When it comes to ergonomic equipment for an office workstation, the footrest is often forgotten. Workers will spend time and money finding the right chair and upgrade the keyboard, but won’t give a thought to the impact of an ergonomic footrest to make their day.
Here’s the reasons why you should consider upgrading to an ergonomic footrest.
#1 Feet Don’t Touch the Floor
We all know that sitting ergonomically at your desk requires that your feet sit flat on the floor. If you’re average height or shorter, it’s quite likely that you can’t sit flat-footed with your back supported in the chair. An ergonomic footrest allows you to be seated correctly. People who can’t comfortably touch the floor will often sit forward in the chair, meaning their back isn’t properly supported.
#2 Reduced Pain
If you have an existing injury such as a bad back or sore hips, placing your feet on a footrest can reduce the pressure and weight on the injured body part. It can ease the pain and allow for the injury to heal faster. When you feel more comfortable, you’re able to concentrate better on your work.
Ergonomic footrests can improve a person’s posture which is needed for good blood circulation. Keeping the foot in a natural position when seated for long periods can help increase blood flow and circulation, which can help lower the chance of pain in the legs or feet.
A footrest also allows you to change the angle of your legs and feet throughout the day, which also lowers the chance of leg pain and stiffness. People who are susceptible to blood clots and developing varicose veins can also benefit.
#3 Improved Level of Comfort
We are more likely to be productive when we are comfortable, and a good posture leads to high comfort levels for longer. Something as simple as a footrest can make a big difference to how workers feel when they are seated. For some people, sitting for long periods can lead to discomfort in their feet, ankles, knees or thighs. Raising the legs higher and moving the pressure point can make for a more comfortable workday.
Workers who like to stand can benefit from a footrest or anti-fatigue mat as it allows them to shift their weight and find a more comfortable position while standing.
#4 Better Leg Circulation
When we stay in a seated position for long periods, blood can pool in our feet. Raising the feet even slightly with a footrest can improve blood flow and circulation in the legs so there’s less chance of leg pain and varicose veins. A Japanese study in 2014 found that using a footrest at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees will reduce the chance of leg swelling.
#5 Fatigue
Sitting in the same position all day can be tiring. When we aren’t comfortable in our chair, fatigue quickly sets in and our concentration levels flag. Discomfort, fatigue and pain can make it hard to be productive, but being able to vary our posture and make slight movements at the desk can be energising. An active footrest that allows plenty of foot movement can actually increase your energy levels.
The Beauty of Ergonomic Footrests
Old non-ergonomic footrests were largely angled in a permanent position. There was nothing you could do if you didn’t like the angle, if your knees were still lower than your hips or way too high that they brushed the desk. Now, ergonomic footrests are adjustable so the height and angle can be changed to suit your feet and legs.
What to Look For When Buying an Ergonomic Footrest
Footrests come in all shapes and sizes, but there may be some features you prefer over others.
Size of the Footrest
If you have large feet, you will need to check that the size of the platform will comfortably fit the length of your shoe. You don’t want to feel as though your toes aren’t supported because the footrest isn’t large enough. If you like to move your feet around the footrest, look at the width too so it’s not too small.
The Number of Height Adjustments
Some footrests have only a couple of adjustments while others have dozens in tiny degrees of increment, so it’s important to take note and decide which footrest you would prefer based on the height adjustments.
Height Range - Front and Back
If you like a footrest that can be lifted very high to give a sharp angle, make sure you look at how high the footrest can go from both the front and the back.
Surface
Some people don’t mind what the surface of the footrest is made of, while for others it’s important. The most common materials range from studded or lined rubber treads, marine-grade carpet, and 3M slip resistant material.
If you need help choosing the right footrest, drop into our Perth showroom, call us on 9240 7066 or contact us online.