Massage in the Workplace: Why and When
Massage therapy is a popular and growing industry, and for good reason. Not only does it provide numerous physical benefits, but it also has a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
In the corporate world, where stress and burnout are all too common, massage can play a significant role in improving productivity and overall job satisfaction.
How Does Massage Actually Work?
Massage therapy works by stimulating different mechanisms in the body through the application of physical pressure and manipulation. These vary depending on the type of massage, but some of the most commonly targeted areas include:
Muscles: Massage helps to improve muscle function by increasing blood flow, reducing tension and stiffness, and promoting relaxation. This can reduce pain and discomfort, increase range of motion, and improve overall physical performance.
Nervous system: Massage helps to stimulate the nervous system by reducing stress and anxiety levels and promoting relaxation. This can reduce feelings of tension, increase mental clarity and focus, and improve overall well-being.
Lymphatic system: Massage helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body. This can improve immune function, reduce swelling, and improve overall health and wellness.
Circulatory system: Massage helps to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body. This can provide oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall physical performance.
Hormonal system: Massage helps to regulate the release of hormones in the body, including cortisol, which is responsible for stress and anxiety. This reduces stress levels, improves mood, and promotes overall well-being.
How Does Massage Make Employees More Productive?
Reducing stress: Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress levels, which can increase focus and productivity.
Improving mood: Massage therapy has been shown to improve mood, which can increase motivation and energy levels, leading to improved productivity.
Reducing pain: Massage therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, especially for chronic pain conditions such as back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia. When workers are not in pain, they can be more productive and focused.
Improving sleep: Massage therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can lead to increased energy levels and improved productivity during the workday.
By offering massage therapy to employees, companies can help improve worker health and well-being, which can lead to increased productivity and a more positive work environment.
How Often Should You Get Massage?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the frequency of massage needed varies depending on individual needs and goals. However, the scientific evidence, and our own empirical evidence collected from patients, generally points to once-per-week treatments for best results.
Who’s Doing It?
A number of prominent companies are offering massage therapy to their employees as part of their wellness programs. A few examples include:
Google: The tech giant is known for its comprehensive wellness program, which includes on-site massage therapy as well as other health and wellness services.
Aetna: The health insurance company offers on-site massage therapy as part of its comprehensive wellness program.
Goldman Sachs: The investment bank offers on-site massage therapy to its employees as part of its commitment to promoting health and wellness in the workplace.
Procter & Gamble: The consumer goods company offers on-site massage therapy to its employees as part of its efforts to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Microsoft: The tech company offers massage therapy as part of its comprehensive wellness program, which also includes other health and wellness services.
By offering employees access to massage therapy, these companies are helping to improve employee health and well-being, which can lead to increased productivity and a more positive work environment.
Next Steps
Does your company offer massage as part of its wellness program? If not, we can help!
We created ELEMENTAL CORPORATE to offer a comprehensive program of diverse healing modalities–including acupuncture, sound therapy, massage, and guided meditation–customized to the needs of your team and provided right in your workplace.
If you’d like to learn more, CONTACT US.
References:
Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2010). "Corporate massage improves job satisfaction and job performance." International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 3(2), 77-83.
Field, T., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2005). "Massage therapy research review." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 9(1), 13-27.
Smith, M. C., & Haynes, J. (2015). "The effects of massage therapy on cortisol levels in the workplace." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(2), 93-98.
McLean, S., & Robbins, C. (2016). "The effects of massage therapy on job satisfaction and stress in the workplace." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 22(2), 99-103.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., & Schanberg, S. (2005). “Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy.” International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397-1413.
