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Preventing Strain at Work: Are Foot rests Ergonomic? Preventing Strain at Work: Are Foot rests Ergonomic? Preventing Strain at Work: Are Foot rests Ergonomic?

Preventing Strain at Work: Are Foot rests Ergonomic?

Preventing Strain at Work: Are Foot rests Ergonomic?

Are foot rests ergonomic?

How foot rests support your legs and feet

Use cases: Who can benefit the most

Choosing the right foot rest for you
Worklife Coach With Arms Crossed

Many people look to the likes of high-tech chairs and often overlook one simple product that can transform your workplace ergonomics: a foot rest.

Foot rests are essential for your ergonomic setup, especially for employees who spend long hours at their desk. No matter the setting, whether it’s a corporate office or you are working from home, the right ergonomic foot rest can help improve posture, circulation, and comfort.

RECOMMENDED BY THE FELLOWES WORKLIFE COACH

Are foot rests ergonomic?

Foot rests are ergonomic, particularly when they’re designed to help with proper posture and movement throughout the day!

Ergonomics is all about minimising strain and maximising comfort and support, and foot rests do exactly that for the lower body.

How foot rests support your legs and feet

Your legs and feet are one of the most vital areas to support throughout the workday. Should your feet not be fully grounded, you can begin to develop problems like poor posture, leg discomfort, and long-term strain.

Foot rests support the legs and feet by keeping your legs at the appropriate angle, with your feet flat on the floor and knees positioned at a 90° angle. They help with the natural weight spread, which can help to lessen pressure on the thighs and lower spine and reduce leg fatigue. This can also help to increase circulation, which can potentially stop any numbness, tingling, or swelling caused by sitting for long periods of time.

Features to look out for can include:

  • Height and angle adjustments
  • Textured surfaces for improved grip and foot massages
  • Pressure point targets
  • Varied shapes and styles to allow for rocking motions
  • Carry handles for portability

So be sure to look for the foot rest features that will benefit you as an individual.

There are benefits for the whole body too!

Foot rests typically support the lower body, but their impact goes beyond this. Using a foot rest can support better posture across the entire musculoskeletal system and can benefit all zones on the Fellowes 4 Zone Approach® here's how:

ZONE 1

A foot rest helps tilt your pelvis slightly forward, giving you a more natural curve of the spine which reduces strain. This is ideal for people who sit for long periods or experience lumbar pain.

ZONE 2

When your lower body is supported, you’re less likely to slouch at your desk - this can improve your arm and wrist alignment.

ZONE 3

A foot rest helps remove any desk hunching, which can strain the neck and shoulders. In combination with an adjustable chair and correctly positioned monitor, foot rests contribute to a more ergonomic sitting position.

ZONE 4

A foot rest promotes movement and circulation in the lower body, helping mitigate the effects of long periods of sitting, such as poor circulation and muscle fatigue. Used alongside a height-adjustable desk and chair with an ergonomic back support, a foot rest contributes to a more active and healthier workstation setup

Use cases: Who can benefit the most

Office workers at fixed-height desks

People working at non-adjustable desks may find their feet are unable to rest flat when they’re sat at the correct height for typing. An ergonomic foot rest ensures that no matter the height, you’ll have proper alignment.

Remote workers at kitchen tables or makeshift setups

Many home setups lack ergonomic features, so a foot rest can add instant lower-body support and makes even basic setups more posture-friendly.

Shorter people

For people with shorter legs, an ergonomic office chair might not provide enough support, so a foot rest makes sure that their feet remain properly grounded.

People with lower back pain or leg fatigue

Foot rests can help ease pain caused by poor circulation, pressure on the thighs, or bad lumbar posture – all of which are common causes of back pain and leg strain.

Employers adhering to DSE compliance

Workplaces in the UK have a commitment to their employees to make sure that Display Screen Equipment regulations are met. Providing foot rests underneath desks is a simple, yet effective, way to help with this.

Choosing the right foot rest for you

When you’re picking a foot rest, make sure to look out for each of the following key features:

Adjustability – This allows you to fine-tune the height and tilt of your feet’s position.

Non-slip surface – Keeps feet secure and makes sure they don’t slide easily.

Durability – Strong materials mean you get a longer use out of your equipment.

Portability – Useful for hybrid workers or hot-desking, especially the Breyta™ Foot Rest Cushion with its built-in carry handle for easy transportation.

Texture – Some foot rests, such as the Breyta™ Foot Rest, come with textured surfaces and rocking options to help encourage movement and circulation.

Foot rests are one of the easiest ways to improve workstation comfort. From circulation and posture improvement to relieving back and leg strain, an ergonomic foot rest is key in any workplace setup.

Here at Fellowes, we have a range of ergonomic foot rests, including options with massage textures and height adjustment, each made to support comfort in the workplace.

SHOP FELLOWES FOOT RESTS

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ergonomics/about/
https://posturepeople.co.uk/benefits-of-using-a-footrest/

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