Prolonged Standing at Work: The Risks

We all know that spending the entire workday sitting down is unhealthy. The many articles, guides and training courses for people with desk jobs keep reminding us of this. But what about working while standing? To what extent is the health of employees in retail or hospitality affected? 

Our experts at Shoes For Crews want to take a closer look at this question. We also want to examine what the risks of prolonged standing at work specifically are and which preventive measures we can take as employers.

Against Nature: Prolonged Standing at Work

The basic problem: Evolution designed humans for constantly alternating between lying down, sitting, standing, walking and every posture in between. But not for remaining in one single posture for a long time, such as standing or sitting. Such a one-sided forced posture places unnatural and one-sided strain on the body, which can in turn lead to health problems.

These negative health effects usually manifest themselves as musculoskeletal disorders. That this is no trivial matter is demonstrated, for example, by a report by EU-OSHA, according to which at least one third of employees in the HORECA sector across the EU suffer from a musculoskeletal disorder, which is often chronic and irreversible. Or the “Safety and Health at Work - Reporting Year 2022” report by BAuA, which highlights the drastic consequences of these conditions. They are responsible for 18.2% of all sick days and cause annual production losses of EUR 21.5 billion. As you can see, this is certainly not an issue we should take lightly!

The Risks of Prolonged Standing at Work

The risks of prolonged standing at work manifest themselves in many different ways, from back pain and foot misalignments to varicose veins. In this article, we want to take a closer look at the three main culprits:

Cardiovascular Problems

More than 7,000 litres of blood must be pumped back to the heart from the leg veins every day. The calf and shin muscles act as a muscle pump to support blood flow back to the heart. The problem with standing for long periods without changing posture is that the blood vessel walls and venous valves are often subjected to such heavy strain that venous diseases can develop. This increases the risk of varicose veins and other serious cardiovascular problems such as venous thrombosis or even heart disease.

Lower Back Problems

A real classic among employees in retail and hospitality: back pain. What causes it? Prolonged standing at work compresses the spine, which not only causes direct pain but also has negative effects on overall posture. The intervertebral discs are also put under enormous strain by standing for extended periods.

Aching and Swollen Feet

And let's not forget aching feet after a long shift. Standing for long periods can cause blood to pool in the feet and ankles, leading to swelling and pain. The pain can spread from the feet upwards into the legs and other parts of the body. Prolonged standing at work can also lead to foot deformities, such as fallen arches, flat feet or splayed feet.

Prevention: How to Reduce the Negative Consequences

Fortunately, there are ways to counteract the negative effects of prolonged standing at work. Employers and employees should definitely work together here – for everyone's health and satisfaction. 

The Be-All and End-All: Proper Footwear

The absolute be-all and end-all in preventing musculoskeletal disorders and other negative consequences of prolonged standing is suitable footwear. In our article “Lightweight Work Shoes for Prolonged Standing”, we take a closer look at the qualities a suitable shoe must have. Lightweight construction, breathability, an exact fit and cushioned insoles are particularly essential. This is why we offer all these features and more at Shoes For Crews – because the health of your employees has been our focus since 1984.

Not to Be Underestimated: Active Breaks

In addition to proper footwear, there are other measures you should introduce into your employees' daily working routines. Active breaks, for example. A short walk works wonders for the body, as movement stimulates blood flow and relieves pressure on the veins. So why not encourage your workforce to take a short walk around the block during their next break?

Goodbye, Inner Resistance: Exercise in Your Free Time

Sports that promote and strengthen leg and back muscles are ideal for balancing out prolonged standing at work. These include cycling, running or jogging, as well as swimming, Pilates and cross-trainer workouts. Since it is especially easy to overcome inner resistance in groups, you could suggest group runs or yoga sessions to your staff. It is fun and promotes a sense of togetherness!

Find more tips on preventing the risks of prolonged standing at work in our article “5 Tips That Make Working While Standing Easier”.

We hope this article has not only given you an insight into the risks of prolonged standing at work, but has also made the seriousness of this issue clear. We are happy to help you develop preventive measures and select suitable footwear for your employees. Contact us at any time!