February 21, 2025 from Benefits Canada
While in Europe, Margaux Lantelme observed a notable difference: store cashiers there typically work sitting down. In contrast, Lantelme, a cashier at Recreational Equipment Inc. in Chicago, often spends eight hours on her feet, a routine that aggravates her chronic pain. Her experience highlights a broader issue—many American workers are denied the option to sit, raising questions about workplace ergonomics and employee well-being.
The Health Risks of Prolonged Standing
According to a review by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), standing for long periods can cause low back pain, muscle fatigue, leg swelling, and even cardiovascular issues and pregnancy complications. NIOSH researchers concluded that movement seemed to be the best way of reducing those health hazards.
Extended standing is also linked to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that impairs blood circulation. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) advocates for preventive measures, recommending
“fatigue-reducing techniques such as alternate propping one foot on a footstool, the use of anti-fatigue mats, using a sit-stand stool and wearing supportive footwear,”
said Lisa Spruce, AORN’s senior director of evidence-based perioperative practices.
Real-World Impacts on Workers
Cecilia Ortiz, a former airport wheelchair attendant, recounted the toll on her knees from prolonged standing. Limited seating options forced her to sit on the floor during breaks, and she was once reprimanded for resting after five hours of continuous work. In her current job at a warehouse, Ortiz finds more flexibility: “If we needed to sit down for any reason there wouldn’t be a problem.”
Employer Responses and Legal Standards
Prospect Airport Services Inc., Ortiz’s former employer, maintains it complies with all labor regulations regarding breaks. “Our employees are welcome to take their breaks and meals in our designated break room or in any common-use space throughout the airport,” said spokesperson Jackie Reedy.
At Barnes & Noble in Manhattan’s Union Square, unionized workers are advocating for seating rights in contract negotiations. Bookseller Bear Spiegel noted,
“Being able to have a stool available would be really useful just so I could rest my knees for a couple of minutes throughout the day.”
Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, emphasized the importance of this right, citing a successful negotiation where the union got the chairs it wanted written into the contract.
Historical and International Standards
In the early 20th century, most U.S. states mandated seating for female workers, rooted in concerns about women’s reproductive health.
“Almost every state had laws, but they weren’t enforced,”
said Eileen Boris, labor historian at UC Santa Barbara.
Over time, these laws were repealed due to gender equality movements seeking equal, rather than special, treatment.
Globally, the International Labour Organization’s 1964 standards required sufficient and suitable seating at workplaces, ratified by over 50 countries—but not the U.S. Currently, states like California, Florida, and Oregon have “right to sit” laws mandating suitable seating for all workers. Ann Arbor, MI, passed an ordinance in 2023 ensuring this right, with statewide legislation also under consideration.
Moving Toward Ergonomic Workplaces
The evidence is clear: prolonged standing can harm workers’ health, while seating options promote well-being. Employers, lawmakers, and labor unions play pivotal roles in ensuring ergonomic support. As Margaux Lantelme and others await policy changes, the push for the “right to sit” continues to gain momentum across the U.S.
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