Shock absorption/dampening with every step. Most kitchen floors are going to be concrete so every step has no give and the shock of the impact has no where to go but into your joints and bones.

Imagine banging your head against a brick wall over and over. Shoes are like wearing a helmet, the pads are a pillow against the wall.

It's not the same thing but the comparative lameness of it is kinda the point. I have a home office, carpeted. I bought a desk that can be used to stand because I sit way too much and it gives me back problems.

My feet started to really hurt because I was standing so much. In comfortable shoes (corrective ones that I need), on carpet.

I bought a 'fatigue mat' and now I stand all day without noticing any pain. Just about an inch of rubbery foam stuff has made a huge difference.

So I can imagine that someone working far longer shifts than I do, on likely cement floors would massively benefit from matting.

The mat (along with) good shoes and insoles cushion impact on your legs/back. It also creates a non slip area that is important if you're working with oil (hot or cold).

If you have several mats running along a line it's customary to take plastic wrap and tie the ends so they all are one piece and don't scootch away from each other during the shift.

#protip