5 Tips to Make Working While Standing Easier

Knees ache, backs twinge and feet practically cry out for a massage—many people who work while standing experience these symptoms at the end of the day. But it does not have to be this way! 

In this article, we reveal 5 tips that can reduce the negative effects of working while standing. However, the underlying problem cannot be solved: humans are simply not made to remain in fixed postures, whether sitting or standing. So we need to relieve the unavoidable side effects.

1. These shoes are made for working: The right footwear

Suitable shoes are absolutely essential when working while standing. After all, the feet contain around a quarter of all the bones in the body. If they are subjected to incorrect strain, this not only leads to pain but can also cause deformities such as fallen arches, flat feet or splayed feet. And that hurts—or is at least very uncomfortable.

As we explained in our article on “Trendy and lightweight work shoes for long periods of standing from Shoes For Crews”, suitable footwear should always be lightweight and breathable, fit correctly and have little to no heel or a flat heel. This helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

When working while standing, however, it is not just the shoe itself that matters. There is more to it. That is why Shoes For Crews also offers additional products that promote foot health. For example, our comfort gel insoles guarantee even better cushioning and shock absorption in the heel and forefoot.

We also offer mats such as the MIGHTY MAT® MAX II, which counteracts fatigue caused by standing for long periods on hard floors and provides slip resistance.

Working while standing, as the additional cushioning protects the feet and counteracts fatigue

Please feel free to contact us at any time for individual advice on our range.

2. Rock your socks off: Suitable socks

It may seem surprising at first, but choosing suitable socks is almost as important as choosing work shoes.

For one thing, suitable socks prevent excessive sweating. This is especially important for foot hygiene and health, as moisture can lead to blisters, athlete's foot and other unpleasant and painful issues. Thanks to Drymax technology, SFC Crew socks offer breathable fabric and a ventilated arch band. The socks are available in two different materials: merino wool and recycled polyester material.

Compression socks can also help prevent swollen legs and feet and, in the long term, varicose veins. Standing for long periods makes the veins work at full capacity and become fatigued, which in turn leads to swelling in the legs and feet. Compression socks prevent this by compressing the blood vessels to ensure unrestricted blood flow. 

3. It’s just a jump to the left: Movement in the workplace

As already mentioned, it is remaining in a fixed posture that is so harmful to people. That is why various things should be considered during working hours:

Dynamic work

The work shift should be as dynamic as possible. It is therefore advisable to incorporate small movements into everyday life:

• Tap your feet
• Shift your weight from one leg to the other
• Roll your shoulders and neck
• Walk back and forth

Take breaks

Taking enough breaks is an absolute must. It is advisable either to take a short walk to get your circulation going or to lie down. In the latter case, your feet should be elevated in particular, as this stimulates blood flow and prevents it from slowing down.

Stand correctly

This may also seem obvious, but incorrect posture puts additional strain on the muscles and skeleton. The correct basic posture should therefore be maintained and observed:

• Stand upright, but do not tense up
• Keep feet shoulder-width apart, with toes pointing slightly outward
• Do not lock your knees
• Tuck your buttocks in slightly and lift your chest
• Look straight ahead and let your shoulders and arms hang loosely

4. Head, shoulders, knees and toes: Stretching the muscles

As described in a famous children's song, your male and female employees should also stretch their backs and spines regularly. Most back pain is caused by muscle tension, which can be prevented or at least relieved through stretching and specific exercises.

Looking for suitable exercises? One example: roll up and down vertebra by vertebra, or bring your knees up towards your head while sitting in a chair.

For the feet, using a spiky massage ball is suitable; it promotes circulation in the foot while strengthening muscles, tendons and ligaments.

5. Relax, take it easy: Relaxation after work

After work is before work, as they say, and the right relaxation can help you get off to a full start again the next day. Our three favourites for making work while standing easier:

• Exercise: Swimming, cycling, Pilates … any kind of exercise helps prepare the muscles for working while standing and maintain overall health. It also helps you switch off mentally.  
• Foot baths: A foot bath is ideal after a long day. It lets you care for your feet and prepare them for the next day.
• Massage: A foot massage in the shower or in front of the television with essential oils not only helps with swollen, aching feet, but also lets you relax wonderfully.

These tips primarily serve to prevent long-term damage such as deformities and musculoskeletal disorders. Feel free to share this advice with your staff so that you can work together to combat the negative effects of working while standing.