  

 

Going back briefly to morale, if an employee can’t earn money due to being in pain, it is more likely that your team’s morale will decline. Absent employees mean that work can be neglected, deadlines pushed back, and other teammates have to pick up the slack.   

 

Anti-Fatigue Mats Have Clear Health Benefits 

​ Anti-fatigue mats have been proven to reduce health issues associated with prolonged standing on hard floors. Standing mats are capable of relieving the fatigue induced by prolonged standing in the lower limbs while also supporting the distribution of plantar pressure, which helps maintain stability, a study found. 

 

By following a few key interventions (such as providing anti-fatigue mats) and sticking to the recommended standing-time guidelines from government and professional organizations, you can lower the risk of health issues caused by standing for long periods. 

 

We also cannot overlook the mental health benefits of feeling comfortable at work. Without concerns for ongoing pain or potential injury, employees are likely to feel supported, valued, and appreciated. Something as small as providing floor mats.  

 

Studies have shown that feeling supported at work was associated with a reduced risk of depression, insomnia, low well-being, and burnout. It's also associated with an increased level of individual support components. 

 

Anti-fatigue Mats Provide a Return on Investment 

When you choose a reliable mat rental service, this isn't just an additional business cost; it's a return on investment. Your business can save money by reducing absenteeism, reducing long-term injuries, avoiding slip and fall accidents, and increasing employee morale. You also have to consider the increase in productivity, which adds up over time.  

 

Looking at all the evidence, you’ll see that providing anti-fatigue mats helps mitigate productivity issues and other potential drawbacks.   

 

  • Lower workers’ compensation claims: By implementing ergonomic anti-fatigue mats, you can reduce claims and insurance costs.  

  • Decrease equipment and product damage: By offering sturdier footing, you can reduce the potential for accidental product damage. 

  • Reduce staff turnover: It’s no surprise that happier employees are less likely to seek out work elsewhere, which cuts down on hiring and training costs. 

  • Extend floor lifespan: By having cushioned floors, you’re not only protecting employees; you’re protecting your floor from wear and tear, reducing repair and replacement costs. 

  • Energy savings: By reducing physical strain, employees can improve overall workflow efficiency, indirectly saving on operational costs. 

 

Whether you’re a business big or small, saving money is always going to benefit your bottom line. If investing in floor mats is going to reduce absenteeism and promote productivity, you have endless opportunities to save money. Earning a return on your investment is easier than you think when you invest in our mat rental service. Not only do you avoid maintenance, but you can also improve the well-being of your employees. When your employees feel good, feel supported, and operate in a reliable workplace, they’re sure to increase their efficiency.   

 

Studies Have Proven the Point: A Simple Mat Can Reduce Absenteeism & Boost Productivity 

As you can see, this article has been covered with numerous studies and references. This is because floor mats have long been studied alongside their meaningful impact on the workplace. When it comes down to it, designing anti-fatigue mats is a combination of comfort and science.  

 

Here is a recap of all the benefits of using anti-fatigue mats and how it can reduce call-ins and increase productivity:  

 

  • Reduce leg and back pain: Standing for long hours is hard on the body, especially on the lower limbs, causing aches, fatigue, or even injury. Anti-fatigue mats cushion the impact and ease pressure on the muscles and joints. 

  • Improve circulation: The slightest movements your body must make to remain balanced on the mat help with blood flow, which prevents stiffness and swelling. 

  • Increase comfort and energy: Less strain on the body = more workers feel comfortable, remain alert, and maintain their energy throughout their shift, thereby increasing productivity. 

  • Lower risk of injury: Mats reduce the chance of slips and falls, keeping employees safer and less likely to need time off for recovery. 

  • Support better posture: The cushioned surface encourages micro-movements that promote better posture and reduce long-term musculoskeletal issues. 

  • Enhance focus: If employees aren't hindered by soreness or fatigue, they can concentrate much better and get more work done.  

  • Reduce long-term health complaints: Fewer chronic issues like lower back pain or varicose veins lead to fewer medical absences. 

  • Boost morale: A comfortable work environment shows employees their well-being matters, improving satisfaction and motivation. 

 

Minor changes can have an exceptional impact. And with the help of Swan Dust Control, we can make the process so smooth; the transition will seem like it happened in a flash. 

 

The Swan Dust Control Solution 

Close-up of black anti-fatigue floor mat texture

 

If you trust Swan Dust Control, we will deliver. Swan Dust Control offers professional mat rental and cleaning services to various industries across the province. Whether you're in a busy city or a quiet town, we always deliver fresh mats on time with expert service. When you need us, we always arrive with fresh, reliable products and a smile.   

 

Our mats protect both your floors and your employees. They support their well-being while also preventing potential accidents and injuries. Our business delivers across Ontario from Toronto to Thunder Bay. We'll meet you where you are, providing expert cleaning and scheduled mat replacements to make sure your business is in top shape. Keeping your floors clean, safe, and welcoming is easy with our Ontario-wide service. 

 

  • We deliver regularly cleaned mats and replace them frequently, taking away the hassle of owning and having to maintain your own mats.  

  • We provide products that create safer, slip-resistant surfaces that keep your employees supported. 

  • We offer lower costs than buying and maintaining the mats yourself.  

 

The Conclusion: A Simple Mat Can Make a Big Difference 

When you embark on owning your own business, you not only provide a service or product to the public, but you also take on several costs. As a business owner, your employees rely on you, so making sure they’re taken care of is essential. Anti-fatigue mats have been proven to support physical well-being, prevent potential injury, and even improve mental health and business morale. If you want a reliable mat rental service that handles all the cleaning and replacement, contact Swan Dust Control today.