The Benefits of Massage in the Workplace

Modern day work places are stressful environments, being both physically and mentally demanding. While we employ and implement Occupational Health and Safety and Mental Health policies, businesses must continue to find ways to maintain productivity while looking after the needs of their staff. Importantly, we are consistently reminded that staff are our greatest asset in the business world, however, figures suggest that workplace illness can be crippling to a businesses’ bottom line. Therefore, how do we ensure our staff are made to feel valued, ensuring they can and will work at maximum capacity? A large amount of recent research suggests that workplace massage can play a major role in the health and well being of staff. Not only does it have physical benefits but more importantly plays a big role in managing psychological ailments such as stress.

Modern day work environment

• Most stressful jobs – Real Estate, Advertising, Public Relations, Police, Pilot, Surgeon, Taxi Driver, Corporate Exec, Fire fighter
• Around 45% of Australians aged between 16-85 will experience a mental illness at some point in their life.
• Research indicates that ‘job stress and other work related psychological hazards are emerging as the leading contributors to the burden of occupational disease and injury’ (LaMontagne et al, 2007)

Cost of Workplace illness

• Preventable job stress is draining $730 million a year from the Aust economy
• Stress related workers’ compensation claims have doubled in recent years, costing over $10 billion each year (Medibank Private 2008)
• A survey of over 5000 workers indicated that 25% of workers took time off each year for stress related reasons. (ACTU, 2008)
• Preliminary research shows that Australian businesses lose over $6.5 billion each year by failing to provide early intervention/treatment for employees with mental health conditions (MHCA)
• Mental health problems are the third biggest health problem in Australia, after heart disease and cancer (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, 2007)
• Research shows that every dollar spent on identifying, supporting and case-managing workers with mental health issues yields close to a 500% return on improved productivity

General benefits of massage

• Improves posture
• Improves circulation – better delivery of oxygen and removal of toxins
• Enhances a calm mind
• Reduces anxiety
• Promotes mental alertness
• Increases peace of mind
• Reduced muscle tension
• Relieves lower back pain
• Stimulation of the lymphatic system