Why aren't only employees benefiting from massages at work?

A company’s success also depends in part on its employees. That’s why more and more business leaders are placing great importance on the health and well-being of their employees. The better employees feel, the more productive and motivated they are. They also feel valued and recognized. Massages are an effective way to combat mental fatigue, tension, and loss of energy. They help reduce the harmful effects caused primarily by stress.

The benefits of an in-office massage are obvious

Promoting and maintaining employee health is becoming increasingly important, as employees are the foundation of every company. In order to take appropriate precautions and develop effective measures, it is essential to first identify the factors that pose a risk to health. First and foremost is a serious adversary: stress! It is fueled by time pressure, an immense workload, environmental factors such as noise, poor posture, prolonged work at a computer screen, and sometimes even disharmony among the workforce. It is not always possible to avoid stress, whether it is caused by external factors or whether you put yourself under pressure due to high expectations. Physically, stress manifests itself primarily through symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, rapid fatigue, and general malaise. These, in turn, impair employees’ productivity and performance.

How can we prevent or reduce stress? Massages have proven their worth not only in alternative medicine. Instinctively, after a long, strenuous workday, we long for relaxation and peace. During a massage, muscles and tension can be released. When the body is relaxed, this also translates into inner well-being. It’s almost as if the physical and mental pressure is lifted from you and massaged away. The body can release negative energy, and the therapeutic kneading stimulates it to release positive energy. This small energy boost in the workplace increases motivation as well as employee performance.

At the same time, employees are grateful for this benefit provided by their employer. On the one hand, this strengthens the workforce’s loyalty to the company; on the other hand, it enhances management’s reputation. An extremely positive side effect of health promotion is the reduction in sick leave and absenteeism, which also boosts the company’s productivity.

The Introduction of Workplace Massages and Their History

The idea of introducing massages to promote the health of a company’s employees came from massage therapist David Palmer and was well received in the 1980s by large corporations such as Apple. Palmer specialized in Amma massage. This therapeutic and traditional form of massage originates from Japan and is particularly effective at relieving tension in the neck, shoulders, and back—the areas most commonly affected. The causes of this tension are primarily work-related stress, poor posture, and physical strain. Thanks to the obvious benefits and his persuasive skills, Palmer successfully introduced Amma massage into the workplace.

What options are available to companies?

There are various ways to implement a massage service for employees. The choice depends, among other things, on the type of business, working hours, the environment, and the available space.

We’d like to take a closer look at four relatively universal methods:

Corporate Massage Therapist:

• More often than one might think, companies spare no effort or expense to provide their employees with a soothing massage. They hire a therapist and set up a suitable massage room so that employees can schedule appointments with flexibility and see the massage therapist even when experiencing acute discomfort.

Massage chairs:

• You see them more and more often at airports, in shopping malls, or even at the hair salon: massage chairs. Companies have also taken notice and have set up these chairs so that employees can relieve their tension. Providing this service requires minimal preparation and incurs no ongoing fixed costs. Employees and companies alike thus benefit from the skills of these mechanical therapists.

Mobile Massage:

• The company contracts with a local therapy center that offers a mobile service. The therapists then visit the workplace at regular intervals to provide massages. Due to space constraints, these massages are usually performed on special seats or chairs, or on portable massage tables and mats. However, some companies also have relaxation rooms equipped with massage tables or other suitable furnishings.

In-Person Massage:

• The companies negotiate special rates or framework agreements with local therapy centers so that employees can use the massage services at the partner practice.

Which massage techniques are particularly suitable for the workplace?

Offering massages to employees is a measure that pays off in the long run. In the day-to-day work routine, a short neck massage can have a revitalizing effect. It’s important to keep in mind that the treatment should be primarily effective without putting additional time pressure on the employee. For an Amma seated massage, for example, it is not necessary to undress, as it is primarily used to address discomfort in the upper body and back. Of course, Amma massages or the popular Shiatsu massage can also be performed while lying down, provided circumstances allow. Employees frequently request head, foot reflexology, and hand massages, depending on which parts of the body are under particular strain.

Amma Massage:

Translated from Japanese, this method means “to soothe with the hands.” Essentially, it is a therapeutic acupressure method designed to help the human body regenerate and relieve restlessness, which is usually caused by stress. By stimulating points along the meridians (energy pathways), the goal is to stimulate the flow of energy—that is, to dispel negative energy and release positive energy. Even a treatment lasting about 15 minutes is sufficient for this purpose. It can easily be incorporated into the workday. During an Amma massage, the client kneels on a special massage chair and remains fully clothed. The therapist then massages specific points located on the back, neck, upper arms, hands, hips, and head, thereby stimulating the flow of energy.

Shiatsu Massage:

This massage technique also originates from Japan and can be translated as “finger pressure.” However, the therapist may also use their elbows, knees, and feet at times. Shiatsu massage is all about slowing down! And that’s exactly what you need in the midst of a hectic workday. A physical and mental “return to calm,” winding down, and finding calm. For the massage, the client lies down on a soft mat or a massage table and can remain fully clothed. The massage therapist first palpates the client’s abdomen using very light pressure. This reveals where the energy flow is blocked and where treatment is particularly needed. The massage may also include gentle stretching movements, during which the client remains passive at all times and is moved by the therapist.

Recommended Reading: In our blog post, we've compiled in-depth information about Shiatsu massage, its origins, and how it's performed.

Office Massage Services – What Should You Keep in Mind?

To avoid any unintended “side effects” of massage therapy, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

Physical fitness:

Massages affect breathing, circulation, and the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it is essential that the employee know whether there are any potential contraindications. The employee should be in good health.

Openness:

It is important for the employee to be able to relax. Massage alone cannot relieve tension. The employee should also be able to mentally engage with the therapy. This requires trust in both the massage therapist and the treatment. Massages are only truly effective when they take a holistic approach—that is, when both the body and mind are stimulated equally.