Workplace Massage Top Tips: Some Information for Both Employers and Employees in the U.K

In case you don't know, one of the most popular benefits that's offered to employees in the U.K. is workplace massage. An office massage takes only 10 or 15 minutes and has innumerable positive effects like improved creative thinking, fatigue relief, improved circulation, increased energy, relieves tight muscles and induces relaxation. In this workplace massage article, you'll find some of the top tips that address an employer's concerns.

Concern: We know our employees would enjoy workplace massages, but we're concerned about the possibility of injury and about our liability in case this happens.

Tip: Be sure to choose massage therapists from companies that are insured and licensed, if licensing is a requirement in your location. You also might want to have employees sign a waiver before receiving their massage.

Concern: We've heard that massage at work is a great way to get and keep good employees but we're concerned about the cost.

Tip: The cost of massage in the workplace is more than offset by its tremendous benefits. Many employers who have corporate massage programs report that such programs are very helpful in recruiting quality employees and in keeping job satisfaction high. Just check through the job listings on any major Internet site and you'll find that office massages are an extremely popular perk. The cost can be as little as 8 or 9 pounds per employee.

Concern: Isn't massage therapy in the workplace a luxury for companies that are seeking to keep costs under control?

Tip: Not really. The more stressful and high-pressure your work environment is due to cost cutting, budget trimming and layoffs, the more you need a strategy for keeping morale high and absenteeism low. Massage in the workplace will help relax muscle tension, reduce anxiety and help prevent conflicts because employees are relaxed and invigorated. Providing this cost- effective benefit is a great way to communicate your care and concern to your employees.

Concern: Will our employees have to undress for the massage? Do you use oils or creams that would be difficult to wash off?

Tip: Employees remain fully dressed for our workplace massages. The employee sits comfortably in the chair and receives a massage of back, shoulders, neck and arms. We do not use any creams or oils.

Concern: We have very strict security in our company. Should we be concerned about letting massage therapists into the workplace?

Tip: If security concerns are paramount, be sure to choose a workplace massage therapy provider that performs thorough background checks on its employees. Most large and reputable massage therapy service providers should have more than a few security-cleared employees on staff. Implementing a workplace massage program for a company in the U.K. is neither expensive nor complex, especially when you consider all the tangible and intangible benefits that accrue to both the employee and the employer.