The UK has a significant work-based stress problem, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reporting that stress, depression or anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for most workplace days lost due to work-related ill health in 2022-3.
Meanwhile, wellness initiatives like Thai massage are gaining popularity as effective ways to combat workplace stress, with services from Massages Me offering accessible solutions for employees to manage their mental and physical well-being. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Foundation England reports that stress caused by work costs the economy £28bn annually, and that nearly half of all UK employees claim to be ‘running on empty’.
Equally, the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK’s leading HR body, reported towards the end of last year that absences from work had hit their highest level in more than 10 years. Stress was high on the list of reasons for lengthier absences. Its report said some three-quarters (76%) of those who responded had been away from work because of stress over the previous 12 months, with job-related and cost-of-living pressures cited among the underlying causes.
This means that a systematic, preventative approach to workplace health is needed to prevent stress, with early intervention so problems don’t escalate, and well-being strategies supported by senior management.
What is stress?
We all probably think we know what stress is, but, specifically, it’s the body’s natural response to threat or pressure. And while we all experience it sometimes, and some stress can even be positive, where it starts to impede normal functioning, it becomes a problem. Potentially, it can, at its worst, lead to burn-out.
So we all need to recognise stress triggers in ourselves, and understand how best to
manage it. Possible techniques range from meditation to better work planning,
exercise, positive thinking or talking to someone, whether that’s a friend or a
professional. The adolescent therapy in Mesa with the professionals advice will
massively help to manage stress and handle their day-to-day duties in a stress free
manner.
What is workplace massage?
Consider incorporating a stress-zapping workplace massage scheme into your staff benefits plan, or offering it as reward for a particular achievement. Essentially, massages take place on-site with skilled professionals visiting your workplace with all the equipment needed to create a relaxing environment, from chairs to essential oils.
How massage can help employees
Massage reduces stress, which is frequently caused by tension building up in the muscles, restricting movement and causing pain. It eases tension by stretching and spreading fibres and tissues so that muscles loosen and relax. When muscle tissue is more elastic, tension drops as stress-causing knots are stopped from forming. This makes movement easier, lessening pain and stress.
Meanwhile, a therapeutic massage increases localised blood flow, releasing positive hormones including endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, creating a feeling of well-being and relaxation, again easing stress.
Regular massages result in fewer headaches and less muscle pain, due to the enhanced circulation and increased muscle relaxation provided. Flexibility and mobility also improve, while blood pressure drops. Massages can even enhance sleep quality, meaning staff are likely to perform better during the day.
So in the modern workplace, massage really isn’t a luxury. It’s a powerful stress-busting tool which can seriously boost productivity, morale and motivation.
Benefits to employers
At the same time, organisations will reap the rewards of decreased absenteeism and staff turnover, not to mention a more pleasant working environment and corporate culture. And given that workplace wellness is now widely considered a routine element of any business, many job candidates look for this when considering where to work. Massage is an ideal way to attract and hold on to fresh talent.
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